Advice on buying a brand new home > Snagging and defects

Terrible noise insulation from walls made from plasterboard

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noise-control101:
I am new to the forum.
I would like to get some advice from those who experience a lack of noise insulation in flats that are coming from walls made out of plasterboard and not brick built.
I have contacted the home builder, and sent a video of clip of how the walls are not insulated properly.
It is so bad that you can easily hear and be affected by someone closing their car or van doors, and even more so when someone is closing their flat door gently. This has a thumping sound effect and it feels like driving over a deep pothole at over 50 mph. This is really damaging to anyone's health.

Please see attachment of a short video clip of myself lightly tapping the wall. Imagine if someone had closed their flat door strongly the whole room would shake and cause a bad lasting effect.

The home builder doesn't want to visit my property and they have denied about the lack of wall insulation, where I requested for them to use a stronger material to not absorb noise anymore. The warranty limit shouldn't be their excuse.
I would like to get some possible solutions. It's like you have to wear a crash helmet when living in this type of property.
Thanks!

New Home Expert:
First of all name the housebuilder!  (I shouldn't have to ask!)

It does appear that your block of flats is built in timber frame.
I would be more and very concerned about the risk of a fire spreading between flats!

It could be that your external timber frame has areas of missing (thermal) insulation.
It does seem strange you do not mention noise from neighbouring flats which is more likely.

Finally, I very much doubt that an NHBC claim would be under the threshold (excess) for works to resolve this would likely be several thousand pounds.

My advice would be to sell and move to a non timber frame building!

noise-control101:
It don't matter about the home builder's name. There are a few good companies and a number of bad companies out there!

The timber frame material makes sense, but it's plasterboard that it has been covered with and no insulation which is why the walls are sounding hollow, something the home builder denied. Fire safety has not been an issue and that is the first I heard because of timber frame. The noise is the main problem with echos happening whenever doors are closed but inside the building and outside the building, from  mainly car/van doors.

Many of my neighbours are decent and respectful. It's not the neighbours so much, it's down to the material used in the building. Sadly I am outside of the NHBC warranty. The property is unsellable because of this problem.
Any other suggestions on the legal side please share.

New Home Expert:
Timber Frame Fires!  http//:www.brand-newhomes.co.uk/timber-frame-new-home-fire.htm

The reason to name the house builder is as a warning to others so they can be fully informed and not end up like you in a defective new home.

Oh, and you're welcome!

noise-control101:
I can't get into the link.
I agree if it's timber frame used, but without any full sound insulation.
Don't need to worry about the home builders name.
You're welcome too!

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