Does Homebond cover problems with sound/insulation?

busybee

Registered User
Messages
15
Hi - Having serious problems with soundproofing/insulation on a new build (can hear my neighbours every move!). I know this is a common problem with new builds but it sounds like there is nothing but partition between us - am considering contacting homebond to see if anything can be done about it. Just want to know if there is any point - has anyone every had problems rectified?
 
For what it's worth I had an external 6' x 6' x 9" wall constructed of 18" cavity blocks (adjacent but not attached to the house) collapse (luckily nobody was injured or killed!) and Homebond were useless when I inquired about it...
 
Thanks for the advice - I'll contact the builders directly and see how I get on!
 
as far as i know - homebond is for coverage of structural defects and things taht do not comply with building standards- your new build may conform to building standards in relation to sound proofing but the only way to find this out is to get a sound engineer to test db levels between your house and next door - if they're under a certain threshold you will probably have redress from the builder but it's going to cost you to get it tested.

Also do you live in an apartment ? some apartment buildings have restrictions on installation of solid timber floors for example to minimize sound.

hope this helps.
 
Live in a three bed terrace - the problem is in our master bedroom - it's above a carport and attached to our neighbours master bedroom - don't know if the fact that there is nothing below makes matter worse but thought that this sort of sturcture would require extra insulation - it's the worst room in the house!
 
A carport under a bed room is not exactly a wise design. For fire safety reasons and for structural reasons the (most likely) steel reinforced concrete floor/ceiling between carport and home is prone to sound transmission. You might actually share the same steel rods (in the concrete floor) with your neighbours.
In the old western movies one saw the Indian warrior listening at the rail long before the train to be ransacked was in sight.
Building with reeinforced concrete in the domestic sector is still new to most builders/engineers/architects here, so any sound transmission problem is not know of.The responsible engeneer propably never lived in such a building himself and training at university by a lectorer who propably as well never saw the like him/herself - well ....
The only way to go seems the legal route, as Nai has sayed already, and see if there are shortcomings when doing the sound check. This sound check should also consider noises from cars (starting an old diesel jeep at a cold winter morning can create a lot of noise) as well as the banging of doors and boot doors.
If the test fails with the carport -as it is used and designed- then your flat above it is not fit for humane occupation. A solicitor will help you further once the waterproof test results are available.
Good luck.
 
Back
Top