Smooth Sailing Renovation: Top Tips for Managing Relationships During Your Renovation
Yesterday we went to a site visit and as soon as we walked through the door, we saw a resident complain to the reception team about builders.
It is worth noting that since there currently are several apartments being refurbished within the building, it was unclear whether the complaints related to our project or another one. Regardless, we used the opportunity to speak both with the builder’s team and the reception team to ensure that we were doing our best to minimise the nuisance to nearby properties.
Managing relationships during your renovation will be crucial. As a client, given that you will be living in the property after the construction team moves out, the importance of your role in the matter cannot be underestimated.
These are some of the things we plan for, with our clients, that may be of help to you:
Before it begins:
Identify who will be affected by the works.
Communicate with them early by reaching out with clear and concise information about the project scope, timeline, potential disruptions (noise, dust, etc.), and safety measures. (Note that for leasehold and share of freehold properties this may be formalised through the License To Alter process.)
Be transparent and seek to minimise concerns and disruption by, for example, adjusting methodologies when necessary.
Designate a specific person responsible for communicating with neighbours and addressing their concerns throughout the process. (Given that most of those will emerge during construction, it is common for this person to be the site manager)
During the refurbishment:
Maintain open lines of communication and provide regular updates on progress and changes to the schedule or scope. Some LTAs require a weekly newsletter, for example, but there are other ways.
Work with your Principal Contractor to minimize disruption by implementing measures to address the impact of noise, dust, and other nuisances. This could include using soundproofing materials, scheduling noisy work for specific times, and providing alternative access or parking if necessary.
Address any emerging issues promptly by being responsive to any complaints or concerns and taking steps to address them quickly and effectively.
Hold your team to account and remember that when your neighbours carry out their refurbishments in the future, you will want the same from them.
Additional tips for long projects or those within large buildings:
Participate in neighbour meetings to provide updates and answer questions in person.
Be open to consider alternative solutions to mitigate disruption beyond the property itself. For example, providing temporary parking spots or cleaning common areas.
Treat your neighbours with respect even when they are frustrated or upset. Long projects can take a toll.
Nothing is guaranteed, however, by following the above, you will help run your project smoothly while keeping your relationship with your neighbours civil.
Beyond nuisance, and to avoid accidents for example, it goes without saying that it is always important to ensure that H&S regulations as well as LTA restrictions are followed throughout, and since those will vary depending on your location, type of properties etc. it will be worth spending time at the planning stages understanding the framework your team and you will be working under to choose the right team.