What Designers Recommend
It takes a whole team of designers and builders to remodel a home. Even if your remodeling project stays confined within your own four walls, your neighbors can’t help but get involved whether by hearing demolition noise or passing your contractors in the street.
For that reason, many design professionals recommend notifying your neighbors close by in writing well in advance to the start of your remodeling project. It’s kind of like giving them a heads up before throwing a party, ​a way to avoid bad feelings and noise complaints. It’s polite to let them know of what will happen and apologize in advance.
Your Letter Should Sound Official
Keep your letter formal. From the greetings to the conclusion, make it sound official. Have all the features of a formal letter including a date and a written signature. Also include a timeline. Even though you might not know exactly how long the remodel lasts, you should have a rough idea. Yes, certain factors like weather and other unforeseen circumstances may have an impact on the duration, but still provide a timeline.
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Here are some points to cover in your letter:
- A brief description of the work being done
- Assurances you told the contractor to keep work areas clean, to avoid work in the evenings and on weekends, and to generally minimize disruption
- An apology for any potential inconvenience and a thank you for the neighbor’s patience
- Contact information in case of any concerns
- An approximate timeline of the work
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Example Letter
With that being said, an example of a standard letter you could use looks like this:
Dear John,
I feel excited that work on my kitchen remodel begins soon, and I wanted to let you know that the work begins between September 1st and December 1st or thereabouts. I just wanted to inform you of the work and apologize in advance for any noise or disturbances that may be created near your home.
Cabex Construction takes on the remodel for me, and they know work may only be carried out between 8:30 A.M. and 5 P.M. on weekdays. You will see their trucks parked outside my home as they carry out the construction.
Jerry Schanz is the Cabex Construction Project Manager overseeing my remodel, and his contact number is 941-780-7800 should you have any questions or concerns for him. All tradespeople and subcontractors you see on site will be overseen by him. Of course, you can also contact me directly at 111-111-1111.
Thank you in advance for your understanding during this upcoming project, and I’m looking forward to many great dinner parties with you when the new kitchen is ready and working!
Sincerely,
Mary
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