Mike Holmes: If you are renovating a townhome, notify the neighbors for the following reasons (2023)

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Renovations can cause a lot of stress, not only for you but also for your neighbors. This is especially true if you live in a townhome.

The work you do on one side of that shared wall can affect the house next door, especially when it comes to framing work - work like studs and anything to do with floor and ceiling joists being attached to shared wall. Just drilling can cause cracks in the tile and adjacent plaster or drywall.

At what point do you involve your neighbors?

It is good practice to let your neighbor know that renovations are coming up, just as a courtesy and to help keep this relationship on the right foot. For years I've seen big fights between neighbors because they wouldn't talk for five minutes about the job they were planning to do.

It also depends on the type of work planned.

If you're just replacing cabinets or a countertop, getting the green light from your neighbor isn't essential. But if it's framing, electrical, or any other mechanical that might affect your home, you should definitely let them know. In fact, you may need to obtain the proper permits for your renewal.

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When you apply for a permit, the city will tell you if you need to tell your neighbors or if they need to sign something. Every county is different, so call your local building authority to be sure.

In some cities, you may even need to obtain a regular wall permit or party wall permit. This is a form that you fill out after letting your neighbor know about the job. By completing the form, you are essentially saying that your neighbor knows about and agrees to the renewal. (And yes, you're in big trouble if you fill out the form and they don't know about it.)

If you live in a townhouse and your neighbors have to sign something or agree to something and they don't, you won't be able to get the proper permits you need to do the job you want to do.

If you live in a townhouse and your neighbors have to sign something or agree to something and they don't, you won't be able to get the proper permits you need to do the job you want to do.

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Some of you might consider skipping the licenses. That's probably the worst thing you can do. You would jeopardize your safety, your home, and your neighbors' houses, and you would risk anything but harm. Not to mention, your neighbors can call the city and say you're working without a permit. And that means big trouble for you.

What if things changed and suddenly one day you heard the people next door banging and operating machines and you had no idea they were renovating? Would/should I say something?

Again, it depends on what you're doing.

It's easy to tell if they're making big changes: a large dumpster might be outside, lots of materials would be thrown away, lots of craftsmen and laborers would come onto the property, and construction would take days.

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Small renovations and updates don't last long; They should not last more than a few days. If it is a large Reindeer, a license must be attached to the window. You can call the city and give your registration number to find out exactly what work is going on next door and if you have anything to worry about.

If you want someone (such as a builder, engineer, or home inspector) to review the work and it affects your home, you will be responsible for that cost. It may be worth it, but don't expect your neighbors to pay for it.

A good rule of thumb is that if noise, vibration, smoke, or dust is disturbing your neighbor's home, let them know. (Also, some counties have noise statutes.) Even paint fumes can be a problem, especially when young children, pregnant women, or people with respiratory problems are present.

The bottom line? Communication is key, so talk to your neighbors about how to fix the problem.

Watch Mike Holmes in Holmes Does It Right on HGTV. Visit makeitright.ca for more information.