My excellent neighbours (on the other side of my semi) talked to me about it, showed me the plans, told me about time frames and asked if I wanted to meet with their architect with any questions. I didn’t. I trust them. They did the work themselves and it took between 3-6 months. They wouldn’t start until 10 a.m. and would stop by 7 p.m. It was fine.
The other neighbours (on the other side of me - good times) didn’t say ANYTHING to anyone, moved out, went to Europe (we’re in Canada) and the entire house was gutted and under construction for TWO YEARS.
The doctor thought I was actually having a heart attack and sent me to the hospital because it was SO stressful (walking up to 6 guys a few inches away from my bedroom window with no warning at 6 a.m. on a weekday) and I started having sleep problems as a result. So yeah some small reno, no problem. Major construction that affects sleep/sanity? I’d say it’s a courtesy to let someone know.