Part E - noise regulations

[early 911]

Do these only apply to new build?

I'm renovating my wee cottage which includes moving the bathroom, knocking down a wall, re-wiring, adding heating, installing a spiral staircase . . . . so I've had to get building control involved.

I've done a fair amount of the work already . . . and haven't had the inspector round.

How scared should I be?

The architect stipulated 75mm ISOWOOL APR on the plans (acoustic partition roll) for the partition walls (mid terrace). Thing is, in some places there's not enough room to install the stuff.

If it does apply, anyone got any recommendations?

I haven't started on the electrics and I'm in two minds whether I should.

Is there anything stopping me having a go at it myself (from a regulation point of view)?
Am I right in thinking if I DIY'ed it, building control would have to get it inspected at their cost . . . but couldn't issue some sort of certificate?
How important is this certificate (considering the new Home Information Packs thing coming it)?

I'm considering injecting the walls (it defo has a damp problem and I know you guys don't like injecting .. sorry ) . . . but again I can do this DIY, but won't get the certificate (which is properly useless, but would be good in the HIP when I come to sell it in a few years time)?

Phil Johnson

 

[Ian Bond]

This may be of interest re electrics:

http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk/ccm/...78E825B9876CF0C18BCC06902D94?asset_id=395008&

Bristol say that where work is carried out by a DIYer, the applicant must have the work inspected and tested by a registered electrician.


To me, this suggests you can DIY it. But you pay for the BC certificate, and pay to have your work inspected by the electrician.

[RANT]
Now this Part P really p*ss*d me off. After being ripped off and let down I spent a long time learning how to do 'lec-tricks, and re-wired my house completely. To a very high standard, if I say so myself When I moved in it was a death-trap. And then HM Govt tell me I'm not competent to do it.

Typical - the minority of bodgers who can't be bothered to do the electrics properly, equally won't bother with complying with the Part P regs, so it's concientious folk like me and you who pay - several times over!!!!

[/RANT]

I am encouraged that Bristol suggest you can DIY provided you get work inspected. I've not found anyone willing to do this yet (inspect) but you can't just present the finished job and say inspect this. If it was me inspecting it, I'd want to see the job in progress, not when the cables had been covered up.

p.s.

How do I get 3 inches of acoustic insulation into my plank and muntin partition?

 

[Mark]

Aparently his fat uselessness the DPM has said that BC should arrange the inspection as part of their duties. Im not aware of anywhere that actually does though. I can see a lot of arguments and increased fees.

 

[Gervase]

There are other noise-reducing solutions which would take up a lot less room. Have a look at the heavy-duty rubber-based accoustic membranes or dense mineral board. If you're using plasterboard, Gyproc 10 plus 50mm of rockwool will satisfy most building control officers. Three-coat lime plaster and the same amount of rockwool could be argued to have the same effect!