Survey: Nearly 70% of Residents Affected by Nearby Demolition Cite 'Terrible Noise,' While 28% Received No Prior Notice

What kind of impact does it have on our lives when demolition work suddenly begins on a neighboring house or building across the street? Demolition can generate noise, dust, and vibrations. If prior explanations are insufficient, it often leads to trouble with local residents. In response, NEXER Inc., in collaboration with Rinkeiji Co., Ltd., conducted a survey on 'Demolition Work and Neighborhood Troubles' from May 7 to May 14, 2026, targeting 500 men and women nationwide.

According to the survey, 16.4% of respondents, or about one in six people, said they had experienced demolition work near their homes.

When those who had this experience were asked what troubled or displeased them during the construction, the most common answer was 'terrible noise' at 69.5%. This was followed by 'bothered by vibrations' (47.6%) and 'road closures/traffic restrictions' (20.7%), with complaints directly affecting daily life ranking highest.

Regarding whether there was a greeting or explanation from the contractor before the demolition, 28.0% reported receiving a 'polite greeting and explanation of the work.' However, an equal percentage, 28.0%, reported receiving 'no greeting or explanation at all.' This result suggests a wide variation in how contractors handle neighborhood relations. Another 23.2% received 'only a flyer/written notice,' and 17.1% reported a 'simple greeting with insufficient explanation.' While some respondents felt that 'noise and vibrations are tolerable if there is a greeting and explanation beforehand,' others expressed dissatisfaction, stating 'the explanation was insufficient' or 'I was surprised to be informed so suddenly.'

When all respondents were asked what they would consider the most important consideration for neighbors if they were to commission demolition work themselves, 'a polite pre-construction greeting and explanatory visit' was the top answer at 36.4%. This was followed by 'post-construction cleaning and restoration' (18.4%) and 'use of methods and equipment to reduce noise/vibrations' (12.2%). Because it's difficult to completely eliminate noise and vibrations in demolition, it seems people recognize that a thorough prior explanation is crucial for alleviating the anxieties and complaints of neighbors.

Finally, when asked if they had ever seen or heard of demolition-related troubles affecting subsequent neighborhood relationships, a large majority, 82.0%, answered 'I don't know of any specific cases where it had an impact.' However, it seems some people have had experiences, as one response began, 'As a neighbor myself...' (Original text ends here).