Advice on Neighbour issues

Lou222

I moved into my house 4 years ago, at this time my neighbour was building an extension/renovating their house. During this time, my fence was ripped down without asking, building materials left in garden etc. We discussed and everything was fine. Only once since had we asked music to be turned down because it was so loud but they said ok, sorted. 4 years of no issues. 

Fast forward to now. We're getting work done. My neighbour now works nightshift. We've had facebook posts of abuse (i deleted them as i understand this is their place to rant etc), my partner shouted and questioned in the street and to top it off, someone came to our door on their behalf to try and intimidate us about making noise (it wasnt even us for once it was someone else on the street) whilst my 1yo was upstairs asleep. 

We told them work was going on, as we had a good relationship or so we thought, after the shouting at incident i spoke to them and they said because its during the day they know they cant make complaints but didn't wanted us to let them know everytime we were doing work. 

So what do I do? We still have the rest of our house to do. I am symathetic the noise is annoying but its during hours that are acceptable and I also had to endure it. I did try to speak to them again since the random man at the door incident but they didnt answer the door. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as it is making me anxious to even consider doing further work as I can't be bothered with the hassle. 
Thanks 

anselld

I guess for starters it is easy enough to let them know the schedule of work.
eg note through the door - "Builders in all next week 8:00-16:00", or whatever.
At least you will have complied with their request to be informed.

tink_1983

Did they apologise for having someone threaten you and for the street shouting? 
If they  want you to cooperate they also need to tow the line. If its within legal hours they have no right to complain tbh.
As a shift worker it can be hard so let them know when you can, so they can prepare with ear plugs or sleeping else where.
But your within your rights and if they get threatening I'd be inclined to report to the police, that is not acceptable 

cooltt

Lou222 said:

I moved into my house 4 years ago, at this time my neighbour was building an extension/renovating their house. During this time, my fence was ripped down without asking, building materials left in garden etc. We discussed and everything was fine. Only once since had we asked music to be turned down because it was so loud but they said ok, sorted. 4 years of no issues. 

Fast forward to now. We're getting work done. My neighbour now works nightshift. We've had facebook posts of abuse (i deleted them as i understand this is their place to rant etc), my partner shouted and questioned in the street and to top it off, someone came to our door on their behalf to try and intimidate us about making noise (it wasnt even us for once it was someone else on the street) whilst my 1yo was upstairs asleep. 

We told them work was going on, as we had a good relationship or so we thought, after the shouting at incident i spoke to them and they said because its during the day they know they cant make complaints but didn't wanted us to let them know everytime we were doing work. 

So what do I do? We still have the rest of our house to do. I am symathetic the noise is annoying but its during hours that are acceptable and I also had to endure it. I did try to speak to them again since the random man at the door incident but they didnt answer the door. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as it is making me anxious to even consider doing further work as I can't be bothered with the hassle. 
Thanks 

From what you've said you've been very reasonable in having this work done during normal hours etc, how they have reacted is completely unreasonable no matter what situation they are in.

Did they seriously expect to choose to live in a house with neighbours and due to their working pattern you are never allowed to make alterations to the property YOU own? I know completely ridiculous right. I'm not even going to mention the hypocrisy here when THEY were having work done.

They should have bought a house in the countryside if thats what their expectations are.

Keep a meticulous diary of hostile events and make a report to the police, all for future reference should it escalate. I look forward to watching your story on Neighbours From Hell next year!

Redwino222

I think these people are beyond reasoning with.  Sending someone round to threaten you is extreme, and you should involve the police.

Lou222

Nope no apology for either, the man at the door happened xmas eve as well. So havent saw them since but i feel it crossed a line. I was planning on talking to them but unsure how it would go so don't know if a note to let them know would be acceptable as because they work shifts I'm wary of catching them in the wrong mood. 

tink_1983

Lou222 said:

Nope no apology for either, the man at the door happened xmas eve as well. So havent saw them since but i feel it crossed a line. I was planning on talking to them but unsure how it would go so don't know if a note to let them know would be acceptable as because they work shifts I'm wary of catching them in the wrong mood. 

 A note with the work schedule and then keep informing local police of any incidents. Neighbour disputed can escalate quickly. But you have done nothing wrong. But convincing them might not be that simple., sometimes its better to avoid these ignorant people 

greatcrested

Clearly you need to amend the contract you have with your builders.

All your renovation work should be scheduled between the hours of 11 PM and 7 AM.

Your neighbours will then have nothing to complain about.

(well, the neighbours that side at least).

Tippytoes

I hate to say this but it's highly unlikely the police will do anything.  They seem to regard everything as a "civil matter" these days.

NameUnavailable

I would have said could you speak to them and arrange to carry out the work when they have days off or start later in the day when they have had some sleep, but the attitude you've mentioned makes me think it's best just to carry on knowing that you're not doing anything wrong and that they have no grounds for complaint!

comeandgo

My daughter works night shifts as nurse.  When the neighbours had extension built they let her know every step of the way what was happening and the hours of work.  She slept in another part of the house where there was less noise.  I really think you should have given more thought to your work and warned your neighbours.  Could you give them a programme of the work to let them see when completion will be?