Be a considerate neighbour

Advice on how to keep your noise levels low at home

Remember that neighbours sharing party walls, floors and ceilings tend to be worst affected by noise, and that noise can cause problems depending on:

• how loud it is
• how long it lasts
• how often it occurs
• the time of day it happens.

Late night party goers

• If you're having a party or barbecue, remember to warn your neighbours in advance and tell them what time it will finish.
• Keep the music turned down low and don't stand outside on balconies or in gardens late at night.
• Ask your guests to go home quietly.

Noise outside

• Don't operate noisy appliances or equipment such as lawn mowers or power tools late at night or early in the morning.
• If you're playing music outside, try to keep it at a level that cannot be heard outside your boundary.
• Make sure your children don't cause too much noise, especially by kicking balls against the neighbour's walls.
• If you have a marquee, remember that it has no sound insulation and all the noise you make inside will be heard outside.

Radios, stereos, TVs and musical instruments

• Keep the volume as low as possible and if you have bass control on your stereo make sure it's turned right down.
• Late at night you should use headphones or listen to music on a personal stereo.
• If you play a musical instrument avoid practicing early in the morning or late evening/night.
• If the instrument has an amplifier, turn the volume down or preferably use headphones.

Household repairs and improvements

• Let your neighbours know beforehand if you are carrying out potentially noisy operations, using power tools or working on party walls or floors.
• Carry out noisy operations during the day keeping the evening for less noisy work such as painting and decorating.
• Don't leave DIY equipment running - switch it off when not being used.
• Remember that hired equipment, e.g. mixers, generators are often more powerful and noisier than DIY versions.
• Use hand tools wherever possible and complete the work as quickly as you can.

Domestic appliances

• Noisy appliances such as washing machines, spin dryers, freezers and fridges should not be situated next to party walls.
• Washing machines and spin dryers should stand on a solid floor or placed on a carpet or rubber mat to reduce vibration.
• Don't operate noisy appliances late at night or early in the morning.

Vehicles and repairs

• Try to do noisy repairs during the day (avoid Sundays) and if possible carry out work in a garage.
• Don't rev the engine excessively and keep in-car music levels down and the windows closed.
• Remember to close doors quietly and use horns only in emergencies.

Dogs

• Don't let your dog bark or whine for long periods or leave it alone.
• If your dog barks constantly when left alone or disturbed keep it indoors.
• If your dog still barks when indoors make arrangements to leave it with a neighbour or friend or get someone to call in.
• Leave its' favourite toy or put the radio on at a very low volume.
• If it's a real problem consult your vet for advice about training.