From time to time people it is inevitable that neighbours will need to complete maintenance tasks on property, improve living conditions or change decor. Most people can accept a certain amount of noise generated from DIY activity, even during evenings or at weekends, so DIY generally does not become a problem unless it:
- Continues over a prolonged period of time
- Is carried out continuously, or on consecutive days, without a break
- Takes place at unsociable hours or repeated evenings
Letting your neighbour know that it is causing disturbance or enquiring as to how long works are expected to continue, would be a reasonable first step. Those involved might also consider requesting that no works take place after a certain hour or that work is not undertaken on a particular day, for example, if you are expecting guests or need to study. In other cases people may prefer to suffer an extended period of noise in the short term so that projects can be finished sooner.
Where neighbours are uncooperative or unreasonable you may contact the environmental health service. DIY noise is more likely to be considered a statutory nuisance if it is ongoing problem so they may ask you to keep a log of disturbance.
You can find out more about the investigation process here. In most cases a conversation will resolve any differences between parties. If the local authority become involved a letter may be sent to the person carrying out the work.
Where works are undertaken by contractors (for example refurbishments, extensions or house building) we have other information that may be of value.
Noise Nuisance 