DIY Noise

DIY Noise

Hammering and drilling

The majority of people at some point in time will have to undertake repairs or improvements to their homes, particularly if they have just moved in, or are redecorating.
 
We have to acknowledge and accept that most people have to work during the day and DIY tasks are usually carried out in the evenings and at weekends. However, this does not give them permission to disturb their neighbours at unreasonable hours of the day and night. We all have to be reasonable to live together.

Disturbance from DIY building and decorating can be minimised by keeping noisy activities to reasonable hours and by thinking about what type of activity you are doing. We would define 'noisy activities' as use of the following:

•         Hand tools – hammering, sawing
•        Power tools – Drills, sanders, grinders, nail guns etc
•        Heavy Plant – Generators, Compressors, Pneumatic drills/kangols,  cement mixers

The more powerful the equipment being used, the greater consideration required so as not to result in disturbance.
Works carried out on the party wall or floor between properties, such as wall paper stripping, plumbing, re-wiring or sanding can give rise to excessive levels of noise. Particularly if these jobs take longer than originally anticipated.

In extreme cases DIY noise can amount to a statutory nuisance which the Hammersmith and Fulham Council can deal with using powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

What is a reasonable time for doing DIY?

There are no time restrictions in law for the undertaking of DIY tasks, however your neighbours are entitled to relative peace and quiet in the evenings and at weekends.  In particular your activities should not interfere with sleep pattern of those living nearby.

Tips to reduce noise

• Plan your DIY so that noisier tasks are undertaken during the mid morning early evening hours.

• Ensure that any equipment that you do use is properly maintained and is suitable for the job.

• If working on party walls/floors please contact your neighbours before hand and if possible reach a mutually agreeable time for starting and finishing.

• Wherever possible try to keep doors and windows closed to contain the noise.  However ensure that dust and fume emissions are effectively controlled so as not to cause danger to you or your neighbours.