Soundproofing

Busy Hands

I moved into my apartment over 6 months ago and as my neighbour hadn't at that time I didn't realise that I might have a problem before the builders left the site. Unfortunately she has moved in now, and although she seems nice and doesn't make exessive noise, it has really gotten to me. She got her phone connected a forthnight ago and that has give me a real headache; suffice to say that when a friend of mine called over last week, she thought it was mine when my neightbour's phone rang! I can hear voices, walking and can tell what tv programme is being watched next door by hearing the theme tune. I am just grateful for who I have as a neighbour because I know it could be a lot worse. Consequently I am concerned for the future.
Can anyone tell me where I should go to do something about this? I rang Homebond this morning but they don't cover it. Where can I check the legislation on this? Is the builder 100% liable to address this. I cannot imagine that my apartment comes up to the recommended level of soundproofing.
Any advice is welcome.

Sleipnir

I don't believe there is a "recommended level" of soundproofing as soundproofing a home is not a requirement under law.
The EPA deals with sound pollution but you wouldn't really have a case for it as your neighbour's phone ringing would not constitute as "affecting your quality of life"

What type of wall separates your apartment from your neighbour's? Brick?

From Oasis
"Noise such as that coming from other homes, workshops or local businesses that is continuous, repeated, loud and occurring at such times and of such duration that it affects the quality of life of the person is covered in Irish law. "

link

Busy Hands

Thanks for that.

It seems to be just brick & plasterboard alright. I would argue that it (not just the phone obviously) does affect my quality of life as I am now very much aware that any conversation I have in my sitting room & kitchen are likely to be overheard too. I can hear her talking on the phone and can even make some of it out, without her shouting. I can hear her washing machine from my bedroom and the bathroom is in between. Her phone has actually woken me up. I thought there had been some additional legislation brought in recently because I remember catching a few minutes of Duncan Stewart banging on about it last year, perhaps I'm wrong.

Sleipnir

Well, I'm not expert by any means but I would suggest that your neighbour may also be annoyed by the noise you make!
It's only fair to assume that as you can hear her T.V. and phone, she can also hear yours!

You should probably contact the Dept of the Environment to see if they know somewhere you could find legislation on noise reduction requirements that builders must adhere to(if any). Or call the EPA and see if they have any info.

shabbyroad

You should check to see how the noise is getting in.
Sound travels through air and will travel through communal structures.
If there are gaps in the wall or if the floors between your apartments are pretty much the one structure then you might find the noise is coming through there.

If I were in your shoes here's how I would approach it.
Contact your neighbour and explain that you reckon she can hear noise coming from your apartment since you can sometimes hear noise coming from hers.

[ don't say this to her of course . . . but it's possible she might have the TV turned up very loud and might even have her telephone ringer set to the highest possible volume - some people just do this... often out of habit especially if their parents/grandparents were a little hard-of-hearing... my wife leaves the radio blaring in the kitchen and is oblivous to it . . .she's also a bit loud when talking on the 'phone.... this is because hearing in one of her ears is damaged ]

Put on your TV at a reasonable volume and go in next door to ask if she can hear it - if she already has the TV on you can ask her to come on into your apartment so she can hear how it sounds.

worth a try... it's easier to catch flies with honey... if nothing else you'll confirm whether you're causing a similar problem and she's just not saying anything (or is a little deaf ?)

Victor

What syle is the building?

If it's a matter of the building, there may be an issue with the Building Regulations, which have stipulations for noise reduction.

If it's a matter or her having things too loud, then you can sue her and/or her landlord (who is responsible to you for her behavior).

Busy Hands

I have no doubt that my neighbour is not the problem, it is the dividing wall unfortunately. As I say the phone & the tv are issues, as I am quite sure mine are to her at times, but modern washing machines are pretty standard in the noise they make and sounds such as voices, plates/cutlery rattling, furniture moving and others should not be (clearly) discernable between properties I'd imagine. I am fairly sure that it is owner occupied also.
In terms of the building, It is a 2 story building and I am on the top floor with apartments either side. I hear little to no noise coming through the concrete from below. There is a full, approx 11ft common wall (brick & plasterboard) with my sittingroom & her sitting room on the other side which continues into an 8ft common wall dividing our kitchens. It is now clear to me that no soundproofing measures were taken when constructing this divide.
I do intend calling into her to discuss it soon - we have merely nodded/saluted/said hi to each other up until now - but I'd like to understand what the position is first.
My other neighbour is not a problem as there is a stairs & hall between the rooms.
I'd also assume that there are many others in the development in the same boat (although possible not those in corner apartments). I don't want to go through the management company as it was set up by the developer and they may have connections. I'd also imagine, taking a selfish view, that I might have a better chance of getting the builder to do something about it if I tackle it privately & quitely with facts & regulations as back up rather than have 60 odd residents coming at them for costly upgrade work? Thanks for your suggestions.

Sleipnir

There is a document on the Department of the Environment's website which outlines building/construction standards regarding sound. I haven't read it but it may help you.
link
Search for 'sound'
You could also contact the department directly to see if they have more info on what standard builders must adhere to.

Victor

Technical Guidance Documents Part E - Sound (Size 195 KB): http://www.environ.ie/DOEI/DOEIPol.nsf/0/b6ca96a0bf2051c180256d3a004c55de/$FILE/Part%20E%20Tech%20Guide.pdf deals with sound. If would appear to be a bit aspiration insofar as it demands "reasonable sound resistance", but does not detail the levels required. However, based on what you say, it would appear your building does not comply. I would certainly raise it with the builder and Homebond if the property is HomeBond registered (how old is the property?)

I'd also imagine, taking a selfish view, that I might have a better chance of getting the builder to do something about it if I tackle it privately & quietly with facts & regulations as back up rather than have 60 odd residents coming at them for costly upgrade work?

It is also a big stick. Threaten the builder that you will you to all the other residents and raise the issue with him. (And on the QT let the neighbour do the telling ) Note that most management companies require permission to be given before building work (possibly including remedial work).

If you don't get any satisfaction from the builder, get a surveyor, engineer or architect to look at it. If needs be there are a few specialist sound people available, who can do reports.