My other fun thing to do in these complexes is this: When riding the lift (what Americans call the elevator!), I say to whomever, once the lift doors shut, “Sorry ’bout the noise—hope we’re not too loud,” regardless of how loud (or not-so-loud) we are. And as long as we are working, I am genuinely apologizing.
Do this for as long as I’ve done it, and you will find that there are only two final outcomes.
The first outcome might go like this:
“Nup, haven't heard a thing” or, “Oh yeah, is that you … OK.” (END)
… or like this …
“Nup, haven't heard a thing” or, “Oh yeah, is that you? What are you doing? … Oh, a beautiful timber floor. OK, no worries, have a good day.” (END)
The second outcome goes like this:
“Nup, haven't heard a thing…” or, “Oh yeah, is that you? What are you doing? … Oh, a beautiful timber floor. Really?! You got a card??” or “Can you come up and look at my place?” or “Wow, can I take a look?” (POTENTIAL JOB)
If you don't work in buildings with multiple tenancy, I’m sure it would not hurt to place a note in some neighbors’ letterboxes “notifying” them of noise and/or sanding works that will be happening on certain dates, and if you’re walking out to the truck, a wave and a “Sorry for the noise!” may yield the same questions as above (just remember do this especially in suburbs you would like more work in). People always want to “keep up with the Joneses,” so to speak.
