Neighbors asking the cost of renovations -- do you tell?

[Anonymous]

I would have no issue telling them. I don't care if the neighbors know I spent 100k on a kitchen reno. Hopefully they will too and our property values will go up.

[Anonymous]

What all was involved in the redo of your back yard? I think if it is plainly visible to your neighbors they are going to ask questions.

We had neighbors ask how much it cost to replace roof/siding/windows and various other things around our house. We told them.

[Anonymous]

I don't respond to rude questions. The neighbors can get their own damn estimates.

[Anonymous]

I would tell.

Honestly, who cares? What neighborhoods do you all live in that you are all so catty and afraid of what the neighbors think?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't ask, because I know some people are touchy about such things. I would not mind being asked and would tell, but we are not richer than our neighbors (quite the opposite), so I know nobody would be unduly impressed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would have no issue telling them. I don't care if the neighbors know I spent 100k on a kitchen reno. Hopefully they will too and our property values will go up.

Refreshing. I don't understand the weird coy to paranoid answers on here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would have no issue telling them. I don't care if the neighbors know I spent 100k on a kitchen reno. Hopefully they will too and our property values will go up.

Refreshing. I don't understand the weird coy to paranoid answers on here.

Same here. I'm not going to go around saying, "Hey, come look at my backyard! I just spent $20k on it! Doesn't it look great?" but if someone asks, sure, why not tell them?

[Anonymous]

"I'm comfortable with what we spent. They did a good job. Do you want their contact information?"

I live in a heavily gentrified area but have lived here forever. If I told you what we paid, you'd have a seizure. So, I'm not sure how people would respond. It would be far too much or way too little, depending on who asked. Since every house is different, a neighbor may not get the same pricing. I don't think it would be helpful in my situation unless I knew the neighbor and her house well. Even then, I don't see a straight answer going well.

I've shared pricing with my brother and he was rather dismissive. I basically upgraded my entire home for half of what he spent on landscaping his backyard.

I'd share a bathroom remodel with anybody. Funny that.

[Anonymous]

Our neighborhood was built in the 40s and there are covenants so no tear downs. We are all constantly sharing information about contractors and projects - including costs. It's really helpful information.

[Anonymous]

We're about to do a very major renovation ($1.2mln budget). My plan is to speak very broadly, and also just explain how things cost more than expected.. like "Damn, did you know in MoCo you have to pay a tree tax if you don't plant X trees on the lot? Then you have to get a sediment control plan and just that costs over $10k in engineer fees..." just to deflect the question. Our renovation could be done for half the price if we used lower-grade materials and didn't do certain details that aren't readily visible (reinforced top floor so we can add an addition on top of that later -- tied to an area with a provision for an elevator shaft).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: He ended the conversation abruptly and now I feel like things are awkward.

Maybe he was hoping to do something similar to you, and now realizes that sadly it's out of his budget. Next time you see him, feel free to ask him what he ended up deciding to do for his yard. You shared with him; he can share with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're about to do a very major renovation ($1.2mln budget). My plan is to speak very broadly, and also just explain how things cost more than expected.. like "Damn, did you know in MoCo you have to pay a tree tax if you don't plant X trees on the lot? Then you have to get a sediment control plan and just that costs over $10k in engineer fees..." just to deflect the question. Our renovation could be done for half the price if we used lower-grade materials and didn't do certain details that aren't readily visible (reinforced top floor so we can add an addition on top of that later -- tied to an area with a provision for an elevator shaft).

Well, you can give details on here anonymously. It sounds wonderful (rubs hands together). Sorry, love to hear about grand projects!

[Anonymous]

I agree - a neighbor asking sure I'd tell. I mean maybe they are inspired and seeing your house got the wheels turning for home improvement.

I have sunk way more into my neighbor who has put zippo into her home. It's good to know that she had done nothing - because now I know I should stop - as her home will be used as a comp for mine one day even though mine has been updated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I woudl if I thought they were asking because thus wanted to do something similar. I wouldn't if I just thought they were being nosy.

this!

I have no problem telling people what we spent if they are thinking of doing something similar. A neighbor recently commented on how much they love the landscaping in front of our house. I had no problem telling him who did it and how much it was (it was not expensive at all and made a huge impact on curb appeal, something other neighbors houses could use).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would tell.

Honestly, who cares? What neighborhoods do you all live in that you are all so catty and afraid of what the neighbors think?

This. It's reminding me of a ridiculous movie that I can't put my finger on.