Link-Detached Conversion - Noise question

Anesthaesia

Hi All,

I’m looking for advice on how to approach an issue in a link-detached property regarding noise/disturbance. 

- Property purchased in 2009, link-detached with full garage conversion (doors removed, internal doorway, from house into conversion with windows fitted at each end.

- Converted room has been used as a study since moving in and a work office for 2 people since Covid.

- New neighbours moved into neighbouring property in 2014 with their side of the garage still functioning as a garage.

- 2020 – received WhatsApp a week before Xmas with 3 days notice that they would be converting their side and they “hope that’s ok”

- Replied and politely pointed out that the wall is a single brick construction and suggested they may want to soundproof their side, indicated that it is our workspace and an area we spend a lot of time in

- Received a reply from neighbour saying they were putting in insulation

- Room completed 1 week later and turned into a kids playroom – garage door still in place with drywall partition forming a “room” within the garage.

The issue now is that the only entrance to their side of the conversion is through an external door in their garden, which shakes our side each side it is opened/closed. The sound insulation is questionable as we can hear every sound, including screaming kids, TV and musical instruments.

Up until now our relationship with the neighbours has been good, although one-sided. Even though I have had property damaged (car) by them over the years due to accidents, I have raised it with them and they have apologised (although continue to do things like this even after apologising).

So while decent folk, they are inconsiderate to say the least.

I have not yet made them aware of just how loud it is following the conversion, but I am less than impressed as these exact issues were addressed in my response to them notifying us of the conversion. Sadly, I can’t see anything changing once I do let them know, and would like to know where I stand before the holidays are over and we need to return to working from the room again.

Based on the above, and the fact that they would not be able to hear us at any point as we are a middle-aged couple who keep to ourselves and use our side of the conversion quietly, what options do I have for addressing these issues? Right now the only process I am aware of is if they fail to do anything about it after I raise it with them, is to contact the council about a noise disturbance - is this a valid option, and do I have any other approaches I can take?

We’ve learned the hard way about link-detached, but right now we just want to avoid having to move home.

davidmcn

What insulation did you install on your side of the wall? 

RelievedSheff

Why not just sound proof your side of the wall?

I don't really think you can complain about them converting their garage when you have done the same thing. 

What would you have said if they didn't convert it but instead tinkered with cars or bikes in there instead?

Anesthaesia

davidmcn said:

What insulation did you install on your side of the wall? 

I didn't put any up - the conversion was completed prior to me purchasing the property as indicated in my original post.

davidmcn

Anesthaesia said:

davidmcn said:

What insulation did you install on your side of the wall? 

I didn't put any up - the conversion was completed prior to me purchasing the property as indicated in my original post.

OK, so what insulation was installed by whoever did the conversion? 

Anesthaesia

davidmcn said:

Anesthaesia said:

davidmcn said:

What insulation did you install on your side of the wall? 

I didn't put any up - the conversion was completed prior to me purchasing the property as indicated in my original post.

OK, so what insulation was installed by whoever did the conversion? 

So what you are saying, based on my post, is that soundproofing is my only option?

pinkshoes

Anesthaesia said:

davidmcn said:

What insulation did you install on your side of the wall? 

I didn't put any up - the conversion was completed prior to me purchasing the property as indicated in my original post.

In which case I would be investigating what sort of insulation was put up on your side, and perhaps improving it.

could you move your study to another room? E.g. have the garage room as something else where you do not need quiet.

Emmia

I think if you want to reduce the noise, then you'll need to look at soundproofing/insulation - even if they put more in, it may not have the silencing effect you desire as you won't be able to specify type / fitting / depth etc. 

davidmcn

Anesthaesia said:

davidmcn said:

Anesthaesia said:

davidmcn said:

What insulation did you install on your side of the wall? 

I didn't put any up - the conversion was completed prior to me purchasing the property as indicated in my original post.

OK, so what insulation was installed by whoever did the conversion? 

So what you are saying, based on my post, is that soundproofing is my only option?

Well, if it's only a single skin brick wall, that's inadequate for use as a "normal" party wall. Not sure you can really point at this being entirely the neighbour's fault if you've both converted your garages. It wouldn't be my first choice of room if I needed peace and quiet. 

diggingdude

I agree you need to be investigating what you can do your side. Any noise will be less than if they were revving a car engine in there all day every day. Look at it positively, you had all those years without incident 

Anesthaesia

Do regulations allow, in the event of a garage conversion into a living space, for the entrance to that space to be via an external door connected to a party wall?