1970s semis - What Is Sound Proofing Like?

kittykatkat

We are considering offering on a 1970s semi. We usually look at older properties as they're usually better looking, better built and with bigger gardens. This has a nice garden and not too bad looking, if a little bland. Room sizes are decent, but what is the sound likely to be like between the party wall? I grew up in a 1920s semi and apart from the odd bump with diy it was like being detached. I'd hate hearing voices, coughs, etc, or being conscious they could hear us.

Also does anyone have a rough idea of sound proofing costs per room on one wall, eg. hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands?!

knightstyle

At least with a semi you only have one side to worry about. Some neighbors a while ago soundproofed their house by sticking plasterboard with a soundproof layer stuck on the back, they simply put dabs of glue on the wall and stuck the sheets to it. Then they had it plastered. No idea of cost but they did it all themselves except the plastering.

Helen1971

I grew up in a 1970s semi. Our neighbours raised their voices a lot, so we knew most of their business without trying! The only consolatory thing I can say to you is that new build places are much worse......

SailorSam

My last house was a 70s semi and when i described to anyone where i lived, i said it's a Wimpey Rubbish. You could hear everything that went on next door.

kittykatkat

Not sounding too good then. It is all brick, no wooden cladding. The party wall visible in the loft is breeze block.

SailorSam

The interior walls, not between me and next door but between the rooms were plasterboard with a sort of egg box in between.

pinkshoes

Helen1971 wrote: »

I grew up in a 1970s semi. Our neighbours raised their voices a lot, so we knew most of their business without trying! The only consolatory thing I can say to you is that new build places are much worse......

:rotfl:

I live in a 1970s semi, and I can tell you what channel the neighbours are watching, can hear them moving their dining chairs out to eat, and can hear them going up and down stairs.

I miss my build flat SO much, which had excellent sound insullation, and despite having neighbours both sides and below, I didn't hear a thing!

Don't tar all new build with the same brush!

tbs624

kittykatkat wrote: »

I'd hate hearing voices, coughs, etc, or being conscious they could hear us.

.. in which case a 70s semi will not be a happy place for you to live.

yanda

pinkshoes wrote: »

I miss my build flat SO much, which had excellent sound insullation, and despite having neighbours both sides and below, I didn't hear a thing!

Don't tar all new build with the same brush!

Same here, lived in a new build semi and didn't hear a peep out of next door, now living in a victorian semi and hear everything.

davidlizard

Much can depend on the lay out.

The house I was bought up in had the hallways and landing on the party wall, which helps keep noise down greatly as the lounges are separated by three walls not one.

My first house I bought has the lounges adjacent, so noise had less walls to propagate through.

A lot though does depend on how considerate your neighbours are, which is something you have very little control over.

dickydonkin

knightstyle wrote: »

At least with a semi you only have one side to worry about. Some neighbors a while ago soundproofed their house by sticking plasterboard with a soundproof layer stuck on the back, they simply put dabs of glue on the wall and stuck the sheets to it. Then they had it plastered. No idea of cost but they did it all themselves except the plastering.

That 'solution' would not have made the slightest bit of difference.

It is vital that a structure fitted for sound proofing must have no contact with the party wall as the sound will just reverberate through it.

There are solutions available however - but I would suggest it is done professionally.

From experience, it is not pleasant listening to next doors activities (particularly sexual ones), arguments and private discussions through a wafer thin badly build party wall.

As another poster correctly stated, if occupants on either side of the party wall are considerate, then you have no major issues - however, not all neighbours are considerate unfortunately.

Same here, lived in a new build semi and didn't hear a peep out of next door, now living in a victorian semi and hear everything.

I understand that new structures now have to satisfy building regulations in respect of sound insulation.