FTB - how to reduce outside noise?

EagerLearner

Dear all,

After months of searching, we hope to have finally secured *the* property for us, with an offer accepted 48 hours ago.

The property has been redecorated and has all new kitchen, bathroom and laminate floors... but... it's on one of Brighton's busiest roads to the front (living room affected) and also a side road (bedroom affected). It has double glazing, but as a light sleeper I worry even the light traffic to the side may affect me initially.

Everything else about the flat far outweighs this aspect - as FTB, we're very pleased with it in comparison to other places we've been presented with - but can anyone suggest lowest cost ways to reduce noise?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated - thank you.

EagerLearner(s)

[Deleted User]

Double glazing of course and carpets (or big rugs) to absorbe the vibrations.

Tassotti

ear plugs

put no entry sign at both ends of the road, so you will get no traffic

NervousYetFeisty

And thick curtains.

If the traffic is light on the side road, these might be sufficient (along with the double glazing). Having said that Mr Nervous has never got used to living next to a (very) busy main road and it's one of the main reasons that we're moving. And when it's hot of course, you'll want the windows open. Bring on a living room full of diesel...

My mum also lives right next to a very, very busy road and has triple glazing, which apparently her LL got a grant for (no idea how I'm afraid, but had something to do with Environmental Health).

I hate to be negative though - I'm sure that if this really is *the* property for you, that you'll get over it and if you're quite high up that might help, too. Sounds like you've got pre-move jitters, which is understandable - so have I about our move!

EagerLearner

Thanks guys - I think thick curtains will help us at least in colder weather. Come summer we really won't be able to open the bedroom window, especially because it will be around ankle-height of passers by on the side road (as the side road slopes upwards), so cue a big ol' fan. As realistically winter and cold outweigh summer and warmth here, should be ok. Right now it's an empty flat with laminate flooring - plenty of rugs, sofas and our stuff should minimise it all when we move in... We hope that we'll be able to complete within 6-8 weeks from now, good luck NervousYetFeisty!

Any other inexpensive thoughts most welcome...

EagerLearner(s)

auntywalker2

I think the ear plugs were a serious suggestion to help you sleep. They do help, and you get used to wearing them.

HTH

lynzpower

Carpets. Ive got laminate & you can hear a pin drop. Outside noise ( such as a hellicopter over the back) somehow echoes much more than of there was carpet.

meanmachine_2

Well you *might* get used to the noise.

But personally I attach a very high premium to peace and quiet. I'd gladly accept a poorer quality property on a quiet road over a "luxury" property on a main road.

The problem is, most properties with character - the older ones - will likely be on main roads with little garden at the front.

But yes, as suggested, get rid of the laminate, put down thick carpet, triple glaze etc (don't bother with rubbishy DIY secondary glazing panels).

BlondeHeadOn

For the bedroom in the Summer when it's hot, why not install a ceiling fan over the bed? We did this, bought a ceiling fan which is also a light from B&Q for about £35, and it has 3 settings for the fan. It was one of the best things we ever did, as on hot evenings we have the fan on all night on the medium setting, and it keeps us wonderfully cool at the expense of a rather soothing and very quiet low hum.

Could also be installed in the living room ....

Best of luck on the purchase.
:cool:

BobProperty

One not so cheap solution, and not always possible, is shutters on the windows. Otherwise what has already been said is all good. You can get used to it, says BobProperty, currently about 50m from the London mainline railway.

EagerLearner

Thanks everyone - a perfect excuse for a ceiling fan (or two!). As it's our first property and we haven't got much of a selection in Brighton, we can spend say £500 improving it with carpet at least in bedroom, curtains and a fan.

Can anyone advise on this also - as the property was recently converted (within last 3 months), recently damp-proofed, new-ish boiler etc - do we really need to spend £300-£400 on a survey? I heard that on new-ish properties most people don't do them and just use the banks survey, especially as the surveyors aren't really specialists in gas/electric/damp etc. Would we be better off paying £100 for a qualifies gas man to come and see, and £100 for a qualified electrician? Saves £200...

Any thoughts gratefully received - and BobProperty - respect to you for living near the London mainline!

EagerLearner