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Compulsory sound insulation for new properties

  • 29-08-2017 7:02pm
    #1
    heritz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34 ✭


    I am in the process of buying a new property. I was looking up online and found that in 2015 new sound insulation regulations (or suggestions?) were introduced. According to my findings, they are compulsory for properties built after July 2015.

    I talked to the property agents and they said verbally that acoustics would be carried out and more information would be on the contracts. My solicitor had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned soundproofing to him, nor knew about Building Regulations. There is also no mention of sound insulation in the contracts/documentation.

    To the people that work in construction, or are involved in this area: is this really a compulsory requirement? can I ask for this to be included in the contracts? or is it automatically assumed that this testing will be carried out?

    My concern comes from the fact that I am purchasing a terraced house, so proper noise insulation is at the top of my list.

    I can't post links yet, but all the details are in the housing.gov.ie website, specifically under Technical Guidance Document E Sound.


Comments

  • #2
    Roger Mellie Man on the Telly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,102 ✭✭✭Roger Mellie Man on the Telly


    It's a building regulation which must be complied with. Non compliance with regulations means the final certificate will not be granted by the local authority and the building cannot be occupied.


  • #3
    heritz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34 ✭heritz


    Roger Mellie Man on the Telly wrote: »
    It's a building regulation which must be complied with. Non compliance with regulations means the final certificate will not be granted by the local authority and the building cannot be occupied.

    Thanks, makes sense.

    Out of curiosity, in what step of the process does the local authority "check" that everything is in order? is it once everything is finished and the builder has received the money? or is it before they get the final payment from the bank?


  • #4
    Cilar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 180 ✭✭Cilar


    heritz wrote: »
    Thanks, makes sense.

    Out of curiosity, in what step of the process does the local authority "check" that everything is in order? is it once everything is finished and the builder has received the money? or is it before they get the final payment from the bank?

    My cynical side would bet that there is no actual checks made at all to most units.


  • #5
    Gumbo
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,339 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    Cilar wrote: »
    My cynical side would bet that there is no actual checks made at all to most units.

    Your cynical side would be incorrect then, in Dublin at least.
    DCC currently check every multi unit development under construction.

    The sound regulations is part of Part E of the building regulations. The sound transmission test can be passed with standard construction methods, and not necessarily by adding additional sound insulation. But it does mean that the builder has to construct it properly in order to pass the test.

    The developer has to carry our sound transmission tests on most of the units in order to demonstrate that thei requirement is met.

    What development are you buying in OP?


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