New Build Property Noise Problems and Crabtree Property Management

bartmatt

Hello,

My girlfriend bought a new build ground floor flat in January 2013 in Grays, Essex.

The property was bought through Fairview and the management company is Crabtree.

The problem we have is that, we can hear a lot of impact sound from the flat directly above. It sounds like someone is constantly walking about. I have spoken to the above owners who are very nice people whom said that there not banging or doing anything on purpose. We think that it may be due to either no underlay, sound proofing or structural issues. Cant think of anything else it could be.

We personally dont think that the owners above are doing anything either but we think for a new build property you should not be able to hear general walking about above especially when it is a big investment.

I spoke to Crabtree and they said that they will get in contact with the owners above and also do some of there own tests, also check with the regulators of the property. After months of constantly ringing every couple of weeks, after 6 months they got back to me to tell me that there were no problems with the property and I had to seek third party advice before they can take the matter to NHBC.

I spoke to the local council environmental agency whom said that because the residents were not doing anything maliciously, that there was nothing they could do. I then got in contact with the Property Ombudsman that said because Crabtree are not registered with them, they could not help.

We are stuck with what left to do and some evenings and weekends we just want to relax after work etc but cant because we have this impact sound every now and again, which becomes very irritating. Some nights my girlfriend has slept at her parents just to get a decent nights sleep.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Thank you in advance

cyclonebri1

Given that you are getting nowhere, (I think you never do), If it were me I'd do 1 of 2 things.

Move, or,

Take it into your own hands and get 100 of sound deadening fitted under your ceilings.

Yes, costing you money, and yes some may argue with my method, but at least you'she will be able to get on with life.

Pursue the property people if there is any shread of hope, otherwise my way.;)

anotherbaldrick

Under the Building Regulations they should have carried out impact noise testing , Call for a copy of the result log.


http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADE_2003.pdf