Would I be a CF to ask my neighbour this?

[sally4ever]

My DH and I purchased a new house and moved in not too long ago.

At the time we bought the house there as another house up for sale in the street that was the exact same style but was much better decorated. This was reflected in the house prices and ours was significantly cheaper.

I remember looking at the pictures of the more expensive house and loving the kitchen and its layout and design. I’ve checked in rightmove and the house is showing in the recently sold section but the pictures have disappeared!

Anyway, I guess my AIBU is would I be a CF to go round to the other house and explain that I loved their kitchen and would like to do something similar so could I have a look at it at a time that’s convenient to them?

We did this with our neighbours - they'd had work done similar to what we were planning. They didn't mind.

Then recently (new house) a neighbour asked to have a nosey at our loft conversion as they were planning one. I didn't mind in the slightest and even pointed out what I felt would be better done in a different way having lived with it for a bit.

I would be flattered. Its.also a nice way to meet the new neighbours. I think the above suggestion of popping a note through the door is a good one.

I would knock the door and ask but make it clear I didn’t expect to be invited in there and then. And leave my phone number and email address.
Personally if the washing up had been done I would be pleased to see you. You might even make a new friend.
Face to face though. No notes though doors.

My neighbour did this a few weeks ago. We have identical Victorian terraces with off-shot kitchens and i got a new kitchen fitted and took a wall down to make a bigger L-shaped kitchen diner. She was about to get a new kitchen fitted and asked to look at what we'd done so she could get some ideas what she could do with hers.

I didn't mind at all, they're small houses so you have to think about how you make best use of the space available before you spend all that money.

I wouldn't mind at all.

One of my neighbours saw our extension and we were delighted to show them as they copied the extentsion and stayed living by us instead of moving away! Such lovely neighbours
Their inside layout/design is totally different but i would not have cared anyway. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (unless they are stalking you, too!!)

I wouldn't mind at all if it were me.

Just leave a note - completely fine.

I'd be happy to show you the kitchen. It's also a good way of making friend with your new neighbour; take a cake round.

I'd be very happy to be asked, but I'd drop a note round so they don't feel pressured to do it then and there in case that's inconvenient

I'd try to make friends anyway but if someone I didn't know asked to snoop round my house for design ideas I'd say no way. My home is a private place and I don't want people looking at it in that kind of appraising/critical way.

I’d ask. The worst they can do is say no.

If the house is new for them, and they like the kitchen they can gloat and if they don’t they can blame the previous owners.

I had my house redone - new windows and render etc and have had a good number of people call at the door. Maybe 10 different people. I invite them in and give details happily. I enjoy doing it and I'm glad to be able to pass on the details of the companies that did the work for me.