Restrictions on DIY Noise

A Guide to Noise Nuisance from DIY

Many of us undertake DIY jobs around the home. Whether one-off or complete home renovations, they can commonly be carried out around 9-5 jobs and other home life.

The work scale can range from making changes to décor or sanding back a table, to completely reworking walls and refitting electrics, plumbing, and windows and doors.

Unfortunately, this work can, therefore, be noisy for neighbours and the rest of the street if it is in a busy area. Not only can this be a nuisance, but it can also interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or cause issues with relationships between neighbours.

Councils can receive complaints about noise and must investigate noise that could be a ‘statutory nuisance’. However, the approach to DIY work can be different from that of formal construction work.

Fewer regulations exist for pre-work checks, and in many cases, prior application is not needed for work to be carried out, as it would for a formal construction company.

 

What issues can arise from DIY work?

Noise is a big issue which can commonly see fractured relationships and issues between neighbours and others in a residential area. The bigger the project, the greater the potential disturbance can be.

Other issues can include obstruction of access (such as vehicles making deliveries or skips being placed), boundary issues, or mud on paths and other areas from vehicles.

However, the only ones which Council Environmental Protection teams are legally obliged to investigate are noise, smoke, and dust emissions.

Noise emissions can include noise from operating machinery and power tools or vibrations. Even talking or music from the radio during the day could cause issues with other residents.

Smoke is common from waste disposal, and dust can also be created from cutting, sanding, and demolition work.

 

What the law says

There are no UK laws which impose restrictions on DIY work. There’s no restriction on times of the day, noise levels, and when and where equipment can be used.

Weekends, evenings, and Bank Holidays are popular times for DIYers, and the law (or lack thereof) suggests people are free to work whenever possible.

Conversely, construction companies carrying out major works may have to apply for permission, and councils then inform the local community and seek any objections.

However, this doesn’t mean people should ignore the potential disruption they could cause. Councils can intervene.

 

How can I reduce noise from DIY?

Noise when doing DIY can’t be avoided. But it can be reduced for minimal disturbance.

Using quieter power tools can help. This is often a case of choosing battery or electric power instead of petrol. Electric and battery tools do not have an engine, reducing noise and vibrations.

With lower vibrations and no fumes, they can also be used for longer than petrol, meaning the job can be done quicker. This also reduces the effect of vibrations and fumes on neighbours over time.

Electric power tools can also be used without restricting you to a power socket, so work can be carried out in a dedicated area rather than areas which can cause disturbance.

 

How noise nuisance from DIY is resolved

Local councils can accept noise complaints and intervene or negotiate between two parties in the UK.

The exact point at which local councils will step in can differ. In densely populated areas, such as London, the restrictions on noise can be tighter than in quieter residential areas, and individual councils often have their own guidance on suitable noise levels and restrictions.

Councils will often negotiate to find a solution which allows necessary work to be carried out, in a way which minimises intrusion to neighbours.

 

How can complaints and issues be avoided?

Most people carrying out DIY will benefit from informing neighbours beforehand. Small jobs, such as sanding furniture or woodwork, are often quickly completed, so often cause little disturbance.

If carrying out major works, informing neighbours beforehand is a good idea. This way, you may also be able to take on any issues they have with the work being carried out and come to an agreement.

For emergencies which need to be completed ASAP, informing neighbours prior to the job is still ideal, out of courtesy.

As a guide, noisier work is best restricted to the following hours:

• Mon – Fri: 9.00am to 7.30pm.
• Saturdays: 9.00am to 5.00pm
• Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10.00am – 2.00pm

 

What is an abatement notice?

Councils can impose time regulations through an abatement notice if the person causing a nuisance has been seen to be causing a major disturbance and does not cooperate. These can be served to either the person carrying out the noise, or an owner/occupier.

Failure to comply is a legal offence. An individual can be prosecuted and fined a lump sum, with further fines for each day they refuse to cooperate. These are court ordered notices, and the amount can vary as it is also set by the court.

Councils can also carry out works and force the individual to pay for them, or apply for an injunction to stop the work through a court.