Love Thy Neighbour
Renovating is a great way to improve your home and your family’s enjoyment of it, and a refurbished home can enhance the look of your neighbourhood. However, the process can be hard on your neighbours.
Major renovations often bring months of dirt, noise and additional vehicles into the lives of your neighbours. It’s important to be considerate of the people who live around you when designing your renovation and discuss your plans with them long before the hammers start swinging.
The project may affect more than just those next door, so keep in mind neighbours behind you, across from you and further down the street.
Whether you are building a deck, adding a second story or tearing down and rebuilding your home, it is important for you to inform your neighbours of your building plans.
Spend some time going door to door to discuss your renovation plans. Let them know what type of renovation you are taking on, how long construction is expected to take and who to contact if potential issues arise.
A professional renovator will guide you through working with neighbours and can accompany you on these visits. The national RenoMark program is a great resource to find professional. Visit www.renomark.ca locate a RenoMark contractor in your area.
All RenoMark renovators agreed to a renovation-specific Code of Conduct, which includes things like providing a written contract; offering a minimum $2 million in liability insurance; providing two years warranty on all work; and having all applicable licenses and certificates.
With a professional renovator by your side, you’ll be prepared for any questions your neighbours may have, from architectural design to zoning bylaw compliance. Keeping your neighbours fully informed will make them more supportive of the renovation. The City of Toronto recommends posting your building permit in a prominent area on your property.
Curb appeal is a common concern for people. Bring your drawings so they can see what the final product will look like. A good design will put a lot of people at ease.
Noise is another source of distress. Make sure you adhere to your municipality’s noise bylaws, rules that restrict the hours of operation for construction equipment or activity.
Your professional renovator will follow a proper waste removal process and keep the construction site clean to avoid fines and prevent health and safety hazards.
Some municipalities require you to obtain a Street Occupation Permit should your dumpsters or construction bins extend beyond your property line. A professional renovator will be familiar with all bylaws and requirements.
Safety is an important part of any renovation for you, your renovator and your neighbours. Every municipality has its own unique set of Property Standards and Property Maintenance bylaws. These may include things like putting a fence around the property, placing portable toilets far away from your neighbour’s homes and ensuring that proper safety equipment is worn by all workers. Professional renovators know to comply with these bylaws and avoid potential fines from the municipality.
To learn more visit RenoMark, and to read more visit BILD Blogs.
