Top Tips on Resolving Neighbour Issues

We all want to live in harmony with our neighbours and have a peaceful life, but sometimes problems can occur. However, with a bit of effort from both parties, these can be quickly resolved before they escalate. Here are seven top tips on how to create a peaceful and friendly environment.

Increase Your Privacy

Being overlooked by your neighbours can make you feel like you're constantly being watched, but there are some simple ways to increase privacy. Etched and frosted glass will block other people's view but still let light in, or window film can also be effective.

Hedge Issues

Tall hedges can be great for creating privacy, but they can also keep out the light in neighbouring gardens, so you need to be careful about how high these grow. Other alternatives are to install fencing and have a climbing variety of plant to give it a more appealing finish, or if you have stainless steel wire balustrades in your balcony, you could use shrubs in containers to obscure some of the view.

Have Consideration When Renovating

It can be both exciting and stressful when you're planning renovation work on your property, whether you're building a side extension, converting your loft or having a balcony with stainless steel wire balustrades installed, but don't forget to take your neighbours into consideration. Ensure that they know what work will be carried out and when, and check that it that it's all right if builders need access to their property.

Know Your Boundaries

One of the most contentious issues amongst neighbours can be concerning where the boundary line is, so it's best to understand exactly what land belongs to you. It can be helpful to check this out on the Land Registry deeds before you buy a property and clarify the situation with the neighbours if necessary.

The Problem of Height

Tall blossoming trees are a beautiful feature of the garden, but if they're in a neighbouring property and impinging on your garden, you can trim them back to your boundary. Mention this to your neighbours beforehand, and give back any fruit or branches to pre-empt any issues.

Discuss Extension Plans

If you or your neighbours are planning an extension to the rear of your house, this can cause some concerns about the lack of privacy. Prior to any work starting, it's helpful to discuss the plans to avert any problems arising further into the project. If any issues do crop up, it's worth looking at making amendments to the design that would suit both parties.

Don't Spoil the Fun

If you live in a family neighbourhood, then there will undoubtedly be plenty of children playing outside in the summer months. For those who don't have children this can be noisy at times, but if it becomes too much it's worth talking to your neighbours to bring it to their attention. On the other hand, make sure that your own children act with respect to others in the area and limit the risk of accidents occurring.