ACROSS AMERICA — “Power tools should have mufflers.”

That’s the view of Lucia, a Harrison (New York) Patch and Stamford (Connecticut) Patch reader who was among 120 readers who answered our informal survey on when it’s too early to start using loud power tools on weekends for Block Talk, our exclusive neighborhood etiquette column

Lucia doesn’t think it’s too much to ask that neighbors hold off until at least 9 o’clock in the morning to start their noisy do-it-yourself project, or that they knock off by 3 p.m.

“Six hours is enough,” Lucia said.

The consensus in our informal survey, generally, is that if you start loud power tools before 6 a.m., you’re a jerk. You may still be a jerk if you start at 7, but many readers said they can live with that. Waiting until 8 is preferable, but if you keep sawing and hammering and drilling past sunset, you can line up behind the daybreak jerks.

In Steve’s mind, weekend DIYers with loud tools are all jerks, regardless of the hour they start or quit.

If they know the project is going to be noisy, they should take PTO and get it done while the neighbors are away from home at their jobs, the New Berlin (Wisconsin) Patch reader said.

“Or is that the time you have scheduled for your own quiet time to rest and relax?” Steve said. “Be considerate of your neighbors.”

‘DYIers Work Full Time, Too’

Ann, a Levittown (Pennsylvania) Patch reader, doesn’t let it bother her.

“Everyone works long hours and wants to make the most out of their weekend,” Ann said.

“It’s awesome that more people are getting back into DIY projects, becoming ‘makers’ and exploring new crafts,” said Glendora (California) Patch reader Michael, who thinks 8 a.m.-10 p.m. are “very reasonable” hours for DIY projects involving loud tools.

Jud said there’s no such thing as too early or too late for power tool use.

“Like a good neighbor, I just mind my own business and try to help them,” the Concord (New Hampshire) Patch reader said.

Look at it this way, said Mike, a Connecticut reader: The earlier the hum of power tools starts, the earlier it’s likely to end.

“DIYers … probably work full-time jobs, too, and they are just as tired as everyone else, but still get up to take care of their homes,” the Brookfield Patch, New Milford Patch and Danbury Patch reader said.

Mike doesn’t want to hear power tools anytime before 7 o’clock in the morning and thinks the cutoff time should be around 9 or 10 o’clock at night.

Woodbury (Minnesota) Patch reader Junie said her town’s ordinance establishes 10 p.m.-6 p.m. as “quiet time,” but thinks 8 a.m. is a good compromise for weekends.

“I wouldn’t be upset if neighbors were having contractor work done and it started before that,” Junie added. “Sometimes, you’re on someone else’s timetable and as long as it wasn’t occurring for more than a couple of weeks, it’s something I would deal with.”

Anytime between 7 a.m.-5 p.m. sounds about right, but 6 a.m. is too early, West Chester (Pennsylvania) Patch reader Laura said.

“It’s annoying,” she added, “but presumably saws wouldn't be used every weekend, only for a major project.”

‘Another Earthquake’?

Annabelle, a Branford (Connecticut) Patch reader, thinks “weekend power tool and equipment noise sucks,” but concedes it’s OK between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Morristown (New Jersey) Patch reader Beth just won’t put up with people who violate her town’s noise ordinance that prohibits loud power tool use before 9 a.m.

“If I hear it, I call the cops. Who wants coffee on the deck ruined?” Beth said. “Same goes for evenings. No one likes a barbecue ruined by some stupid saw or leaf blower.”

Beth added that she is “looking forward to ordinances demanding batteries instead of gas.”

Sylvie, who reads Astoria-Long Island City Patch and Queens Patch in New York City, wasn’t sure what to think when her house began vibrating early on a recent morning.

“This weekend, my neighbor started using his power tools at 7 a.m. and my whole house, which is attached on both sides, was vibrating so much I thought we were having another earthquake,” said Sylvie, who thinks reasonable hours for power tool use are 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

She added, “People should speak with/inform their neighbors of their intentions before beginning construction and should provide the work times and schedule.”

In Massachusetts. Holliston-Hopkinton Patch reader Anne thinks anytime before 9 a.m. is too early for noisy power tools.

“Let people enjoy a quiet morning with open windows, and shut down by 7 p.m.,” Anne said. “Think about how noise carries. Think about your neighbors and what you are expecting them to put up with. It’s common courtesy.”

Seminole Heights (Florida) Patch reader Rudy thinks it’s rude to fire up the power tools any time before 10 a.m. on weekends. Rudy’s neighbor restored wooden windows, first as a hobby and then full time. The noise never stopped, not even on Christmas Day, Rudy said.

“You couldn't enjoy your back yard or entertain without the constant noise,” Rudy said. “I don’t know how much money he made but, he was a big nuisance. So glad he moved to New Mexico.”

Not all annoying neighbors move away. Try not to alienate them by complaining about their loud home improvement projects, because “they’ll still be there once your project is completed,” said Across America Patch reader J.N.

But J.N. thinks DIYers have an obligation, too.

“If you can do the quieter tasks first, always start the day with those, pushing those requiring power tools until later, if possible,” the reader said.

“In promoting mutual respect among neighbors, it would seem that loud power tools should be utilized with consideration for the proximity of others’ living quarters,” said Patch reader Marte. “If you know that I work late and sleep in most mornings and our houses are only a few feet apart, it would seem respectful and decent to not be blasting near my bedroom in the early [mornings].”

Marte added, “If it is absolutely necessary to use loud equipment very early or very late in the day — and it should be limited — it would be appreciated by a nearby neighbor to be informed of your intentions and a friendly agreement should be met. Mutual respect promotes ideal neighbors.”

Tiverton-Little Compton (Rhode Island) Patch reader Jan agrees.

“When you know neighbors well, you should inform them in advance of any noisy work like replacing a roof, resurfacing a driveway, etc.,” Jan said. “Ask if they have any outdoor activities such as an annual family gathering or cookout, and if possible, schedule work for another day.”

Jan thinks an 8 a.m. start time is reasonable, and said that, “if possible,” work should begin with the last noisy project. Sunset is good time to stop working, Jan said.

Bugsy, a Stratford (Connecticut) Patch reader, is an early riser, but thinks 9 a.m. is the absolute earliest time noisy projects should start on weekends.

“Morning should be quiet,” Bugsy said. “Considerate neighbors are appreciated. I understand one-time occasions, like a backyard wedding. But overall, we have to share our world with others.”

Prospect Heights-Crown Heights (New York) Patch reader Amber thinks loud tool use before 11 a.m. is rude. “I would say the same time frame should be observed for starting a vacuum on the weekends,” Amber said.

Meg, an Illinois Patch reader, said it’s important for DYIers to be considerate on weekends of their immediate neighbors “are ill, or someone is there on home hospice, or any highly emotional event is going on, like a wedding.”

“You would want the same courtesy — think of ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you.’ It’s really important to respect others, even when it may occasionally disrupt your plans, because it will all come out even in the end.”

Rancho Santa Margarita (California) Patch reader Sam thinks 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. is OK, but added, “I would rather hear power tools than the bass of music.”

Ridgefield (Connecticut) Patch Joe would rather hear power tools, too.

“My neighbors converted their garage into a kids’ and aging dads’ band practice/jam session studio that goes on until 10 p.m.,” Joe said. “While I am a fan of music and musicians, I’d like to enjoy the sound of the woodland birds and nature or read a book outdoors, but the electric guitars and drumming makes it impossible for me to enjoy.”

Lisa, who reads Barnstable-Hyannis (Massachusetts) Patch and Cape Cod Patch in Massachusetts, agrees with that.

“I also think these neighbors should turn off their loud music and go inside to continue their parties/socialization by 9:30-10 p.m. so as not to disturb neighbors, their children and pets,” Lisa said. “With firecrackers. 9:30 is the latest they should be finished annoying everyone and their pets around them”

Lake Elsinore-Wildomar (California) Patch reader Chris has some druthers, too.

“I’d rather hear power tools over my neighbor’s four great Danes barking nonstop every weekend,” said Chris, who said loud power tool use should “definitely not start before 6 a.m., ideally not before 7 a.m., and would ideally not continue after 8 p.m. and definitely not after 10 p.m.”

Rockville (Maryland) Patch reader Emily said that, ideally, power tool use wouldn’t start before 7 a.m. or continue after past 8 p.m., but there are worse annoyances to overcome.

“I’d much rather hear someone’s power tools than smell weed, cigarettes, pipes, or vapes any time of day,” said

About Block Talk

Block Talk is an exclusive Patch series on neighborhood etiquette — and readers provide the answers. If you have a topic you'd like for us to consider, email [email protected] with “Block Talk” as the subject line.