Don’t be the noisy neighbour

Source: Web exclusive: July 2008

Noisy neighbours can be just as irritating as nosy neighbours—maybe even more so. Here are some helpful hints to make sure you don’t become one of "them."

• Home improvements. If you’ve hired a contractor for renovations, then they should be aware of your city’s by-laws about the appropriate times to work, due to the potential for noisy disturbances. Many cities allow the noise to begin at 7 a.m. If, however, you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, then adhering to the city by-laws or working after 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. will keep most neighbours happy.
• Home entertainment. Maybe you enjoy your surround sound, but your neighbours may not appreciate your penchant for ABBA as much as you do. Keeping the volume down at night will have your neighbours minding their own business.
• Home appliances. If you live in a condo, semi-detached, townhouse, apartment or in any other arrangement where you share your walls or floors with someone else, doing something as simple as laundry could drive your neighbours up the wall. Try to run the washer, dryer, dishwasher and vacuum cleaner after 8 a.m. and before 8 p.m.—and definitely not late into the night. If you can postpone some of those chores until the weekend, all the better.
• Your pets. You love your little Snowball; he’s been with you through thick and thin. However, leaving him unattended in your front yard may not be the best bet for you and your precious. Whether he’s barking in delight, invitation or just to say hello, the noise may cause public security to show up at your door. Spending time outdoors with your pet will keep him happy and well-behaved under your watchful eye.

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