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Homeowner Remodeling Etiquette
Remember: While Remodeling Be a Good Neighbor

Washington, D.C., DATE – While the thought of remodeling your home is an exciting venture for you and your family, it may not be for your neighbors. Homeowners need to remember that their neighbors do not have the emotional investment and excitement about your remodeling project that you have. Actually your immediate neighbors may find your remodeling project bothersome, spoiling the atmosphere of the neighborhood and just plain loud and intrusive on their quiet solitude. Before you start on your journey to creating the house of your dreams, the National Association of Home Builders Remodelors(TM) Council advises homeowners to be good neighbors and inform the neighborhood of your plans, length of construction time and who will doing your remodeling job.

"Many people do not realize or think about how bringing in contractors for several weeks or even months can affect the neighborhood. It is important to give your neighbors a head's up to your plans," said 2004 Remodelors Council Chairman Doug Sutton CGR, CAPS of Sutton Siding & Remodeling, a remodeler in Springfield, Ill. "While most remodelers hand out fliers to immediate neighbors explaining their plans, we encourage homeowners to keep the peace by telling their neighbors what is going to happen, when, how long and then give them the remodeler's contact information if they have any questions or problems."

To help keep the peace in the neighborhood, the Remodelors Council advises that homeowners:

• Let neighbors know well in advance about your remodeling plans.
• Keep them apprised of what's going on, detail by detail. That includes when work will begin, approximate completion date, what work will be done, whether their property might need to be used (ask permission if workers will have to come onto their property).
• Let them know if delays come up and how much they will add time to the crews working in your house.
• Inform them of any large trucks entering the neighborhood.
• Ask subcontractors to park on one side of the street only.
• Make sure noisy power tools are only used during standard business hours. Reasonable hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• Try your best to have materials dropped off in your driveway or yard rather than the street.
• Remove dumpsters as quickly as possible. If you have room left in your last dumpster, invite neighbors to dump anything they might have lurking in their garage that needs tossing.
• Keep your yard as normal looking as possible. Watch for debris that might find its way onto your neighbors' yards, especially if a roofing project is involved.
• Stay in constant contact with your neighbors. If something happens that disturbs them, when you visit to apologize take a peace offering such as brownies or muffins.

And when your project is complete, show your neighbors your appreciation by throwing them a party. You can thank them for their patience and proudly show off your remodeled house.

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