Best DIY Etiquette Tips for Homeowners With Shared Walls
Suppose you have ever had a neighbor on the other side of your wall who did not know how to complete a do-it-yourself project without workmen creating a noisy, dusty and unprofessional mess in the process. In that case, you know how important it is to follow the best DIY etiquette when sharing walls.
DIY: Neighborly advice
Please don’t get mad when your neighbor wants to do a DIY project and wants it done right away. It could be worse! They could have hired workmen without telling anyone else in the building. Or they might have had their workmen start working on a weekend when you were trying to sleep.
The best way to handle this is to approach your neighbor with empathy, not anger or frustration. Ask them what kind of project they are doing and if there is anything you can do that will make it easier for them to get through it.
A few examples of things you can do to help them:
- Turn up your TV/radio so they won’t hear as much noise
- Offer to let them park in your driveway when they have a lot of materials to bring into the house
- Let them borrow whatever tools or supplies they need
- The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
If your neighbor asks for any of these favors, remember that they are just trying to get through the project without disturbing their neighbors. It’s tough to be a good neighbor sometimes, but it is always worth it in the end! Good luck!
DIY: When to call the professionals
If your neighbor’s DIY project is causing structural damage or possibly making your home unsafe for living, then you definitely need to get help. Their project may be too severe to fix on your own and may require professional contractors who are trained in these types of repairs.
You also need to contact professionals when your neighbor does something that is obviously illegal. For example, if they are doing work without a permit, the inspector will shut it down and might fine them for breaking the law.
In any of these situations, you may want to talk with your neighbors about how best to handle the situation before you approach a professional for help.
You could even offer to help your neighbor shop around for a contractor who will work with them rather than against them. Remember – the best DIY etiquette involves empathy and understanding as much as it does putting on a happy face no matter how bad things get.
Thanks for reading, and good luck!
ARTICLE END
My neighbor really appreciated it when we were able to work out a plan that would make it easier for them to complete their DIY project without disturbing the rest of us living in the building. I got to do some neighborly good, and they got the project done without causing any disruptions.
I can’t guarantee that your neighbor will be as nice or cooperative, but you never know – it’s worth a shot! Just think of how great it will be when more people in your building start respecting each other like we did.
