Impact sounds from party wall

[icebun]

I have a Redrow home and my lounge backs onto next doors kitchen.

Every time she opens/closes any cupboards, I can her a thud.

I can also hear her working on the worktop surface on ocassions (choping etc).

Its never voices only impact noise.

When Redrow came, they said that they could do nothing as the walls are correctly insulated.

NHBC were called orginally and said that it was also OK as well.

No sound testing equipment was used, only reference to what materials were used for the construction.

I am running out of time as my 2 years initial are up.

I was thinking about putting in resillient bars and creating a floating wall but that costs money and will eat into space.

Has anyone had any experience in this and can offer any advice?

Thanks.

[Tony]

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you

It sounds like the property will fail the sound test. The problem is that builders for £30 can now self-certify their properties avoiding the need for expensive sound tests. This is fine as long as the correct materials are used and they are installed correctly.

The company that runs the scheme is called Robust Details Ltd set up following representations from the House Builders Federation (HBF) regarding Part E of thh building regulations, the house-building industry was invited to develop an alternative to pre-completion sound testing, called 'robust details', for new build separating walls and floors for houses and flats - the principle being that robust details would provide consistently good performance eliminating the need for pre-completion sound testing From:Robust Details

Of course it does make it cheaper for the builders, a saving which I am sure is passed on in full to the home buyer.

[icebun]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the reply.

Can you recommend anyone you specliaises in sound testing?

Some people I have called have said that because it is impact only, there is no regulation govering this.

As NHBC have been caled out once before, I need to provide my own evidence.

Thanks once more.

[Tony]

Sorry didn't provide the link in the last post

Robust Details

You can insist that the NHBC carry out a sound test, but if it passes they will try to charge you. Worth speaking to the Robust Details people and some consultants first.

Let us know the outcome.

Tony

[icebun]

Hi Tony,

Just to let you know that I got in touch with Robust Ltd who were very helpful.

However, because the issue I have is 'impact' noise related, there is NO regulation that covers Party Walls only Flats.

[Tony]

Thanks for the update, I think I need to phone them myself.

What now? It may be worth asking them to put dampers on their cupboards and drawers. Probably cheaper than adding extra sound insulation.

Tony