In asking neighbours not to build an extension during lockdown

[HelpIcantfindaname]

Saw my neighbour on my drive with a workman today. I asked what they were doing. They are planning to extend the front of their house out by about 5'.

They have done constant DIY since moving in a couple of years ago. Most of last spring/summers was in the garden. The noise was annoying, when we were all stuck at home.

My DS(32) has ASD & is noise sensitive. He had ear defenders last year but could not cope with the constant noise from next door. DS is ill with stomach & heart issues, which he thinks are caused by stress.

The trouble with asking the neighbour is that lockdown or tiers could go on a long time, plus I think they are taking advantage of being at home to get work done.

DS is hoping to get a flat but this could be months away. I have DD12 at home too, who will have to live with the constant meltdowns her brother will be having, from the noise next door.

AIBU to ask them to wait?

Im sorry about your situation op but YABU I'm afraid.

On another note, I wonder how many people on this thread shouting how building/plastering/electrical work should not be carried out due to stress upon neighbours whilst in lockdown are also shouting 'We have to keep the economy going?'.

They sound dreadful. On your property, measuring up without having the manners to ask. Not informing you, before their trespass, of theirs plans.

do you always overreact like this? you really ought to think of your blood pressure. They were standing on a driveway not breaking in. And they have no obligation to tell OP anything while they're still mulling things over.

@Brefugee

They sound dreadful. On your property, measuring up without having the manners to ask. Not informing you, before their trespass, of theirs plans.

do you always overreact like this? you really ought to think of your blood pressure. They were standing on a driveway not breaking in. And they have no obligation to tell OP anything while they're still mulling things over.

I know right. I can’t even get my head round thinking someone was trespassing because they briefly stood on my drive way. Technically it is, but who thinks like that in real life.

I’ve quite a large garden, very regularly someone enters to get their dog, as it’s strayed in, often delivery men or tradespeople will park up on thr gravel if visiting a neighbouring property. I can’t imagine giving a shit, never mind being outraged and thinking “trespass”.

Nobody should be getting any non essential work done on their houses during lockdown.

Who decides what is 'essential' @MyDcAreMarvel ?

Although I'd actually disagree with that thought anyway. Everyone who can afford to ought to be encouraged to keep what of the economy can be kept going without having to rely on the public purse, in every way possible. So many people have lost their incomes, if we can keep some industries going, then that has to be encouraged.

Well done to HelpIcantfindaname for coming back to say she was BU, and I totally agree that - whereas it is understandable that people don't always read every post on a long thread, people should actually read the OP's posts before wading in with their size 9s.

@MyDcAreMarvel

Nobody should be getting any non essential work done on their houses during lockdown.

The difficulty here is the definition of essential.

Felling crazy with not enough space to get away, baby on the way, boiler leak causing damage, WFH, children needing space for homework, wanting a boy/girl cave for peace and quiet/mental health, cramped living space affecting relationships, money to spend before end of the tax year...the list is endless

Op another YABU but a kind one because that sounds really tough. I hope the timing works out well for your DS.

@Minky37

Saw my neighbour on my drive with a workman today. I asked what they were doing.

I would have told you to mind your own business

And I would have told you to get the fuck off of my drive...

You could ask but they may not postpone.
Builders been building 2 new houses next door since July. Its been awful especially trying to wfh and home school a DD who is noise sensitive like me.
Fingers crossed for you x

@MyDcAreMarvel

Nobody should be getting any non essential work done on their houses during lockdown.

Why not ? Its entirely legal. Often outside or one person too.

Invest in a decent pair of noise cancelling earphones. Sign up to Spotify etc if that interest your son. I feel for you in this situation. Does your son have contact with his doctor who might be able to offer you support if you need it? Preparing can help. Would your son feel any better if he went out and saw the work being done and the machines being used, meet the builders? I know every one is so different and this could be the complete opposite of what he needs. You know him best. It sounds like you have a lot going on, hope you are taking good care of yourself OP

HighSpecWhistle

DenisetheMenace
FatherTedsBankAccount

My neighbours have only just finished theirs after 6 long, noisy months but these things need to be done I'm afraid.

“They don't "NEED to be done" though, do they? In a pandemic, extending one's house is in no way necessary. This country is full of self-important people who think their WANTS are more important than the actual needs and rights (peace, mental health, etc) of those around them.“

Without knowing their personal circumstances, you can’t know. I can imagine various scenarios where a downstairs extension is a need.
How do you know that?!

We've had an extension done during lock down. We need another bedroom for our new baby. The baby won't wait in the womb unfortunately.

There are lots of reasons why people need to do extensions during lockdown. Maybe they've been holding off for personal reasons and now's the right time. Or maybe it's taken a long time to save.

This pandemic could be going on a lot longer if the vaccine doesn't respond to new variants. People can't always put their lives on hold”

I know. I agree with you! I was commenting in what a previous poster says 😊

I’m sorry that you are having a hard time with your adult son but it’s VERY entitled to think anyone else should inconvenience themselves or adapt their own plans and lives to suit him. It’s not your neighbour’s problem, it’s yours to deal with.