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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Noisy DIY all weekend

34 replies

MrsDeaconClaybourne · 20/06/2021 19:17

Probably being unreasonable but just really wanted to let off steam. NDN working on a "project" since first May day bank holiday. Means noisy work going on in all his spare time which also = all our spare time. He'd started when I got in from work on Friday until at least 9pm, continued all day yesterday and, with a brief respite this morning, is still going strong! I know people have to get stuff done but it's driving me mad.

Is it normal to have so little consideration that people might want a little bit of peace and quiet of a weekend or am I just grumpy and over sensitive? We have had a fair bit of work done over the years but not DIYers so only ever done in 'office hours' so not sure what is reasonable. Have to keep having doors and windows shut even in the lovely weather.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsDeaconClaybourne · 20/06/2021 19:18

There were paragraphs when i wrote that! Blush

OP posts:
StoneofDestiny · 20/06/2021 19:20

Not unreasonable if the neighbour keeps to daytime hours - not too early or into the evening

StoneofDestiny · 20/06/2021 19:21

Assume you've spoken to him now?

SaltySkulls · 20/06/2021 19:27

YANBU. If you're in England it's not allowed.

Original poster
MrsDeaconClaybourne · 20/06/2021 19:28

@StoneofDestiny

Assume you've spoken to him now?
No I'm far too rubbish at ant sort of conflict! Just muttering to myself and DH and sighing a lot!
OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 20/06/2021 19:36

Well I’m sure your fair bit of work pissed them off. It won’t go on forever.

Original poster
MrsDeaconClaybourne · 20/06/2021 19:40

@Bluntness100

Well I’m sure your fair bit of work pissed them off. It won’t go on forever.
Probably but it wasn't ever at 9pm on a Friday night or all day at the weekend. They were out at work most of the time ours was happening.
OP posts:
newnortherner111 · 20/06/2021 19:42

Don't complain to us, complain to him. If it persists then report.

Eleoura · 20/06/2021 19:47

What is the neighbour doing? Drilling all day, using a pressure washer, painting, sawing, using a digger??? Do you know how long it will go on for?

Surely the 1st thing you should do is inquire and find out when their project will be done and would they mind not doing it on the weekends? Have you checked your local council if they have specific days/times for noisy work/construction?

JagerPlease · 20/06/2021 20:00

Thing is, when do you expect someone who works full time to do DIY, other than evenings and weekends?

SorrySoldOut · 20/06/2021 20:05

whens is he supposed to do it then?

Original poster
MrsDeaconClaybourne · 20/06/2021 20:12

Well, maybe don't take on a massive project if you don't have the time to do it during reasonable hours?

Also work full time and have had no time this weekend where I could be in the garden without drilling, (electric) sawing and banging from next door. Oh well, like a PP poster said won't go on forever!

OP posts:
StoneofDestiny · 20/06/2021 20:31

But it needn't become a conflict just because you have a word with him. He might be oblivious to just how annoying he is being.

Dotty1219 · 21/06/2021 09:21

I 100% get where you're coming from. Our new neighbours have been doing building work/diy since January and I mean loud invasive work (as well as the builders being pig ignorant, blocking access leaving my garden gate wide open). The noise has been that bad at times it's shaken the house and dp hasn't been able to get on any of his work calls. Weekdays, weekends, 7am-9pm. We even had one of them scraping the joint wall at 6am on a Sunday. It's been horrible to live with and no end in sight. They don't care in the slightest how intrusive it is to us. It seems like nothing when you post on here, but when you're living with it for 6 months, it really starts to affect your quality of life. They haven't moved in yet, so don't have to live with it white infuriates me even more.

maddening · 21/06/2021 09:30

Rather than conflict perhaps the first conversation is to ask how long they think this is going on for. If just a couple more weeks at least there is an end in sight. If longer perhaps seek advice from environmental health as I believe that there are limits when a project goes on over a longer period, as in after a number of months it is no longer treated as DIY noise and you then look at limits eg not after 6pm , 9 till 4 Saturday and not on Sundays or bank hols.

feistymumma · 21/06/2021 09:33

Report to your local authority and they will receive a letter detailing the acceptable times for DIY work.

ForeverSausages · 21/06/2021 09:37

It's a tough one, I'm self isolating and my neighbour has decided to build some sort of office in their garden. It's driving me nuts but he was really apologetic as he knows I can't actually get out and agreed to stop at 7pm (my son's bedroom faces the garden and goes to bed 7/7:30pm). You can definitely ask the neighbour how long the works are likely to continue for Smile.

maddening · 21/06/2021 09:38

Eg from a council advice sheet:
What are considered to be reasonable times for DIY work?
In terms of a householder who is doing the work themselves we would
usually recommend that the noisier activities are restricted to the
following working hours;
• Mon – Fri - 9.00am to 7.30pm.
• Saturdays – 9.00am to 5.00pm
• Sunday and Bank Holiday – 10.00am – 2.00pm
Please note these times are not legal limits, but are suggested as a
sensible approach. It can be very helpful to talk to your neighbours first.
What happens if it is impossible to find a compromise
arrangement?
In extreme cases involving noise, smoke or dust that causes a
substantial interference with a resident’s use and enjoyment of their
property councils can investigate and take legal action to control the
nuisance where evidence clearly shows there is a significant problem
that needs controlling. Where there is no cooperation from the person
undertaking the work to stop the nuisance a council can impose times
and working conditions through an abatement notice, which is a legally
binding order that must be complied with. An abatement notice does not
necessarily mean that DIY work will be stopped outright, as it is usually
possible to improve the situation by restricting activities to certain hours
instead

maddening · 21/06/2021 09:39

So long standing DIY noise till late at night and all weekend can become a substantial problem is if it is going on over several months.

Brefugee · 21/06/2021 09:41

Assuming he's not a mind reader: if you don't tell him, he can't know it bothers you.

Usual MN reply: send your kids out at 6am

LolaSmiles · 21/06/2021 09:50

Well, maybe don't take on a massive project if you don't have the time to do it during reasonable hours?
So people shouldn't do their own DIY unless they've got bottomless pockets to fund tradespeople to work at hours that suit you, but would probably end up annoying a different neighbour who is working from home and is also prone to moaning?

9pm is too late in my opinion, but your overall attitude seems a little bit NIMBY to me.

maddening · 21/06/2021 15:37

Lola, then accept that your project will take longer as you should aim for reasonable times if you cannot or won't pay for trades.

DynamoKev · 21/06/2021 16:02

Germany has some pretty good noise laws - wish we had them here.

Nsky · 21/06/2021 16:15

Unless you pay for it, when else will he get it done?

neverenoughchelseaboots · 21/06/2021 16:52

Totally agree with @LolaSmiles so someone shouldn't take on a project to do at the weekends?! Confused