New Home Owners And Snagging Forum

Advice on buying a brand new home => Snagging and defects => Topic started by: Ahimsa on November 30, 2020, 07:36:56 pm

Title: Noise issues
Post by: Ahimsa on November 30, 2020, 07:36:56 pm
Evening all,

I have been in my new build Taylor Wimpey semi-detached house for just over 1-year now and since day one we've had issues with noise coming from the neighbour.

The neighbour likes to play their music which is no problem however, I can hear the bass thumping in our living room, and all three bedrooms upstairs. I can also, depending on the song understand the lyrics clear as day, I initially thought this just because the music was too loud and kindly asked the neighbour to lower the bass.

I can also hear, sometimes clear as day, the neighbours conversations when they have visitors round and can also hear the TV from their living room in my bedroom and have even heard conversations being had in their living room in my bedroom!

I am constantly hearing them walking round their living room and what I would assume is the hallway and have heard them draw their curtains in the living room!!

I am convinced this is not normal, it's like I'm living with my neighbours and initially I thought they were being a little too loud but I'm convinced something isn't quite right.

When visiting my parent's home and my mother in law, both who live in semi-detached houses the sound-proofing seems SO much better, I do not hear footsteps, curtains being drawn, doors opening conversations etc it feels like the house I have has been built very poorly.

I did initially raise the issue with Taylor Wimpey about 6 months in but they just said it was built to housing regulations and to have a word with the neighbour.

Is there anything that can be done?
I am happy to pay for any inspections myself if Taylor Wimpey are not willing to do so, but who would I even contact?

Any comments would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: Noise issues
Post by: Maxell on December 05, 2020, 04:22:03 pm
I am not an expert but there are companies offering acoustic surveys ( Google )
I would check their accreditations and what report you would receive.
They should be able to give you a cost as the there is a standard.
However some noise is acceptable and you could be wasting your money.

If it fails you then you still have a fight for the developer to accept it. Also I would guess if you decided to sell you would be obliged to inform the purchaser.
Title: Re: Noise issues
Post by: New Home Expert on December 10, 2020, 01:30:36 pm
Don't let Taylor Wimpey fob you off with the "it has been built to regulations".
How can they possibly know if all the holes and gaps in the floors and wall have been filled. If the insulation is properly and fully installed and cavity barriers etc.
 
Your home needs to have a full acoustic survey. I suggest you demand Taylor Wimpey organise this at the earliest opportunity using an independent survey firm.

If your home is also Timber Frame as I suspect, you can also worry about fire barriers etc being missing and fire spread via any gaps in the party wall or roof space!

Google "Taylor Wimpey Sound Insulation" and see the many others who have had sound issues.
You should thank your lucky stars you do not live in a Taylor Wimpey flat!
Title: Re: Noise issues
Post by: Ahimsa on December 13, 2020, 10:52:03 pm
Thanks for the replies!

I've emailed Taylor Wimpey who advised the house was built using robust details and also advised there's no specific requirement for a sound test to be carried out.

I suspect I'll have a struggle getting Taylor Wimpey to arrange a sound test. Can I raise a case with NHBC if they refuse to carry out a sound test?
Title: Re: Noise issues
Post by: Maxell on December 14, 2020, 07:06:42 am
The property has been designed not to transfer noise , "if" it has been constructed to that design .
I think you will struggle with the builder and NHBC without any tangible evidence.
I have tried using cheap noise meters and they are a waste of time.
I think if you can get the co-operation of your neighbour it's worth trying NHBC .
Title: Re: Noise issues
Post by: New Home Expert on December 15, 2020, 06:55:02 am
I am amazed that Taylor Wimpey, given the number of defects (some serious) that are being exposed by buyers in their new homes, can and choose to hide behind "Robust details".  It is true that IF the robust details have been 100% followed and built in accordance with, they should ensure compliance with current standards.  BUT.... they are only as good as construction drawings and if the specific requirements are not being properly checked and signed off as 100% complying, then they are just a paper intention and mean and prove nothing.

In my opinion, it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that the robust details have been adhered to, given your observations. I am not surprised Taylor Wimpey are refusing to do an acoustic survey, they know it will most likely prove there is a problem which could be expensive to remedy and many other semis on the development may also complain once it becomes a known issue.

Also be aware, that the NHBC will also have been duty bound to inspect the compliance with Robust Details and may offer ta similar resistance to an acoustic survey as Taylor Wimpey to protect their own interests.
Title: Re: Noise issues
Post by: Ahimsa on December 15, 2020, 07:35:46 pm
Thank you all for your advice.

I think I'm going to arrange for an independent acoustic test to be conducted - hopefully there's a way of doing the test without needing access to our neighbour's property as we don't really see eye to eye!
Title: Re: Noise issues
Post by: New Home Expert on December 18, 2020, 06:26:07 am
The noise will need to be generated in your neighbour's home and the noise levels recorded in yours through walls and floors etc.