How to Ensure Your Neighbor’s Contractors Don’t Damage Your Home

Living in a densely populated area such as a city, or even a more spacious suburb, has many benefits, but it comes at a price. One aspect of this price is having neighbors around you , often right next to you, and in some cases their house is adjacent to yours. This close proximity to other people can be stressful or uncomfortable—there may be noise when you don’t want it, disputes over property lines , or simple personal clashes.

Typically these disputes do not involve property damage, but when your neighbors call contractors to do work on their home, damage is always a possibility. No matter how careful, experienced, and professional a contractor is, when houses are very close (or attached), there may be some backlash when they show up to fix or replace a leaking roof , cracked foundation, or the siding of your neighbor’s home. . If you want to avoid a situation where your neighbor’s contractors cause property damage on your side of the fence, there are several steps you need to take as soon as you learn of an impending remodeling or renovation project.

Document in advance

Large-scale construction projects often include what is called a preliminary survey to document the condition of the surrounding property and anticipate problems. You may not want to spend the time and money on something formal every time your neighbor’s roof needs repairs, but it’s a good idea to do your own survey ahead of time, taking photos and making notes about the condition of your property, where your neighbor’s contractors can come into contact .

For example, if your neighbor is having their roof replaced, take photos of the attic (if you have one) and the roof itself. Make a note of any existing stains or old damage. If roofers are trampling on your roof and dragging materials across it, and suddenly your roof leaks, you will at least be able to prove that the damage was caused by their contractor.

Communicate clearly

A good piece of advice that always applies is to always try communication and negotiation before doing anything else. When you find out that your neighbor is doing some work that could affect your property (hopefully because they did the right thing and warned you in advance), contact them and discuss any concerns you have with them.

It’s also a good idea to ask them for their contractor’s contact information so you can talk to them the same way and make sure they have a plan in place to prevent damage to your property. You should also get information about their licensing and insurance in case something happens, but simply establishing a relationship with the contractor will go a long way in preventing problems in the first place.

If the project is extensive – a whole house renovation or an extension – you should consider drawing up a formal construction contract. These are typically access-focused (where contractors need to get into your side of the property to complete work or assess something), but you can expand their scope to include understanding any damage caused by the work. This will likely require a lawyer and a fee if you want to go really official, but if you’re friendly with your neighbor, you could also write something less strict – the benefit of clarifying your concerns may be worth it.

Moisten and cover

To keep your home free of dust and the exterior scratches and dents from flying small pieces of debris, it is a good idea to regularly spray outdoor construction areas with water. You can ask contractors to do this (good ones will do it without asking), or do it yourself if they refuse or forget. Humidifying the entire area will significantly reduce the amount of dust and pebbles flying around.

If the exterior wall on the other side of your property line is undergoing ongoing renovation work, you may want to temporarily hang a tarp over it to prevent anything from scratching or otherwise damaging it during the renovation. You can also cover your windows with protective film , which will prevent minor scratches and stains (from things like plaster or cement splashes), or board them up like you’re preparing for a hurricane.

Inspect

So you’ve talked to your neighbor and his contractor, drawn up an agreement, and documented the condition of your home. Big!

However, don’t become complacent: be prepared to inspect your property regularly while work is underway. If roofers work in your neighborhood, get up on your roof every day or so to inspect it . If they are working near your yard, check your landscaping and landscaping. If they are digging a basement, go down into yours and inspect the foundation walls. If there is any damage, you should have it repaired immediately by both the neighbor and the contractor. Every day that passes between the contractors packing up and heading home and you realize they broke something, it will be that much harder to repair it or get compensation for the problem because the direct connection between the work being done and the damage will become weaker over time.

If you don’t have a friendly relationship with your neighbor or don’t trust the contractor for some reason, you may want to consider installing temporary security cameras in areas where your property is unsecured. This way, if you discover damage, you can quickly determine when it occurred and who (and what) was involved. Just make sure you don’t compromise your neighbors’ privacy when you set them up, and keep them informed about the work on your property.

Be active

Finally, when talking to a neighbor about their project, be sure to note what exactly is being done and anticipate problems:

• Vibration. Will the job involve drilling, jackhammering, or other tools that cause vibration? Remove items hanging on shared walls and remove shelves to prevent your valuables from getting scattered on the floor.

• Windows. Closing windows can keep dust and other debris out of your home, as well as reduce noise from renovations in a neighboring home. You should also check your air filters more often if there is a lot of construction dust flying around.

• Clean the patio and other outdoor areas adjacent to the work area. Covering and moving furniture, grills and other items may be a temporary inconvenience, but it can also save you from having to buy new items.

You can’t guarantee that zero damage will occur during your neighbor’s renovation or renovation—after all, accidents happen. But these simple steps can significantly reduce the likelihood and give you a head start on remedying the situation if an accident does occur.

More…