The City Centre Mirror

It's a matter of common courtesy. These neighbours are going to suffer through the noise and the dust so it's better to be on good terms with them before the work starts. No one wants to fight with their neighbours; I would avoid this at all costs.

Here are the main issues to discuss with your neighbour:

- A detailed description of construction taking place;

- Time lines for construction;

- Dust and noise;

- Access onto other people's properties;

- Location of disposal bin;

- Parking situation and additional cars/trucks on the street;

- Construction debris/materials on the street;

- Borrowed power for machinery or water access;

- Property survey.

Having a property survey handy during the construction process and knowing where your property boundaries are is a great help in preventing arguments with your neighbours.

If you do not have this document you can obtain a survey plan showing your lot lines by calling a surveying company. Your neighbours will have their own survey plans so be sure that you are not building on their property. If you do need access to their property make them aware of when and how often access is necessary by asking permission in advance.

Treat your neighbours in accordance with how you would like to be treated. Often a five-minute conversation with your neighbour before the landscape construction takes place will mean a more efficient construction process without delays, complaints or arguments.

Call before you dig

Ontario One Call Ltd. is a not-for-profit corporation that locates underground services such as gas pipelines, electrical services, telephone and cable TV as well as water and sewer connections.

It is a free service for excavators and homeowners. Its website is www.on1call.com and the phone number is 1-800-400-2255. Call this service in advance, especially in the spring when many landscaping projects start. It makes life a lot easier for everyone when the construction process runs smoothly.

Take these essential steps by keeping an open dialogue with your neighbours, obtaining a survey plan and contacting Ontario One Call.

A small token of your appreciation such as a potted plant with a hand-written note also helps make good neighbours great.

Marilyn Pomer is a landscape designer for Greenescape Designs Inc. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail Marilyn at marilyn@greenescape.ca