What would you say to your new neighbour?

917700

lookstraightahead said:

Do you need planning permission for the kitchen

Planning permission is not required. But I do need to obtain building regulations approval and party wall agreement 

Handyknowledge

Hi Neighbours I am a member of mse. My username is 917700 please look me up have a good day.

Davesnave

oldbikebloke said:

if buying in the South - nothing, you will never meet them
if buying in the North - they will be round to introduce themselves at the first chance 

Yes, but only to tell you you've parked in 'their' usual space.

RelievedSheff

We have never had to introduce ourselves to our new neighbours they have always been nosey enough to come and introduce themselves to us  

MovingForwards

RelievedSheff said:

We have never had to introduce ourselves to our new neighbours they have always been nosey enough to come and introduce themselves to us  

There's always one like that. Mine is a male Hyacinth Bucket!

Soot2006

RelievedSheff said:

We have never had to introduce ourselves to our new neighbours they have always been nosey enough to come and introduce themselves to us  

Ditto! We moved in and 5 minutes later got a WELCOME card through the door with our names on it! The next day, another one from the other side, also with names! How did they know? What is this magic? I STILL don't know their names, 18 months later ...

mcpitman

LOL, I was swearing rather loudly at the ridiculous wiring in the hallway on a hot day, just after purchase, but before we moved in.

He popped his head round the door and shouted "Hi mate - i'm "Mark" your next door neighbour, here's a couple of parcels we've taken in for you, have a nice f$%^ing day" span on his heels and walked off.

Been good friends/neighbours since and often help each other where we can on various car/home/garden jobs.

Alan2020

Go and drop a card with your names and say if you hear noises, it's your new neighbours and sorry about the moving in noises. Also would apologise for any noises as we settle in and make the house our home, after which we will be quiet as a church mouse.  If you have any tips on the local area much appreciated.

Then say hi and introduce yourself.

Jeepers_Creepers

Hi BigNumber.

Assuming you are a friendly individual, then simply introduce yourself to them in that friendly way. If you are new to the area, you could ask them for advice on things to do, places to go - just be engaging and interested in what they say, and they'll realise that they are lucky they don't have a sociopath or weirdo moving in next door to them. Oh, and ask about them - their kids, how much they like living there, that sort of stuff (which you would do anyway if you are a normal empathetic person).

The chances are very high that at least one of them will ask "So... what are your plans for the place?!" so have an answer ready. If you fudge and say "Oh, nothing really...just to do it up..." they will lose trust in you when the truth comes out in a few months time.

And be normal and helpful from the day you move in - always a cheery 'hello!', bring in their bins if you are doing yours - that sort of stuff.

Even if they don't ask then, when the time does come to submit your plans it is far better to engage with them right away; don't wait until the PWA letter falls on their mat, or the LA gets in touch. Pop round to each one with a copy of your plans, tell them - show them - what your intentions are, apologise for any noise that could happen, and assure them you will do everything to mitigate the nuisance. Be positive about your plans, tho' - you are allowed to do this, so don't give any suggestion that you are wavering over the details depending on what neighbs have to say - just that you are keeping it well within permitted planning and will ensure as best you can the work will be carried out with as little nuisance to them as possible. Also mention then the PWA and how - if they want one - you'll employ a surveyor to look after their interests.

You might also need to be ready with answers if one is concerned about loss of light or things like that - you need to do your best to reassure them it'll be minimal (if that's the case) - but always coming back to the simple fact that this is an important extension for you and your family, and it is well within PP and anyone is allowed to do this...

You might not be able to predict the reaction or outcome, but I can assure you it'll be FAR less likely to be hostile if you get in there first.

Boffinman

The guy upstairs came and apologised for the forthcoming noise before he moved in. Then his mum baked me a cake - Made all the difference.