Noise from DIY or Domestic Home Improvements
Many people now undertake their own DIY (do-it-yourself). We work during the day and find that the only time to do DIY is in the evening or at the weekend. However, our neighbours, who also have to work, expect to be able to relax in peace and quiet when they return home.
I'm planning to undertake DIY, what should I do?
- Try not to start too early, or finish too late - particularly during a weekend.
- Try to keep the noisier work for the middle of the day. Quieter work is best kept for the beginning or end of the day e.g. painting and decorating.
- Contact your neighbours and advise them of what you are doing together with the times you anticipate doing any noisier work. Giving notice may well avoid any complaint.
Remember, your consideration could avoid neighbourhood feuds!
I'm constantly disturbed by noise from my neighbour's DIY, what should I do?
- First, try to discuss your concerns with your neighbour and reach an amicable solution for the remainder of the work.
- At the extreme, DIY could constitute a noise nuisance and will be treated in the same way as any other noise complaints. Start gathering evidence by printing a |Nuisance Record Sheet and logging the instances of DIY.
- Next, register your complaint with the |Environmental Health & Licensing Division and forward a copy of your nuisance record sheet.
- An investigation to assess whether the matter constitutes a nuisance will then be undertaken and, if confirmed, a Noise Abatement Notice will be served preventing further noise nuisance. Failure to comply with the notice is a criminal offence.
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