I just moved into a ground-level apartment. The estate was built in 2007, and I’ve started noticing quite a bit of noise, mainly water-related like showers, dishwashers, and others, especially from my neighbours upstairs. I can’t help but wonder if this is typical in apartments or whether it deserves attention from the managing firm? Is there any reason I should take it up with them?
2007 isn’t exactly famous for great quality in residential property builds. Some properties may even lack checks for building code compliance till date. Weak supervision and a hasty increase in property listing during the Celtic Tiger period resulted in several shortcomings. Thinly constructed ceilings, floors and walls can lead to the propagation of even minor noises.
The outside noise seeping into your dwelling may be a sign of inferior construction standards, warranting an inquiry by your Owners’ Management Company (OMC) with the help of someone adequately experienced. In apartment complexes, water utilities drain internally into service channels from individual units, unlike houses where they drain externally. This makes sounds from neighbouring units more evident as water pipelines are closer to living quarters.
I’m also concerned about a shattered window and despite making the management firm aware, no action has been taken. So, what’s my next step?
Numerous conduit holders that house pipes traversing the building height are simply hollow structures. Tragically, in some instances, these holders lack vital division installations to curb heat and smoke diffusion during fires. These divisions could also suppress noise and their absence may indicate serious underlying concerns. Therefore, it’s significant to have this reviewed by a skilled professional as earlier mentioned. Ensuring pipe compliance with construction codes and overall building safety remains paramount.
Lastly, there’s always the option to approach your OMC for any clarification regarding your property.
You could potentially utilise a noise level meter to assess water-related sounds. Similar applications are available on mobile devices that can perform the same task. If needed, this data can aid in a dialogue with the property management company (OMC) or the flat occupant residing on the floor above yours, and provide a good sense of whether the water-related noises you perceive are deviating from the standard.
To provide guidelines for occupancy, development rules, or house rules, are established. These rules are simply rendered interpretations of the lease agreements that bind the OMC and its members. Commonly, house rules mandate no audible disturbance outside a property from late evening to early dawn hours.
You could seek adherence to the lease and house rules by the OMC. However, this could result in a deteriorated relationship among yourself, the OMC, and your adjacent neighbour, coupled with the related expenses in defending your stance, without even finding a solution.
[Are you struggling with the infant crying all night in the next-door house? How can we shut out the noise?]
Those time and resources could be more beneficially used to soundproof the rooms most impacted by noise. This could lead to a favourable resolution of your issues, whilst maintaining a positive rapport with your OMC and neighbour.
Paul Huberman, a practising property and facilities manager, is a fellow of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.