Minimising noise from renovation (terrace)

[SpringtoSummer]

We live in an end terrace, our baby is due very soon and the neighbours are about to start major renovations. Is there anything we can do from our side to minimise the noise? (our upstairs doors are hinged on the adjoining wall which could make it more difficult)

Not really - but there are some small things they could do which may help. If a Party Wall Award is being prepared, you can include conditions:

1. Keeping you infirmed of times of particularly noisy work/drilling - you're then ready for it.
2. Ensuring they only work during the council approved times - usually 8-5 Mon-Fri and 8-1 on Saturdays. Sometimes these hours are reduced in the PWA but obviously it's unlikely the neighbours would agree as it lengthens the job.
3. Builder etiquette: no loud radios, shouting on site, vans left running outside - these small things do help.
4. Agree regular cleaning of builders dust from your windows/pathway etc

Books absorb sound well so if you have a bookcase you could move it against the party wall - ditto any other large furniture.

Thanks, that's really helpful and good to know it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask builders to keep the radio down. I'll try the book case too - does even a partial covering help? (we can't do the whole wall because of the door position)

Even partial will help - you'll still hear it but it may help a bit. Defo don't be shy about asking for all the small annoyances to be eradicated - a good builder/foreman should introduce himself so you can address any concerns, and offer to remove any dust/dirt from your property. Good luck!

Thanks Sarah!

Has anyone tried using a white noise machine to help with neighbour noise?

Our neighbours did this the week DD was born. It affected DW more than DD. Most newborns (like me) can sleep through anything, while apparently DWs can't...

No, I definitely can't and obviously earplugs aren't an option so am willing to look into any alternatives