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July 29, 2008
Living next door to a construction site
I was wondering what the general opinion was about buying an apartment next door to a pending construction site. We are considering buying a place that is physically next to what is going to be a new condo building. The place is great, but I have no idea what to expect when the construction begins.
Has anyone lived directly next door to a construction site, and how badly did this affect your quality of life? Thanks in advance.
Comments
Just keep in mind that construction should last less than 2 years. It'll be hard while it's under construction, but if you plan to stay long term, that should be the least of your issues.
Posted by: spanishfish at July 29, 2008 11:24 PM
I'd use it to negotiate the price. then you'd be getting paid for the annoyance.
Posted by: slick at July 30, 2008 3:33 AM
Too many variables. Don't want to be a downer but there's noise, there's potential for light obstruction in the back, and aesthetic crapitude in the front. All can impact you. Me, I wouldn't buy with so many unknowns, but if it's a great place, play hardball? Good luck!
Posted by: Johnny at July 30, 2008 9:12 AM
If you have a 9-to-5 schedule, it may not be too bad, as the work is done mostly during those hours. I have heard that once a new condo goes up the home price in the surrounding neighborhood will also increase (Does anyone know if this is true?). If you love the place it may be worth negotiating the price, as others suggested.
Posted by: snickers at July 30, 2008 9:35 AM
Agree that if you work 9-5 not a big deal. Real noise is when pile driving at beginning of project. Once shell of building is up very little you will notice except for truck deliveries.
Posted by: Petebklyn at July 30, 2008 10:57 AM
I don't know, folks. It's a lot of noise. Generally starts at 7 in the morning, and if they do illegal work on Sat/Sun or there's a variance, you're screwed. It's a pretty big nightmare. Tons of dust, plus unknown effects on your own building -- worst case scenario things like undermining the foundation. Lots of rats. I think all of the above posts are putting too cheery a face on it.
I wouldn't do it.
Posted by: Desi at July 30, 2008 4:08 PM
Some people like construction. I'm one. But since not everyone does, as slick says, use it to get a better price. When it's done, you'll be next to a nice new building that will positively impact your investment.
Posted by: denton at July 30, 2008 4:13 PM
Thanks everyone for your feedback. There are some mixed feelings, which is exactly what we are feeling. It didn't even occur to me that they could do illegal work on the weekend, but I suppose that is a real possibility. We're also concerned with possible structural damage that could be done while they are building next to the party wall.
In hindsight, I suppose this is why this particular place is still on the market, while similar places were snatched up rather quickly.
Posted by: seahag21 at July 30, 2008 10:22 PM
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