The Cons of Living in a Duplex
The Cons of a Shared Wall
A duplex is either connected at the garages or living spaces of the home, and in any case shared wall issues can be a problem and is one of the cons, especially when buying the home. When the gutters and downspouts require cleaning it takes a combined effort, and if the neighbors just a wall away are not cooperative, you might end up with eaves troughs filled with leaves, tiny trees, and layers of other debris that could eventually bring them down. When you own a duplex you might think you will never have to deal with your neighbor, but it is often necessary when home repair or maintenance issues become necessary, and getting alone is of the utmost importance.
Siding can also be considered one of the major cons when thinking of purchasing a duplex. When a wall is shared it is necessary for the homeowner to obtain written permission from the connecting homeowner before completing any siding changes. This is most definitely one of the cons, but after all, you would not want to come home and discover that your neighbor painted their side of the duplex blue when your side is green. This might sound like an unlikely scenario, but even if the color is off by one or two shades, you or your neighbor might not be happy.
The condition of the roof is also a concern and most certainly one of the cons when considering the purchase of a duplex. When the roof requires replacement the neighbor might not be willing or able to come up with their share of the expense, and when only half of a connected roof is replaced it will look different, even if the same shingles are used. Shingles can change in color as they age, and different lot numbers of the same style and color might not go well together. The ending result will be a connected roof that does not look the same on both sides of the duplex, and this is one of the cons.
Driveway Cons
If duplex driveways are connected, some of the same issues regarding shared walls and shared roofing can be a problem and is one of the cons of duplex living. If your neighbor parks a semi truck in the driveway you can count on having to replace the driveway much sooner than expected. Worst of all, the neighbor might not have the money to make the necessary repairs let alone completely replace or repave the driveway, even if they caused the damage.
A neighbor with kids could be a concern for some. Kids riding their bikes or scooters or playing ball in a shared driveway might damage parked vehicles, and they might not stay on their side. Conscientious and considerate neighbors would not allow their kids to play on both sides of the driveway, but as most people know, not everyone is considerate toward neighbors, and this is one of the major cons of living in a duplex with a shared driveway.
The Cons Concerning Problem Neighbors
Those who do not keep up their side of the duplex are not the only concern or cons of living in a duplex. Many more cons exist when it comes to neighbors. My neighbor is a very thoughtful and considerate individual, but what if she decides to move? When living in a duplex the neighbor sharing your wall might not stay, and the change might not be for the better. I can get along with anyone, and I am tactful with difficult people, but the chance of someone moving in that might be too difficult to tolerate is a real concern.
Trespassing Cons
I instruct my kids not to play in my neighbor’s yard. Even though we share a wall, we do not share a yard, and allowing the kids to play in her yard would be no different than allowing them to play in any neighbor’s yard. This is one of the biggest cons of living in a duplex. You might end up with a neighbor who feels privileged to use the entire yard, and as previously mentioned, not everyone instructs their kids to stay on their side.
The Cons Concerning Noise
Noise is a concern in any neighborhood, but when a wall is attached noise can be more of a problem than ever. Having connecting garages is preferred to connecting living spaces because excessive noise is generally less of an issue. Connecting living areas is one of the major cons of choosing a duplex, and like an apartment, neighbors might be heard slamming doors, running up the stairs, moving heavy furniture, or in a worst-case scenario, neighbors might be heard continually roughhousing or arguing.
Consider the cons of living in a duplex very carefully before making a final decision. For many people it is a great way to live, and they would not have it any other way. I love my new neighbor, and I love my duplex home. I plan to enjoy many years in my new duplex, and I hope I never experience the cons of duplex living.
