Having an extension built and really upset neighbours what can I do

[Imthenoisyneighbour]

We’re having an extension built and our neighbours one side are really unhappy.

We live in a terraced house and so are very aware that the noise and dust isn’t just disrupting us but our neighbours too.

There was an awful lot of dust created and noise on Friday and this had really upset our neighbours one side. The dust got into their house despite them having their windows closed and caused issues with lungs (they’re vulnerable) and sneezing etc.

I feel awful, we have committed to the extension and can’t stop now but I really want to mitigate the impact on our neighbours and I don’t know how. I’ll ask the builders to tell me when they’re going to be making a lot of dust and noise so I can let neighbours know but it’s not something that can be avoided.

They rent and effectively said the impact of our build has led them to look to move ASAP and I feel really awful about that as they’ve not long moved in.

We’re only at foundation stage and despite aiming to finish in April (it’s a very small extension) there’s obviously a long way to go.

Any ideas about things I can do that will help mitigate the impact on the neighbours?

You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. Building is dusty! Say sorry, buy some chocs, ask your builder to do as much mitigation as possible, but honestly - don't let your fear of conflict turn you into a pushover. These things happen on this tiny island where we all live on top of each other. They need to get over themselves.

Another vote for them being a bit pathetic. There is simply no way there house got that dusty with the windows closed (and vents - they should check those are closed as well). It’s not like they are being disrupted at nighttime or early in the morning and it’s not like you are doing anything unusual or in any way unreasonable.