Sound proofing on a new build

gemima

Hi,

Does anyone know what the sound proofing is like on a new build home nowadays?

We are not used to living in a terrace but have seen a townhouse style new build. We are a little reluctant in case of noise from next door. My first house was a modern terrace and the sound proofing was rubbish. I heard everything and hated living there but this house was built early 80's.

I know they all have to adhere to NHNC regs but how strict are they? Anyone live in a new build who can advise please?

Thanks

wymondham

In my experience, not good. In our Wilcon home we could hear next door putting the keys to their doors and trying to put plugs into sockets on the walls etc - it was all made of cardboard though!

Stick to detached if you can!

gemima

we are in a detached at the moment - sorry forgot to mention that!

glen8

I'd never buy another new build semi

We can hear EVERYTHING :mad:

adr0ck

all new builds must pass building regulations (they do not have to pass NHBC unless they have signed up for the NHBC warranty and/or NHBC is carrying out the building regs)

you need to find out (from the local Council building regs department) when building regulations were passed - this will be your starting point to find out what standard of sound proofing the property is built to

I think (not upto date on this) seperating walls and floors now have to meet a minimum 45DB airborne and 62DB Impact

aliasojo

I agree. We considered moving a while ago and looked at new builds by 3 major builders in our area. Each one was similar quality........poor and as basic spec as they could get away with.

When we commented about this we were told by one in a jokey manner........'we build houses as homes, we're not soundproof booth manufacturers'. :rolleyes:

Shocking lack of attention to detail, poor internal paint finish and poor workmanship on internal joinery. I was really, really surprised tbh.

There is one builder near us that has a reputation for higher quality / higher spec houses so maybe it just depends on who the builder is. I'm fairly sure most will be of the same basic spec that just covers building regs and no more though.

wymondham

adr0ck wrote: »

all new builds must pass building regulations (they do not have to pass NHBC unless they have signed up for the NHBC warranty and/or NHBC is carrying out the building regs)

you need to find out (from the local Council building regs department) when building regulations were passed - this will be your starting point to find out what standard of sound proofing the property is built to

I think (not upto date on this) seperating walls and floors now have to meet a minimum 45DB airborne and 62DB Impact

It's difficult to relate this into day to day noises etc. If the showroom is a semi, maybe you can get a friend to go next door and start making a noise so you can hear for yourself!

gabyjane

Hi we bought a new build townhouse 7 months ago. It is semi detatched as that was one of the things i didn't want BUT..we hear nothing at all..you could honestly say we have no neighbours, haven't heard them once! They have a young toddler too so if anything they are prob the worst you could get in a way for noise!..i am a childminder and even though im out a lot i asked then to let me know if the noise level was ever too high! she said the same..nothing..
good luck if you do get one!

pinkshoes

I'm in a newbuild flat (complete march 07), and the soundproofing is fantastic. The neighbours downstairs were worried we could hear their screaming 4 month old baby, but have never heard a squeak. The neighbour on one side likes his loud music, but the only time I've heard it was a party on NYE when they had all the windows open.

We can sometimes hear the communal front door if it bangs shut, but it's not particularly loud.

Regs changed in 2003, and dB on page 13 for airborn and impact sound insulation:

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

epz_2

the regs may be there but i would still be dubious, most new builds i have seen through mates etc buying them have been pretty shoddy about obvious stuff so god knows what they are like with stuff you need a decimeter and access to the neighbours property to check.

wasnt there something on the tv recently about a major home builder totally ballsing up the insulation which was also a regulation and just saying sorry, its built now to the buyers.

SquatNow

wymondham wrote: »

It's difficult to relate this into day to day noises etc. If the showroom is a semi, maybe you can get a friend to go next door and start making a noise so you can hear for yourself!

The showhomes are usually far better built than the actual houses themselves.