Making changes to your home not only improves your daily life but also contributes to its resale value. So home improvements must be good, right? In most cases, yes. However, there are some instances where poor planning or execution could lead to disastrous results and animosity from your neighbors in Great Neck Plaza. Here are 4 home improvements that could turn your neighbors into your enemies:
1. Damage From Improper Drainage
After successive days of rain, you notice that your backyard is slowly filling with water, rendering it useless and providing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. You’ve decided that enough is enough, but you’re not sure where to start. The issue at hand is that water needs somewhere to go.
The reasonableness rule
If the water from your property accumulates and drains into your neighbor’s yard, and they don’t take kindly to it, you can still defend yourself with the “reasonableness rule.” In order for your neighbor to win such a case against you, they would have to be able to show that what you did was done so unreasonably as to cause them harm.
2. Plant Ornamental Trees
It’s only natural to want to make our homes reflect our personalities, and one way we often do that is through landscaping—and sometimes, more specifically, through planting ornamental trees. However, some trees can cause problems, turning your otherwise good neighbors into angry enemies.
Bradford pears, for example, are lovely when in bloom. However, they release an incredibly strong smell that many find unpleasant when they do.
Additionally, these trees often drop branches everywhere near them, which can be a nuisance for neighbors.
Before you impulsively buy that pretty flowering tree to fill the hole in your front yard, consider the potential consequences it may have for your relations with the neighbors.
3. Adding a Room
If you want to avoid issues with your neighbors, be aware that adding a guest room may cause problems. Say you’ve been living frugally for a while now and have saved enough money to add on the extra space. The plans are drawn up, and you’ve already found a contractor.
Don’t upset your neighbors
Rightfully so, your neighbors may become quite aggravated living next to an active construction site. With lumber deliveries in the yard, power tools galore, workers communicating loudly, and the constant sound of nails being driven into wood, it can be enough to make anyone go crazy. Although it’s all necessary for the job at hand, think about how others may feel.
Imagine every weekend, you hear the banging and hammering of your neighbor working away on their latest renovation project. The noise is enough to make you want to move out! In an ideal world, we’d all be considerate of our neighbors when it comes to loud construction projects, but that’s not always the case.
If they value the scenery, your clients may be upset when the job is completed and your new bedroom blocks their favorite sunset from view. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s something worth considering.
4. Installing a Pool
Maybe you’ve finally saved up enough money to get that in-ground swimming pool you always dreamed of. You know, the big one with the diving board and wet bar. Get ready for compliments and bragging rights.
Having a backyard swimming pool can be a great way to cool off during the hot summer months. However, your neighbors may not appreciate all of the noise and disruption having construction work done in their backyards will bring.
Envy may quickly build up when you see your neighbors having fun in their pool while you’re stuck at home. The feeling only gets worse when you realize that they can use your pool anytime they want to. You start getting angry whenever your neighbors have to listen to the sounds of laughter and music and tinkling glasses coming from your night-time pool parties. Unfortunately, that’s just human nature.
Even though some home improvements could turn your Great Neck Plaza neighbors into sworn enemies, don’t let that discourage you from making plans for YOUR home. By using the right approach, you can execute your home-improvement ideas without any issues coming from your neighbors.
You can sell your Great Neck Plaza home to us
And the best part? You won’t have to spend a cent on repair fees, commission fees, realtor fees, or other extra costs. If you want to sell your house fast in Great Neck Plaza, NY, look no further than Local Investor!
We operate on your timeline and assess your property fairly before we present you with our offer. Contact us today and let’s get started!
