If you have new neighbours moving in and they are likely to do a lot of work to their new home, you might have that sinking feeling that you are going to have to deal with building noise and disruption for the foreseeable future. Alternatively, you might be the person doing the work and feeling the angry eyes of your neighbours boring into your back every time you leave the house. Building works are an inevitable part of homeowning and most people will have to undertake some level of work.
However, there are things you can do to minimise the pain for your neighbours, and there are things that you can expect your building neighbours to do for you. While it is a good idea to be courteous and respectful, it helps to know what the law says, too.
What the law says
The laws about when it is acceptable to create building noise such as drilling, large vehicles, hammering and other power tools, are generally set out by the local authority, so if you want to know what the guidelines are in your area, you will need to speak to your local council. However, these guidelines are set within the realms of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and as such, the normal times that building works can occur are 8a.m. – 6p.m. Monday – Friday, 8a.m. – 1p.m. on Saturday, and not at all on Sundays and bank holidays. Some councils will move these times one hour either way, so if you are looking for specific recommendations for your area, definitely call your council or check online.
Are there exceptions?
There are occasions when building works are allowed to happen outside of the designated times. This is usually when working in the daytime will cause too much disruption to road users or businesses. Builders can’t make this decision by themselves; they need to get permission when planning permission is sought.
What happens if a builder is noisy outside of these hours?
Theoretically, if a builder is found breaching the rules, they could receive a fine of up to £20,000 but the breach would have to be significant to incur such a large penalty.
What should I do if I am the one having building work done?
Regardless of what the law says, it is a good idea to be open with your neighbours and have the courtesy to let them know in advance of any work that you are planning on doing. If you live in a densely populated area, a note through each neighbour’s door specifying when the work will take place, and how long for, apologising for inconvenience, and thanking them for their patience will go a long way.
What if my neighbours are being too noisy?
If your neighbours are having building work done that is disruptive to you and which you think is unreasonable in terms of timing and disruption, the first thing you should do is speak to them about it. If negotiations are unsuccessful, contact your local authority; they will ask you to fill in a complaint form.
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