A couple have found themselves in a 'tricky' situation after their new neighbours requested they stop construction work until their daughter finishes her exams in three weeks.
Renovation Dilemma
The home they purchased needed a 'complete overhaul', and after many 'stressful' months, they finally 'broke ground' this week. However, the neighbours have now asked them to pause the work, citing their daughter's upcoming exams.
The wife took to Mumsnet to share their dilemma, explaining that while she 'really feels' for the family and wants to maintain friendly relations, postponing the work would cost them £30,000, which they 'simply can't afford'.
She wrote: 'This is such a tricky one for me. We bought a house that needed a complete overhaul a year ago. We've finally gotten through architects, planning permission and trying to find affordable builders etc. It has been stressful. We broke ground this week and the neighbours have asked us to stop until DD [dear daughter] has finished her exams in three weeks.'
'I really feel for the family and can't imagine how upsetting it must be for them at this crucial time (we had no idea they had a child sitting exams this summer). My husband has offered them an office at his work around the corner to facilitate study.'
'I wouldn't mind postponing if it wouldn't cost us £30k to do so as builders are working to a set time frame. I wouldn't even mind the extra costs we'd incur through having to stay in our current accommodation for another month if it weren't for the builders' costs, which we simply can't afford.'
'I'm worried now that we're going to start off on a terrible note with our new neighbours which would be such a shame considering my current neighbours are like family. Are we being unreasonable to continue with the build in these circumstances?'
Online Reactions
One reply read: 'Yeah it's very unfortunate but there other options for her so don't pander to them. They don't rule the street and I doubt would lose £30k for you if the roles were reversed.'
A second said: 'I think your neighbours are extremely cheeky even asking you to hold up your construction work. Your husband's response has been more than reasonable.'
A third chipped in: 'Have you explained to them it would cost you £30k to comply with their request? Surely anyone reasonable is going to see that you couldn't possibly do that. Assuming your builders are obeying regs it won't be early morning and evenings and not weekends. And she can use library at school. It's not ideal and I sympathise - I endured similar during my A levels for different reasons - but they surely can't expect you to shell out £30k. Unless they're gonna pay it.'
A similar comment read: 'They need to buy their daughter some noise cancelling headphones or direct her to the nearest library etc. Life goes on - despite her exams. The world doesn't stop because she is studying. Don't engage with this - her exams - her / their problem to solve - not yours.'
However, arguing a point from the other side, one wrote: 'You've been faffing around for a year from their perspective, then suddenly you want to make their daughter's life harder while you live elsewhere so the noise and disruption doesn't bother you.'
Another said: 'I feel for them as I'd have hated it if my DC [dear child] had the option taken away to study at home or even have a nap after an exam if they'd not slept well etc. I guess you'll have to say no to them though.'
'When you've had kids go through GCSEs or A Levels you understand their point of view more,' said another forum user. 'It's a stressful time without having to be banished from their house due to angle grinders etc.'
