Noise Concern: Are you a considerate neighbour?

noise questionnaire

Most people are guilty of creating loud noise at one time or another - whether it’s starting a DIY project too early on a Saturday morning, letting your teenagers play loud music or allowing your dog to bark for long periods. Please fill in the questionnaire below honestly thinking about your behaviour and lifestyle and find out whether you really are a thoughtful neighbour or whether there is room for improvement.

1. How would you describe your relationship with your neighbour?
Very good - we speak quite often
Okay - we say hello but that’s it really
Not good - we never talk or acknowledge each other
Poor - we are or have been involved in a dispute

2. How well do you know your neighbours’ routine and lifestyle?
Very well, I know where they work, when they get in from work, what time their kids are allowed to play out until etc
Fairly well - I know when they get in from work and when they are going on holiday
Not very well - only as well as knowing when their car is and isn’t there
Not at all - I don’t really pay attention

3. Which phrase best describes your thoughtfulness as a neighbour?
I always consider my neighbours before I embark on any noisy activities and tailor the timings to suit their lifestyles
I try to keep noise levels down but only when it suits me
I rarely consider my neighbour but if they thought I was being noisy, surely they would complain, wouldn't they?
Poor - I never consider my neighbour – it’s my house and I’ll do what I like!

4. Do you keep noise levels (including music, TV, domestic appliances and DIY activities) down in the evening and early morning?
Always - I know if I’m considerate the neighbours will be too
Often - but sometimes noise can’t be helped
Rarely - only when I think I have already annoyed them
Never - it’s my house why should I care whether my noise affects them

5. Do you warn your neighbours if you are planning a party that may generate excessive noise?
Always and we invite them to come to the party
Often - we try to give them a couple of nights notice and give them a bottle of wine as a good will gesture
Sometimes - but only if I see them passing
Never - why should I?

6. Do you shout loudly at your children or argue noisily with your partner on a regular basis?
Never - we are always aware of reacting too loudly so we don’t upset the neighbours
Never - I live alone
Sometimes - only though when I am at the end of my tether
Often – I must admit I shout at my children/argue with my partner regularly and don't consider the neighbours
Daily – I know it must upset the neighbours because it would upset me if they made as much noise as we do

7. If you have children, are they aware that they shouldn’t make too much noise because of the neighbours?
Yes - we encourage our children to be thoughtful
Sometimes - they try to keep noise levels down but we have to constantly remind them
Slightly - we try to encourage them but they love playing music and it seems mean to stop them
No - if they can’t make noise in their own home where can they?
I don’t have any children

8. Have you ever resorted to making noise to purposely disturb your neighbour because you felt their noise levels were too loud?
Never - if my neighbour was making too much noise, I would politely ask them to be more considerate
Sometimes - but only because I find it hard to ask them to keep it down
Often - if next door play music, I will turn the volume up high on my CD player
Daily - who do they think they are disturbing me in my home?