New build soundproofing- robust detail?

[Lj38]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice and guidence.

I have bought a new property from David Wilson Homes and I am having real issues with noise levels from next door. I don't believe they are doing anything excessive apart from moving around their house and leaving the dog alone but I can hear the dog crying in all rooms of my house and outside. I can her chairs scrapping on kitchen tiles, very loud footfall on stairs and first floor and music through the wall in my bathroom. I have raised with my builder and they have said my property was built to a robust detail which I have looked up and can see it's a standard required for sound-proofing but I just can't believe that this level of noise is acceptable!

I have asked for the issue to be looked into but I am not hopeful :-(
Can anybody provide guidence on if this type of noise should be heard through a wall built to a robust detail? And what is anything I can do to support my case? I tried to record on my phone but it's not sensitive enough.

I live in a mid terrace but it's a flagship build and am shocked at noise level.

Really appreciate any guidence that can be provided.

Thanks

[Matron]

Hello. Can I ask as you live in a mid terrace can your neighbours either side hear you and can you hear the family on the other side?

[New Home Expert]

David Wilson Homes should be looking into this not fobbing you off!
Just because it should have been built to the Robust details, doesn't mean it actually was.

Can I ask if your home is timber frame?  These can be especially noisy.
It does appear to me that the staircase has been fixed to the party-wall which is why it transfers sound.

What needs to be done is an acoustic sound test. To do this, access will be required to your neighbour's property on the day. I am sure they would agree.

Write to David Wilson Homes and ask them to arrange an acoustic sound test. If they refuse, write to the NHBC and make a claim under your warranty. Make sure the acoustic engineer understands that he must send you a copy of his report and results.

One thing for sure, you should not be able to hear those sounds in a brand new home built in the 21st century! Once you have the results, you will have proof that the construction does not meet building regulations for sound transmittance and expensive and extensive remedial work may be necessary.

Finally I feel sorry for their dog!  Not much of a life is it?

[Lj38]

Thanks for your reply.

I have raised, but formal letter is a good idea. They came round and basically said it didn't have sound proofing, it has sound installation. Everything else that has been tested has been passed (not helpful really) He is going to look into it again and advised me to raise with NHBC so I will do that as well.

I did again get the feeling of being fobbed off! I will keep going and try to get the sound test done.

David Wilson Homes should be looking into this not fobbing you off!
Just because it should have been built to the Robust details, doesn't mean it actually was.

Can I ask if your home is timber frame?  These can be especially noisy.
It does appear to me that the staircase has been fixed to the party-wall which is why it transfers sound.

What needs to be done is an acoustic sound test. To do this, access will be required to your neighbour's property on the day. I am sure they would agree.

Write to David Wilson Homes and ask them to arrange an acoustic sound test. If they refuse, write to the NHBC and make a claim under your warranty. Make sure the acoustic engineer understands that he must send you a copy of his report and results.

One thing for sure, you should not be able to hear those sounds in a brand new home built in the 21st century! Once you have the results, you will have proof that the construction does not meet building regulations for sound transmittance and expensive and extensive remedial work may be necessary.

Finally I feel sorry for their dog!  Not much of a life is it?