Grayson West
Unlike RVs, where you can change neighbors at will just by driving off, houses are stationary. Being neighbors means you’re stuck next to or around someone without an immediate, zero-cost alternative. Every choice you make, from the color of your front door to how loudly you play your music, can directly or indirectly affect those nearby. Here are 15 home improvements you might be ‘asking for it’ if you have neighbors.
Bright Exterior Paint
Painting your house a bold, bright neon green color can make it stand out, but not always in a good way. Neighbors may find neon hues or overly vibrant shades, an eyesore. Even if you love the look, others may see it as a blight on the neighborhood’s aesthetic, so consider subtle shades that blend well with the surroundings.
Large Lawn Ornaments
Moderation and context are key to maintaining neighborhood peace. Your elaborate artistic expression may clash with the more traditional tastes of those nearby. While some might smile, others could see it as a garish display. Enormous statues, oversized gnomes, or other quirky items can disrupt the visual harmony of the street.
Artificial Turf
Do you remember the saying that ‘sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because it is fake? Well, don’t be that other side that sets fake standards for neighbors. Artificial grass often looks unnatural and feels out of place in a community with thriving gardens.
Tall Fences
Only correctional facilities have glaringly tall fences, and your home isn’t one. Having an abnormally high fence in a residential area can be pretty annoying, as your house just hangs over your neighbors’. While these fences provide privacy for you and your neighbors, they are tall barriers that block views, sunlight, and airflow, creating a sense of confinement.
Outdoor Sound Systems
If you’re tempted to install a yard sound system for all those occasions you have guests over for a party, remember to balance your entertainment needs with respect for others’ comfort. Neighbors may dread your gatherings if they have to endure the booming bass from next door.
Decorative Flags and Banners
While you express your solidarity or patriotism, others might see it as visual noise. Excessive displays can detract from the street’s overall charm. One or two tasteful pieces are usually enough to make your point, but hanging multiple flags or banners on your property can irk neighbors who prefer a cleaner look or do not support your ideologies.
Exterior Lighting Overload
Thoughtful placement and use of motion sensors should be guiding principles when fixing exterior lighting. Adding too many exterior lights can create a problem for those living nearby as they may shine through windows, disrupt sleep, and lead to light pollution, making it difficult for neighbors to enjoy the night sky.
Water Features
Aesthetic preferences vary, and someone else might see your beautiful pond as a swamp. Installing prominent water features like fountains or ponds might not sit well with everyone. Aside from the persistent sounds of running water irritating some, others might worry about mosquitoes breeding in standing water.
Treehouses and Play Structures
The reality of building elaborate treehouses or play structures transcends pleasing your kids, as these structures can obstruct views and invade the privacy of neighboring yards. Kids playing noisily can disrupt the tranquility some seek at home. Placement and scale should be carefully considered to maintain harmony if it must be had.
Vegetable Gardens in Front Yards
The charm of a backyard garden doesn’t always translate well to the front yard. For an unfenced building, growing vegetables in your front yard can constitute a visual nuisance to some. While traditional flower beds in front yards would get you compliments, rows of tomatoes and cucumbers would earn you glares.
Unkempt Lawns
On the flip side of having fake artificial lawns is keeping an unkempt natural lawn. Overgrown grass, weeds, and debris can make your property look abandoned, causing neighbors to worry about their property values dropping. This neglect can also attract unwanted wildlife, increasing the risk of infestations spreading to neighboring homes.
Holiday Decorations All Year Round
Why are the Christmas lights up in March? Keeping holiday decorations up long after the season has ended can annoy your neighbors. Decorations lose their charm and can appear tacky when left out for too long. Moreover, it stops being festive when the season has passed.
Unique Mailboxes
Sometimes, not everyone would love your giant Wizard of Oz-themed mailbox. While you might see your unique or whimsical mailbox as charming, others may see it as extra or tacky. Mailboxes are small but noticeable features that impact curb appeal; therefore, choosing a design that complements the neighborhood style is a safer bet.
Wind Chimes
Installing numerous wind chimes can be peaceful for you but disturbing for others. Sound travels fast, and the constant tinkling sound can become irritating, especially in breezy areas. Some neighbors might find the noise intrusive, particularly if they prefer quiet.
DIY Construction Projects
Saving money by handling big home projects yourself is practical but disruptive. DIY projects require fewer hands on deck, which translates to extended projects. Extended projects can test the patience of those living nearby, who may experience weeks of noise, dust, and debris from the work site.
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