In May, our neighbour came to tell us they were starting a big building project. She told us it would go on throughout June and they were moving out accordingly. Very sadly, her husband has motor neurone disease and the house is being rebuilt internally to suit his disability.
When the building started, the noise was absolutely terrible. The drilling meant that we couldn't hold a conversation downstairs and the banging meant that no one could sleep/nap (I have a 19 month old daughter). We were (IMO) extremely patient and understanding. We recognised their very sad circumstances and saw that our needs were not nearly as great as theirs.
However, it's now well into September and the noise is continuing. The drilling is so bad that friends/visitors have commented on it and we cannot stay in during the day. They work past 1 on a Saturday (against the rules) and on a Sunday (also against the rules). We initially allowed this as we were trying to be compassionate.
This week, my daughter has not been sleeping well and I am 8 months pregnant, therefore rest is very important. At 7.30 this evening, I could still hear banging. I went to see the builders and they dismissed me by saying there would be no more banging. When I went back when the banging started again, the door was locked.
The owner of the house ignores all of our phone calls about the matter (although is very friendly when we see her) and so I feel completely powerless.
Perhaps I am being very unreasonable and perhaps it is just exhaustion and the end of a pregnancy but surely this isn't the way it works? Are we just expected to stay out all day whilst the noise happens 7 days a week? I am beyond desperate.
Help and advice gratefully received!