
More than just noisy neighbours
New Build and Conversion/Change of Use Development
Depending in which part of the UK you are in will depend on the legislation you need to meet for New
Build or Conversion/Change of Use Development. If you are in England & Wales you will need to comply with Document E, if you are in Scotland then you will need to comply with Section 5 of the Scottish Building Standards and if you are in Northern Ireland then you will need to comply with Part G.
These documents list the minimum requirements for sound transmission through properties. This includes separating standards for multi occupancy (connected separate dwellings) and internal noise levels of your own property. More information about the actual figures you need to achieve can be found here
However, we are finding more and more that the consumer, self-builder or property developer is not satisfied with the minimum standards detailed in the regulations and that people want a better standard of living. Depending on your circumstances or how susceptible to noise issues you are will depend on the level of performance you require. Hush can offer guidance on improving on these minimum standards.
Refurbishment
The majority of acoustic work we carry out in the consumer, self-build or property developer market is when clients are refurbishing their own property. You will not find guidance within the governing documents (already mentioned) for refurbishment projects. If it is an existing residential unit and you are simply refurbishing it then there isn’t a minimum level to achieve. This doesn’t mean that nothing has to be done, if anything you will
need to look at acoustic products and materials in more detail as you are likely to create an acoustic problem that
wasn’t there previously.
The most common issues that occur in refurbishment projects are changing layouts or changing floor finishes.
Removing carpets and putting a timber floor down is the most common issue and it is imperative that the correct
acoustic materials are used to prevent this causing an acoustic issue.