Everybody needs good neighbours, but maybe never more so than when you are planning to build or renovate your home. The noise, disruption and potential loss of privacy or views can cause anxiety, delays and problems - some of which may never be resolved - so it is important to talk to them about your plans.
Under most State and local council laws, neighbours have certain rights which protect them from inappropriate development and nuisance during a building project.
Keeping the neighbours informed about your building work is sensible and can help avoid problems before, during and after you have built. They are entitled to view any development building application documentation that is being advertised for the purpose of obtaining development or building approval - your local council will usually manage this process.
A site sign for the building project must be displayed in an easily seen location, providing details of the building permit, the building surveyor who issued it and the builder responsible for the work.
Victorian Building Commissioner, Tony Arnel, advises that while neighbours can obtain this information from these sources, problems are often overcome by providing them in person.
"Sometimes you may even need to have your neighbour on side to obtain a permit", Mr Arnel said.
"This could be the case if your design means that your proposed building project may overlook their place."
Building Regulations provide protection for neighbouring properties. You may be required to undertake protection work to ensure your neighbour's property is not damaged during building work.
Neighbours should never be unduly inconvenienced by building work. Most State and council laws also set out requirements covering construction processes that protect the community from unsafe pathways and road and building sites.
"If a neighbour makes a complaint to council about your building project this may result in an inspection of your building work", Mr Arnel said.
"That's why it is important to know what is expected and what you need to do to ensure it complies with regulations."
If the project meets building and planning requirements, you are well on the way to avoiding possible issues.
