Going through a major remodel can be a stressful time. Strangers are in your house for weeks or months, your daily routines are disrupted, dust is flying, parts of your house might not be functional (like the kitchen), and the work may take longer than expected. But the chaos isn't confined to just your house -- your neighbors are feeling the effects, too.

It's important to keep them apprised of your remodeling plans and what to expect in the coming weeks or months.

Keeping the line of communication open with your contractor is the first step. But whether you're undergoing a two-week or two-month remodel, you'll need to know how the process will go -- how you'll cook if you're going through a kitchen remodel, and how you'll shower and primp for work if you're having a bathroom remodeled. And how you'll live with a work crew and materials scattered about your house.

You should make sure you understand all the terms of the contract and that you know what to expect of the contractor -- what time crews will arrive in the morning, when they'll leave, where they'll need to put materials, when heavy equipment or work trucks will be arriving, what procedure will be used if change orders are needed, etc.

Once your family has a game plan, the next line of defense will be contacting your neighbors and letting them know what will be happening over the next few days, weeks or months.

"The first thing you'll want to do is let your neighbors in on what you will be doing, how long you expect it to take, and, most important, who they can contact if they have any problems or concerns," said Dean Johnson, co-host of Hometime, a home improvement show on The Learning Channel.

Nina Winans, vice president of Winans Construction Inc., a remodeling firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, said making sure your remodel or addition is legal is one of the most important first steps.

"Get permits for the work you are going to have done," she said. "Your project will be shut down if a neighbor complains about the work you are doing and it is found that you have no permit."

In addition, Johnson and Winans recommend the following when it comes to your remodeling project and keeping peace with your neighbors:

Published: December 23, 2003

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