Poor Sound Insulation Solution

united4ever

In a new flat which is fine except for one thing. We get quite a bit of sound from the flat above. It's not really unreasonable what they are doing to be fair - just there footsteps sound like a small elephant is up there (but you can't complain about them walking in there own apartment). When they have there washing machine on we hear this clicking sound which I guess is the vibrations travelling down. Also we can hear the noise from the TV - not really loudly or clearly but irritatingly enough.

Went up to complain one night which was particularly noisy and they were nice enough and turned the tv off straight away (I only asked them to turn it down and it was 1am).

Anyway, we have a one year guarantee on the flat from the builders for any defects etc. This guarantee runs out in October. Do you think there is any way we can ask the builders to come and have a look at it? I know they have a laminate floor. I guess they have to have some membrane under that to prevent the sound travelling. How do you think they would respond if we asked them to come and look at it and what would be the best aopproach bearing in mind it would be looking at the flooring in the flat above us which is rented and I assume they have no problems with it.

We've had a few snags which the builders have come out to fix with varying degrees of professionalism/enthusiasm. Do I have any case here or should I just accept that it's part of living in a flat?

swake

This problem you have will only get more frustrating and annoying the longer it goes on. I have built and been responsible for building 1000s of flats in the last 10 years and if you are experiencing serious sound issues there may be problems within the construction of the flat itself.

Firstly i would contact the builder and ask whether or not a sound test was conducted in the apartment. If one has ask for a copy of the report. If it hasnt i would pursue the builder at their expense to perform one.

There are a number of ways to dampen the sound from one unit to another but a majority of cases are poor/inadequate insulation. If you can ascertain the transference levels and they are deemed inappropiate then you have a stronger position with getting the developer to remedy it. Unfortunetly in my experience they are messy and will inconvience you.

If you dont get any joy from the builder regarding reports i would pay to have someone conduct the test on your behalf. There are many guidelines from NHBC stating about acceptable levels on noise.

Assuming you have plasterboard ceilings you could also cut a small inspection hole in the ceiling to establish whether or not the insulation is correctly installed. Also speak with neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same issues. Ive found in the past that these kind of problems of poor workmanship are not isolated and effect more than one property as they are generally done by the same operatives.

Sorry to sound a bit doom and gloom but these kind of problems will only become more of an irritation in the future. I wish you well in your new flat.

nickysingh

Hey swake, i have also bought a newbuild recently and have asked the builder to provide a copy of the soundproofing test just so that i can have my peace of mind. Is there any other documentation that is not provided by default that i should ask for and is good to have?

Thanks

swake

Hi nicky

Not all flats are tested after construction if any at all on certain developments. Ive seen 1 in 4 tested and up to 1 in 20 on other sites. Im not sure of the requirements imposed on contractors to carry out tests but i will ask and friend and get back to you.

I have had a fair amount of experience with aftersales and some include NHBC documentation in their move in packs but generally there isnt a lot of technical information included ,otherthan operational manuals for appliances etc. Again builders vary in what they give you greatly. With some your lucky if you just get the keys.

Providing you have done an extensive snag of any defects and you are happy with their attempt to remedy any problems you dont really need anything else. Make sure you have some form of contract/document regarding either a 6month/1year review of property so that any future issues can be resolved.

Good luck with your new flat/house.

united4ever

swake wrote: »

This problem you have will only get more frustrating and annoying the longer it goes on. I have built and been responsible for building 1000s of flats in the last 10 years and if you are experiencing serious sound issues there may be problems within the construction of the flat itself.

Firstly i would contact the builder and ask whether or not a sound test was conducted in the apartment. If one has ask for a copy of the report. If it hasnt i would pursue the builder at their expense to perform one.

There are a number of ways to dampen the sound from one unit to another but a majority of cases are poor/inadequate insulation. If you can ascertain the transference levels and they are deemed inappropiate then you have a stronger position with getting the developer to remedy it. Unfortunetly in my experience they are messy and will inconvience you.

If you dont get any joy from the builder regarding reports i would pay to have someone conduct the test on your behalf. There are many guidelines from NHBC stating about acceptable levels on noise.

Assuming you have plasterboard ceilings you could also cut a small inspection hole in the ceiling to establish whether or not the insulation is correctly installed. Also speak with neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same issues. Ive found in the past that these kind of problems of poor workmanship are not isolated and effect more than one property as they are generally done by the same operatives.

Sorry to sound a bit doom and gloom but these kind of problems will only become more of an irritation in the future. I wish you well in your new flat.

Thank you. I will take your advice and call them to ascertain if a sound test was conducted. I fI can't get them to do it, who would be a suitable contractor to perform the sound test on my behalf and then how much roughly would it cost? Presumably then, If the person I employ to carry out this sound test carries it out and it's found to be inadequate I can request the builders to remedy the situation.

I suspect I would need to have the neighbours upstairs at home when the tester comes which might be a bit awkward to arrange. Would the tester need access to the apartment upstairs?

Also, I assume this doesn't all have to be resolved within the twelve month guarantee period? As long as I've reported the problem well before twelve months it's still valid I guess?

Thanks again.

swake

Hi United
The test is under a control its conducted with 2 pieces of apparatus 1 that emits a noise and 1 that registers it so your neighbours would have to be in to allow the company access to there property. Assuming they will allows this. I dont seem why they shouldnt as any upgrade on the insulation would be mutually beneficial.

As far as which company to use as long as they are independant it shouldnt matter. It would be a simple enough excercise to research out a couple of firms in your area. Then a quick google of any company should do the trick.

Regarding cost it will depend on where you are in the country and how extensive the report is. My guestimate would be anywhere between £150 -300 but i have never had to pay for one.I would definetly get your skates on i personally would ideally want any issue to be resolved within the aftersales period.

Where you to find high levels of transference a good start would be to consult your sound engineers as im sure they would point you in the right direction. Also contact the NHBC and your builder for how they wish to procede.

This can be a tricky situation i rectified poor workmanship on a large site on the millenium village in greenwich. Im sure if you search and have a read it could shed some further light on things.

Of course you should also consider if you are being unreasonable yourself. Before doing anything have you invited some friends/relatives to stay and asked their HONEST opinion. It would be wise to get some free comments from people you trust before taking any action that could cost you something.

I do understand how you feel though other peoples noise drives me crazy but i am known for being intollerent for that kind of thing.

Good luck though United

Mutton_Geoff

Check your lease as well. They often have a clause that insists on carpet on the floors to avoid annoying the downstairs neighbour.