New Home Owners And Snagging Forum

Advice on buying a brand new home => General discussion => Topic started by: Jemima on May 14, 2020, 10:40:47 am

Title: Flat acoustics changed after moved in
Post by: Jemima on May 14, 2020, 10:40:47 am
Hello,

I am new to the forum so apologies if this topic is covered elsewhere.

My husband bought a purpose built, new build flat in 2008, and I lived here since 2012. We were fine with noise from upstairs until recently, when we started hearing steps, furniture being dragged, objects being dropped, etc. The flats were originally carpeted and I suspect the finishes to the upstairs flat were changed.

This increase noise is quite disrupting as I can even hear it with music on or when I am on work calls.

Speaking to other neighbours in the building they cannot hear their neighbours upstairs.

Can anyone advise if it is acceptable that the noise insulation has now changed, and whether it is acceptable in the building regulations to hear the noises I described above.

I contacted the building manager but they seem to be ignoring my messages and I Want to know if there is anything we can do or if this is it and going forward we have to live with the new noises.

Thank you

Title: Re: Flat acoustics changed after moved in
Post by: New Home Expert on May 15, 2020, 10:01:06 am
There is plenty you can do to sound insulate your ceiling. But it would be at your cost.
There is now no liability on anyone, housebuilder or warranty as both have expired 2 years ago, even if the defect was reported within the first tow years and not dealt with.

It seems more than likely that carpets upstairs have been removed and hard laminate flooring laid.
You could as a first step ask your neighbour if they could try and keep the noise down a bit.
If they don't, you may have to get the council involved and make a formal complaint about the noise.