New neighbour has asked us to stop construction on new home until daughter has finished exams.

[Grammarninja]

This is such a tricky one for me. We bought a house that needed a complete overhaul a year ago. We've finally gotten through architects, planning permission and trying to find affordable builders etc. It has been stressful.
We broke ground this week and the neighbours have asked us to stop until dd has finished her exams in 3 weeks.
I really feel for the family and can't imagine how upsetting it must be for them at this crucial time (we had no idea they had a child sitting exams this summer). My husband has offered them an office at his work around the corner to facilitate study. I wouldn't mind postponing if it wouldn't cost us 30k to do so as builders are working to a set time frame. I wouldn't even mind the extra costs we'd incur through having to stay in our current accommodation for another month if it weren't for the builders' costs which we simply can't afford.
I'm worried now that we're going to start off on a terrible note with our new neighbours which would be such a shame considering my current neighbours are like family.
Are we being unreasonable to continue with the build in these circumstances?

OP’s dh offered a compromise

What a rude comment

Just what I was thinking. We all know
builders have gone home by 4pm anyway.

Why will they deserve it?? They’re renovating their property. They didn’t know their neighbours had a daughter taking exams at this time. Would you personally postpone and lose £30k?

THEY need to buy their daughter some noise cancelling headphones or direct her to the nearest library etc.

life goes on - despite her exams. The world doesn’t stop because she is studying .

don’t engage with this - her exams - her / their problem to solve - not yours.

But true.

Absolutely they’re being cheeky. Unfortunately this is just life when you have neighbours. I WFH and my next door neighbour is having a new patio. The noise is extremely annoying but I know it’ll be done soon and if it was so bad I’d go somewhere else.
their DD can take your DH up on his offer to use the office, or go to the library. Explain it’ll cost £30k, if they don’t understand that then they’re bat shit anyway!

I got straight a’s at gcse during neighbours extension. It then burnt down and I got straight a’s at a-level during the rebuild. They need to get a grip .

This is why libraries and schools were invented. I can’t believe she can’t go into school to study.

Ignore and build

I’ve had kids go through both, and university exams. They survive. Most revision gets done at night anyway.

We haven't faffed at all. We got onto everything as quickly as possible. The same neighbours have done a very similar job to their house so they've put neighbours through it too. We're living in a tiny space and it's hard going with a toddler.
I feel awful about this situation but do you think we should find 30k to solve it?
As it is, we're unlikely to be able to buy any furniture when it's finally ready.

The OP does understand their point of view. Doesn’t mean she’s got a spare £30k to postpone the work though. Would you have a spare £30k in this scenario?

They only go in for exams. They aren't at school all day.

I’m assuming the building works are occurring at reasonable hours? When do they stop for the day?

Do not cancel the builders. The daughter can go to school or the library. You should not have to pay £30k for their daughters exams.
I think they are CF's to ask.

Aww, hit a nerve and a little jealous? Or maybe need a nap.
most ridiculous comment on MN today!!

Don’t be daft. The OP hasn’t been faffing about they’ve been waiting for plans to be drawn up and approved and a builder etc to become available. None of that is instant.

OP, you’re not being unreasonable. Their daughter, like plenty of other students all over the world, will have to find an alternative to studying at home. School, the library, a friend’s house, the office space you’ve offered up… besides, in the evenings there won’t be any noise. Our builders had all buggered off by 4pm every day.

Another example of preciousness . Ridiculous to think that neighbours should stop work because your kid is taking exams . How on earth are these young people supposed to get any skills at living real life or any resilience. And what is this to cover , revision ? exam dates ? There are young people worldwide struggling to get education under very difficult circumstances. FFS .

So what would you do in the OP’s situation?

Depends on the school. My kids secondary had to be in all day every day until GCSEs finished. A levels they were allowed to study at home but preferred to be in with their friends anyway, there or Starbucks.

I have 2 kids sitting exams this summer Gcse's and A levels. I get what they are asking. But also understand you are in a difficult position.
I love the fact your husband offered an office, that was very kind.
I also think some noise cancelling headphones given to them when you go over to explain why you can't delay are a really nice touch.
(For those saying go to school to revise - it's not an option. School has now finished for these kids and they are only expected in when they have an exam.)

J my y son’s doing his GCSE right now. We live in central London. It’s noisy noisy. I don’t see how she is bothered by this. Go to school and study there

Why are you calling people making perfectly sensible comments rude?

No. That's why I wrote that OP will have to say no to them.

I still feel for the family as I know what it's like having kids doing GCSEs and A levels. It's the last thing you would want.

People making out the family are being ridiculous and calling posters stupid for empathising with them are being stupid themselves.

The OP also said she feels for the family.

You think someone writing "What stupid comment" to that poster isn't rude but perfectly sensible? Oh dear