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Original poster

Loft conversion and elderly neighbours

33 replies

Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 10:59

Hi all. We bought a semi detached bungalow a year ago, with a view to converting the loft space. A third of the bungalows along the road have already done this. Our bungalow is pretty ‘tatty’ as the surveyor put it - he also said the roof underlay is perishing, needs replacing and better insulation is needed. We have a new baby and need the extra space. Our neighbours have been incredibly kind to us since we’ve moved in. Obviously the conversion will cause them noise, disruption, stress and I don’t want to upset them. Any thoughts- or anyone with similar experience? Thank you!

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:03

Elderly neighbours have extended their property out at the back in the past.

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takeyourrubbishhome · 03/02/2020 11:04

We live on a road where 70% of the occupants are all elderly or heading that way. As such, when the houses do sell they need significant work. It’s the type of place where people live for 30-50 years before the houses are sold as deceased estates. Most of them did significant work to their own houses when they bought them, and some have renovated again in the interim. As time passes more and more of the houses will be sold, probably to young families, and each house will have a period of renovation - ours is currently underway. As you’re detached, the disruption will be less to them, but it might be courteous to give an idea of the planned work and the current expected duration. The biggest issue tends to be builders parking inconsiderately, and access for building materials and skips. Being approachable and open to discussion is nice, but houses being renovated is just part of life

Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:08

Thank you!! Whoever bought this property would have done so with a view to refurbishment. The other interested party was a property developer. It’s in desperate need of updating - electrics etc. We are semi detached - so need a party wall award. The surveyor they’ve elected is part per hour, but I’m happy to do this so they feel protected.

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BrigitsBigKnickers · 03/02/2020 11:11

With your neighbour's permission you could ask their conveyancer to also do your survey- this might take the cost down a little with one person dealing with both. We did this when we had a party wall agreement with our neighbours for an extension.

takeyourrubbishhome · 03/02/2020 11:12

Oh sorry, saw you’re semi detached. Yes I guess the best you can do is to manage their expectations about noise and keep them updated

Stefoscope · 03/02/2020 11:15

It's just part and parcel of living in a semi-detached house. We had to have our roof replaced a couple of years ago, we just gave our adjoining neighbour the heads up before the work started. It wouldn't be good for your neighbour's house if you failed to maintain your side of the roof. Doing a few 'non essential' improvements at the same time such as a loft conversion seems to make sense both financially and in terms of minimising disruption to your neighbours.

Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:21

Yes - we are hoping that the surveyor will be our agreed surveyor. I’m emailing surveyor with plans/updates - and surveyor is forwarding on to them. I adore our neighbours, and they’ve been incredibly kind to us and our two children.

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:23

Thanks Stef. Yes - some of the roof work is essential and I feel comfortable with that. I guess the loft conversion is non essential, and although permitted by law, I’m questioning if it’s the morally right thing to do.

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Hepsibar · 03/02/2020 11:24

I think you are doing v well keeping them in the picture as to what is happening. Do you know by chance what time they get up/go to bed or have daytime naps? Maybe the builders could start a little later.

Maybe a bunch of flowers or something approp to thank them for putting up with all the noise. I'll bet they'd love to see it when it's done.

RedRed9 · 03/02/2020 11:27

How elderly are they? Do they have any other family involved in their care?

I’m only asking because my elderly grandfather found the building work next to him beyond infuriating. He was uncharacteristically angry about it and acted out towards the neighbour.

My DM is very involved with his care would often have to talk him down, show him that they were absolutely fine and make him go round and apologise.

Him and the neighbours are back to having a good relationship (he loves their kids) now the works are over.

Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:28

The builder I want to employ for the job seems like he’ll be very mindful about our neighbours. His dad and grandfather built the property in the first place, so I think this will be of interest to the neighbours too - and reassuring.

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RedRed9 · 03/02/2020 11:30

Also, could you invite them in to look at the work and ‘offer their advice/opinion’? Or show them paint colours etc and ask them what they think. They might really enjoy feeling like they’re helping.

I do get that this would only appeal to some people though and it might be a bit of a gamble to bring it up at all if they’re upset about it.

Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:30

Red, red - that’s interesting. Yes, I think we could be in a very similar position. The elderly gentleman has dementia. When he first saw our plans - he tried to climb over our (low) wall - because he was worried about our dormer.

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6demandingchildren · 03/02/2020 11:31

Pop round and see them, explain what you are having done and ask them if their is any time of the month or day that would inconvenience them, maybe if they are having a holiday to get the most noisy part done then. and give them a timescale.

Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:32

We did invite them round to look at the plans - but they refused and were upset at this point about the dormer. So we’ve done all communication now through the surveyor. This was a few months ago.

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:35

I think they may react in a very similar way to your elderly grandfather red...

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:36

I don’t want to make them ill with worry.

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RedRed9 · 03/02/2020 11:41

In that case I would try talking to their family members. (Assuring they have a supportive family.)

I’m sure you wouldn’t, but just keep in mind not to assume they’re angry at everything for the wrong reasons. There was one issue in which he was right to be upset (they had erected scaffolding over his garden without his permission and trampled the area) and it was getting lost in the view that “oh he’s only ranting because he’s old and grumpy”. And it took a while to sort out and separate from the non issues.

Changeembrace · 03/02/2020 11:44

Op you say they e been incredibly kind to you

But then relations so bad all communication through a surveyor for last few months.

Brace yourself - they will complain and it will be stressful. But it’s not for too long and it is perfectly within your rights to do this

Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:45

I completely agree with you there red as well. I initially assumed they were being grumpy about the dormer - however I now wholeheartedly agree with the change they wanted. I also had to argue this through with my partner - who now (reluctantly) agrees.

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:48

Change -they are understandably worried, so I think the surveyor acts as a good mediator. Communication is good between us, they brought presents for our children at Xmas - they offered to move my car when it wouldn’t start the other morning etc.

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:49

I don’t think they have children or family.

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:52

Agree with brave myself. The work with two young children will be stressful enough, but this will be a huge additional stress. I’m beginning to think we should just live cramped...

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Original poster
Dinkywinky245 · 03/02/2020 11:52

Brace

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RedRed9 · 03/02/2020 11:54

You sound very kind. All anyone can ask of you is to be considerate and continue to try to be friendly. You can’t control how they’re going to feel about this, you can only reduce their stress from your side. Which is definitely sounds like you’re doing.

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