Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to asky neighbours to stop their power tool they are using outside?

69 replies

Rainbows41 · 30/06/2025 20:23

To ask my neighbours to stop using their DIY power tool in the back garden right next to ours?
It's been going on since I sat down at 6.20.
Yesterday (Sunday) it went on all day well into the evening.
We live in a small cul de sac and it's very quiet around here. Add to that the extreme heat we are having right now, where it is impossible to keep the doors closed.
This is selfish behaviour imo.

OP posts:
JohnTheRevelator · 30/06/2025 21:27

NeilDiamondsBlowDry Same here! Just one of many reasons why summer is my least favourite season.

NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 30/06/2025 21:15

@JohnTheRevelator
its why I prefer winter

its …..jetwashing the driveway
jetwashing the car
jetwashing the gutters / soffits / conservatory roof
strimmers
lawnmowers
hedge trimmers
vacuuming the cars
scraping weeds out of the block paving
general standing around making small talk with neighbours
radios on whilst doing above tasks
late night ‘revelling’ in the garden
and before anyone says move to the country that would be my dream but I’d need a lottery win in this county 😢

EG94 · 30/06/2025 21:09

As annoying as it is, nothing you can really do. You can ask them to stop but they can tell you no and they’re not wrong. Maybe a more reasonable ask is to say you understand they might be doing home improvements but if it’s noisy work could they give you a heads up of when and for how long for

OneFineDay13 · 30/06/2025 21:07

Thingyfanding · 30/06/2025 21:05

This is my neighbour every weekend and after work for 3 years except on rainy days. He’s obsessed with DIY. I’ve had murderous thoughts tbh

😂 my neighbours all of them in the rows of houses around me are always doing something. Once one finishes the other starts some project

JohnTheRevelator · 30/06/2025 21:07

What is it about hot weather that makes every wanker want to start using noisy power tools?!

Ambergrasswashingbasket800 · 30/06/2025 21:06

It's hardly going to last forever if they are cutting slabs. Leave them be OP.

BoredZelda · 30/06/2025 21:06

Redpeach · 30/06/2025 20:26

Arent noisy works meant to happen between 8 and 5pm

Only for Construction sites, and it’s generally 8-6.

There is no law against using a power tool after 6pm.

Thingyfanding · 30/06/2025 21:05

This is my neighbour every weekend and after work for 3 years except on rainy days. He’s obsessed with DIY. I’ve had murderous thoughts tbh

ExitPursuedByABare · 30/06/2025 21:05

Cutting stone slabs makes an horrendous noise.

I pity you.

HolidayHattie · 30/06/2025 21:04

Check your council's website for the hours that work is permitted, before you do anything else.

SeriouslyStressed · 30/06/2025 21:03

Look up noise nuisance on your local council website, they may have a 24hr noise patrol

pontivex · 30/06/2025 21:03

Rainbows41 · 30/06/2025 20:57

It sounds like a rotary blade cutter thing. I think they're cutting stone slabs.

So it’s probably just a one off over a couple days. I’d suck it up for another day and hope it stops.

pontivex · 30/06/2025 21:02

I feel your pain. I have a neighbour who has a diesel run wood chipper and it’s like a 747 taking off. She sometimes uses it for 7 hours straight.

Its the length of time that the problem. Nothing wrong with politely asking them how long they will be doing it for and if they can limit their sessions. I asked my neighbour if she could not use it one afternoon as we had people coming for a garden lunch and she was cool about it but did start the bastard thing up the minute our guests left (and seemed to get that it was ridiculously noisy as she hasn’t used it since)

Original poster
Rainbows41 · 30/06/2025 20:57

It sounds like a rotary blade cutter thing. I think they're cutting stone slabs.

OP posts:
takealettermsjones · 30/06/2025 20:56

It really depends what tool it is. Pneumatic drill, yes, they're unreasonable. Hedge trimmer, no, not really. I understand the hours they're supposed to use it but if they work full time, how would they get anything done? 🤔

BlueMum16 · 30/06/2025 20:50

What are they doing? What time did it stop yesterday?

pontivex · 30/06/2025 20:49

What tool is it?

Original poster
Rainbows41 · 30/06/2025 20:27

Well, this is what I thought.
I really don't want to fall out with my neighbours but they are taking the absolute piss!

OP posts:
Redpeach · 30/06/2025 20:26

Arent noisy works meant to happen between 8 and 5pm