Noise problem in new semi!

[Vizsla]

Agreed mate,Were can I find someone that will actually come out and look and check everything that could be leading to this problem by actually getting dirty and making holes! Iv spoke to sound specialist but they don't seem to understand the building side of things
Thanks

 

[joe-90]

It all sounds pretty normal to me, that's the way new houses are. Just sell it if it bothers you.

 

[Vizsla]

I work on houses nearly identical to these regularly and I can tell you it's not normal, the developers even agreed there's something not right

 

[limerockconstruction]

Agreed mate,Were can I find someone that will actually come out and look and check everything that could be leading to this problem by actually getting dirty and making holes! Iv spoke to sound specialist but they don't seem to understand the building side of things
Thanks

Perhaps a building surveyor? I'm also surprised that you think they don't know about the building side of things, a lot of them actually specify this part of the work - so I would imagine your either asking the wrong questions or they're not interested.

In all likeliness though, I'd say you'll need to partner up with a surveyor and a local builder - the builder could make a mess, then get it surveyed and then put it back together again.

 

[Vizsla]

I no what you mean, most of them are only prepared to come and do sound tests
I spoke to robust details and they said we shouldn't be hearing clear footsteps and washing machine etc so presumably something has been done wrong but I just can't seem to find it! But surely this kind of thing has been dealt with before!
With other houses having the same issue I presume it's not just a one off mistake

 

[limerockconstruction]

Would love to help more mate, good luck.

 

[Vizsla]

Cheers fella very nice of you, hopefully jeds may still have some more tips,
Thanks

 

[Vizsla]

Evening folk just thought I'd see if anyone else has any more help please, thanks

 

[Millwright]

.

 

[limerockconstruction]

Well, I had an interesting conversation with 'Robust Details' this afternoon.

I'm just about to build a block of flats, and It transpires that if I want to avoid the sound test element of the construction phase, I can just register each unit with Robust details. For the minor sum of £30 per unit I can self certify that I have built the units according to Robust details.

So maybe your house was built by some self certifiers like I will probably become. Maybe they cut some corners and no one looked in on them?

 

[Vizsla]

That sounds about right, it's ok if the person paying the £30 is the one doing the work but when it's a large company relying on trades to uphold that standard it's never going to be reliable
But more info on my problem, I made a small hole in the dot and dab wall in our bedroom then placed my phone playing a song in there, quiet enough that if I stood back I couldn't hear it then I went down stairs to the other end of the house in the toilet, put my ear to the wall and I could here it as clear as with my ear to the wall in our bedroom!
Iv since removed the dot&dab from the wall in our bedroom which had small dots of dab and no solid ribbon around the edge and it's hard to tell but I'd say if anything the noise is beter!
Would be great if anyone has any opinions on this, thanks

 

[catlad]

It would seem that the noise is travelling through the void behind the dot and dab plasterboard if you screw insulated plasterboard to your walls then there will be no void left for the noise to travel through.

 

[joe-90]

It doesn't matter what you do from now as the noise has become an obsession with you. Better off moving. It sounds like a resonant frequency issue to me, and you'll never sort that out. My house has a four inch gap from next door - and I can still hear their microwave, walking up stairs etc. clear as you like.

 

[Deluks]

I can still hear their microwave, walking up stairs etc.

Wish my microwave could do that, I wouldn't have to get out of bed to make my evening cocoa

 

[phatboy]

If its a local firm who did the builds, there maybe an issue of another local firm not wishing to help you in case it jeopardises the relationship they have with that builder.

I disagree with Joe though, sounds like there is an obvious issue and you shouldn't have to move house to get away from it. Good on you for persevering with it, if the builder is at fault they should be shown up for it and you can share your findings and hopeful solution with the neighbours on the estate. Together you have a far better chance of getting it sorted.