Backyard Improvements That May Annoy Neighbors

Beautiful backyards are an important feature in the high-end suburban market. Buyer’s nesting instincts include creating fun and entertaining landscapes for family and friends.

Sometimes, features that are exciting to the homeowner can create problems for neighbors, including:

Sports courts – Keep reasonable hours. Even if you have nocturnal kids and outdoor lighting, no one wants to hear a basketball slapping the pavement at 2:00 a.m.

Decorative lighting for evening parties – be sure it doesn’t glow like an airport runway or into a neighbor’s window.

Generators – while necessary to combat power outages during storms, they can be noisy.

– Amy Mizner, Benoit Mizner Simon