Living in an old flat

Metalface Mark

Metalface Mark

Metalface Mark

Soldato
Joined
26 Dec 2005
Posts
16,134
Location
Paisley
We are considering moving to a upper conversion of an old house (about 100 years).

Im quite noise concious though, and wondered whether anyone lived in similar old properties, we would have people below and to one side of us, i just want to get a feel for old housing insulation levels before putting in an offer.

Im going back to see the house later today, and ill try and have a word with the neighbours, but feedback would be appreciated!
 
My mum is currently renting something very similar as sold her house and hasn't found anything she wants to buy yet. From what I have noticed when round there the house may not specifically be sound insulated, but is far more substantially built than modern stuff and hearing upstairs is next to impossible.
 
We don't have any problems from our neighbours regarding noise. This flat is probably around 100 years old and is a top floor one.

Also it seems fairly well insulated. Bit cold round the windows as it's double glazing but it's fine.

I find older buildings better for noise insulation compared to new builds.
 
Live in a house that old at home and although it isn't divided up into flats, there is no noise heard from upstairs, or even from rooms next door. Compare that to this flat I'm in (built a few years ago) that I can hear noise from 3 rooms away.
 
Yep, old is the best when housing is concerned. There will almost certainly be less noise transfer in an old house/flats than new ones as they weren't built as cheaply 100 years ago. Most modern houses/flats have a lifetime of around 30 years!
 
Nanoman said:
Older houses are generally better as the walls are filled with horse poo.
Click to expand...

Only if they are really old, in which case it's technically horse poo and straw :p


As some of the others have said, older houses will probably be much better in terms of sound proofing than modern builds due to the differences in construction techniques and materials being much more solid (these days they tend to be more along the lines of "it'll meet regs so it'll do").
 
My old house was built in 1886 and was previously flats (is a largish 3 story house) and whilst sound didn't seem to travel footsteps did. Practically the only thing you could hear was people walking around upstairs, so be courteous to those below.
 
Older properties are generally better when it comes to noise, but they are awful at heat retention! I grew up in an old house, and the combination of larger rooms with brick walls meant it was cold even in the summer.
 
Thanks guys. I spoke to the neighbour yesterday and she told me that unless theres a party or something going on, you cant hear anything. As a result we have instructed a survey and if that is all okay, we will have our offer in today!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom