Hi
Hope I have posted this in the right section? I feel a bit of a fraud on here because my DIY skills are quite basic (although now we are buying our first home I am hoping to improve!) We are going to put in an offer on a top (4th) floor penthouse style flat (as its advertised I’m sure there is no problem giving the details if anyone has the inclination to check it out on a popular property website: CR2 6LL)
There is some work that needs doing but as we are buying a home rather than an investment that can be done over time. One of the reasons we love the idea of a top floor flat is that my partner is particularly sensitive to noise and we can’t afford a detached house (before anyone suggests that!) When we viewed the property last Saturday we were very surprised that we could hear the neighbours in the flat below – obviously you can never negate all noise but when stood in the lounge we could actually hear their conversation!
We are having another viewing tomorrow (26 Jan - I know I have left it a little late to post!) and I was wondering if I could get some advice on what we need to look for before deciding how best to solve the problem (the estate agent has agreed to let us pull up carpets, move the wood panelling etc. and take lots of photos!) As we are above them I’m guessing the noise is airbourne rather than impact which should be easier to soundproof for. Obviously we are looking for simple solutions first (a good underlay will help I guess) but as we do like the place we would be willing to spend a reasonable amount on soundproofing (although fitting an independent wall or raising the floor is beyond my current skill set so we would need to get a professional in!)
The EPC rating is in band G mainly caused by a lack of insulation (I will probably have to start another thread about what to do about flat roof insulation – it doesn’t look like they are going to replace the roof anytime soon and as we have plenty of ceiling height we may be able to insulate below the ceiling – but advice on that can wait!) The point I am making though is that I’m sure a lack of insulation and a problem with noise may be heavily correlated. As it’s a flat I think we may have a problem getting everyone to agree to cavity wall insulation but could a lack of insulation in the walls be a factor with the noise here – or is it more likely to be an issue with the floor (it’s a 1970s block I think so not sure of its construction) – or could it even be a problem with the windows (old double glazing) or another issue?
If it will help I can take some photos tomorrow and post them on here – but any advice on what we should be looking for as a possible cause of the problem would be greatly appreciated
Sorry for the long post! Thanks in advance.
Hope I have posted this in the right section? I feel a bit of a fraud on here because my DIY skills are quite basic (although now we are buying our first home I am hoping to improve!) We are going to put in an offer on a top (4th) floor penthouse style flat (as its advertised I’m sure there is no problem giving the details if anyone has the inclination to check it out on a popular property website: CR2 6LL)
There is some work that needs doing but as we are buying a home rather than an investment that can be done over time. One of the reasons we love the idea of a top floor flat is that my partner is particularly sensitive to noise and we can’t afford a detached house (before anyone suggests that!) When we viewed the property last Saturday we were very surprised that we could hear the neighbours in the flat below – obviously you can never negate all noise but when stood in the lounge we could actually hear their conversation!
We are having another viewing tomorrow (26 Jan - I know I have left it a little late to post!) and I was wondering if I could get some advice on what we need to look for before deciding how best to solve the problem (the estate agent has agreed to let us pull up carpets, move the wood panelling etc. and take lots of photos!) As we are above them I’m guessing the noise is airbourne rather than impact which should be easier to soundproof for. Obviously we are looking for simple solutions first (a good underlay will help I guess) but as we do like the place we would be willing to spend a reasonable amount on soundproofing (although fitting an independent wall or raising the floor is beyond my current skill set so we would need to get a professional in!)
The EPC rating is in band G mainly caused by a lack of insulation (I will probably have to start another thread about what to do about flat roof insulation – it doesn’t look like they are going to replace the roof anytime soon and as we have plenty of ceiling height we may be able to insulate below the ceiling – but advice on that can wait!) The point I am making though is that I’m sure a lack of insulation and a problem with noise may be heavily correlated. As it’s a flat I think we may have a problem getting everyone to agree to cavity wall insulation but could a lack of insulation in the walls be a factor with the noise here – or is it more likely to be an issue with the floor (it’s a 1970s block I think so not sure of its construction) – or could it even be a problem with the windows (old double glazing) or another issue?
If it will help I can take some photos tomorrow and post them on here – but any advice on what we should be looking for as a possible cause of the problem would be greatly appreciated
Sorry for the long post! Thanks in advance.
