Power tools are very noisy. A drill, circular saw, or angle grinder produces between 80 and 110 decibels. In comparison, a conversation held at normal volume is around 60 decibels. Prolonged exposure to harmful noises above 80 decibels can lead to permanent hearing loss. Of course, as a responsible DIY enthusiast, you wear proper ear protection, but you can’t expect your neighbours to sit in front of the TV with earplugs in. And it’s not just power tools that cause noise disturbance. Even stripping wallpaper from a partition wall can be very annoying for those on the other side of the wall. And how about the radio, which is essential for many builders and DIYers during work…the list is endless.
What does the law say?
Unlike for businesses and events, there are no national noise standards for DIY at home or in the garden. However, local councils can have their own guidelines concerning neighbour disturbances. You can find these guidelines on your local council’s website. Suitable times for DIY is a matter of negotiation and decency. As a DIY enthusiast, you don’t have the freedom to disregard the comfort of your neighbours entirely, but neighbours also don’t have the right to demand protection from every disruptive noise.
Unwritten rules
Because many people work during the day, DIY tasks are often done in the evenings and on weekends. And these are precisely the times when noise disturbance is most disruptive. A general guideline for hours when you can make noise can be:
- Monday – Friday: 9.00 to 19.30
- Saturday: 9.00 to 17.00
- Sundays and public holidays: 10.00 – 14.00
And it’s mainly a matter of mutual acceptance and a willingness to consider each other. Inform your neighbours if you’re planning a significant project. Explain what you’ll be doing and how long it will take, and discuss ways to minimise disruption.
What can I do about my noisy neighbours?
If you’re experiencing excessive disturbance and can’t resolve it amongst yourselves, you can contact the local police as a last resort. In this case, it’s crucial to keep a ‘logbook’ where you note the type of disturbance, when it occurred, etc. Legally, there is only a disturbance when one is regularly affected and can prove it.
Also, read Zen for handymen.
