To complain or not...?

[InAMess2023]

Well it’s not really making a complaint as I can’t resolve my situation but it’s more advice for what to do in future…

For context, I have ASD and my home is very much my safe place and my quiet sanctuary as one thing I really struggle with is sensitivity to noises

Had someone from the gas board visit about six months ago to tell me that they were going to replace the pipes in my area. Came in and looked at my gas supply and said someone would need to come in and replace. Nothing heard any further…

Last week they rocked up outside and started digging holes all along my side of the street (obviously noisy). Came into my garden and started digging holes in the driveway. First morning I had to go out and have words with them due to them talking about cocaine and anal sex underneath my window while I was trying to WFH! Also put barriers across my driveway meaning I couldn’t get the car out.

They’ve been in my house 4 times this week, no advance warning any time just knocked on the door and said ‘I need to come in’. I don’t even let my mum come in usually without advance warning!

Thought I’d get some peace today but no they’re doing weekend working as well. 12 weeks they’ll be in the street and I’m already losing the will with the noise after 4 days! But one of the reasons I WFH is due to how noisy our office is as well. So no escape

AIBU to have expected a little bit more warning and explanation of when things would happen and what they needed to do?! Not sure what they’d have done if I wasn’t home either. Even just a letter or phone call when they were due to start would have been better than nothing.

I don’t know whether to flag this up or just put it down to my ASD. It’s only likely to be a once in a generation works so not a regular thing.

bump

I don’t think you’re being unreasonable at all about a fee things. It can be hard to tell.. is it them.. is it me? Such is the conflict people face who suffer from sensitivity to noise. I suffer this too.

first, are you renting? This would make a difference as your LL or agent should have given you notice about the works. Even if you’re an owner, why is there no notice given?

if you do need the works done, noise unfortunately has to be expected. Drilling, digging, work sounds is just… the reality. Sigh. Could headphones work? I use noise cancelling airpods but they’re not as great as Apple make out.

what is unacceptable is the conversations the workers are having. It’s disgusting. Especially if youre a woman living alone and having to hear that revolting talk.

based on that alone, if the noise and disruption from the workers themselves continues, I’d seek to make a formal complaint detailing what they’re saying too.

i’d also be really angry about not getting notice for this works. If your agent failed to give you notice, you can make a formal complaint with the PRS. It is unacceptable if this is they’re doing.

i think a lot could have happened before they arrived to help you prepare for the noise and help you through it, given they’re saying it’s work that has to be done.

you have a hidden or invisible health issue, something that people can’t see. This is why giving notice and people time to adjust their environment or conditions for things like this is required. So you can continue with work and life with minimal disruption. But it sounds like you’ve not been given that notice and respect. I would make a formal complaint to whomever you need to and they need to make it right.

Name change fail-this is your second post so is it you or a friend?

@Booksandwine80 name change fail? Wrong thread?

@cupcakesarelife no I own the property. I just wanted some notice and explanation rather than having it sprung on me!

I complained at the time to them and to their manager about the language. The guy did come and apologise profusely and said he'd 'had his arse kicked'. I'm not easily offended and spend a lot of time around 'lads' (football etc) but it was also the proximity to my window and the volume while I was trying to work!

I've tried the loop headphones and found them absolutely useless to be honest! I do need to go into the office a few days next week so don't have a choice on those days about which noise is less disruptive!

truly sucks. i feel for you.
i still think notice have been served though.
i hope they speed up the work and glad you were apologised to.
good luck with it all