Loft conversion and elderly neighbours

[Dinkywinky245]

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!

I have an elderly mother who is recovering from a major operation. She needs regular sleeps and it would hideous if there was major building work going on next door.

Red - thank you. It’s very helpful to read your experience.

You need to just do it. There will never be a right time to do it. Get the builder to liaise with them about timing and when the worst of the disruption will be. The longer you leave it, the more chance of a change in their health which will Just make you feel worse!

The most important thing is to discuss it with them before you do it, and reassure them that you'll keep noise and dirt to a minimum.

My honest advice to you is to spend the necessary money on putting a large builders' hoarding on your side of the fence, all the way along both front and back. Ideally the front too. This will cut down on dust, keep mud etc contained and also make the work far less visible, so less visual provocation for your neighbour.

Ask your builder to speak to them in advance every time they are due to do structural work, especially the party wall.

That’s great advice about the hoarding - although not sure how that would work as it’s the loft. He is proposing tin hat scaffolding, so that would be enclosed...

Whoops, didn't read properly, I kind of assumed any big work involved groundworks too!

There is never a good time to do building works where neighbours are concerned. Good/firm communication with them is the least and best you can do.
Sad but true to say your elderly neighbours won't be your neighbours for much longer anyway.
You did not buy your house to live their life.