Layout of extension and soundproofing

[Jonathan Turner]

He’ll probably be able to hear you because of the shared chimney breast – that’s where you both need to block and add some sound deadening plaster board

[Matthew Evans]

If it’s just coving, picture rail and skirting board, you can usually find replicas of those in DIY stores. Much of ours turned out to be a recent replacement rather than original, and even if original, in many houses they are really quite standard. So adding soundproofing on the adjoining wall might not be too awful. I removed a fireplace, chimney breast and installed insulating board in our back bedroom. Yes it removed an original feature but on the upside its now warm.

[Paul Morris]

I could also hear everything my neighbour did in their house next to ours via the Victorian walls, including when she went into labour! I actually did get some soundproofing, professional grade and it made a huge difference. So whilst understand he isn’t doing this to his side and probably just complaining for the sake of it – perhaps it’s worth considering? And then you can have the room layout you want?

[Roger Ellis]

Ah I can see the issue here, we had an extension on our semi detached. Nextdoor also wanted to build out after us and connect onto our newly built extension. I did refuse and it was built with a step in. My reason was noise related, they were a noisy household and the last thing we wanted to do was add more adjoining walls.

We eventually moved to a detached house but the neighbours house astride the boundary line. We have submitted a plan to step in 600mm for our extension leaving a gap for maintenance and keeping sound from leaking to one property to the other.

Now your situation, I can see it from both sides. We soundproofed the alcoves at great expense and it did nothing as the chimney was the weak spot for noise.

I think your cupboard idea is probably a good one as it will be filled with clothes to hopefully muffle the noise. Fun and games in the world of renovations! It’s a shame we have to step in so much with our extension but I can’t risk building too close to nextdoor as they are also a lively family. At the moment we can’t hear each other and that’s how I wish it to stay.

[Stuart William]

What’s stops this gentleman soundproofing his side of the wall? Victorian houses aren’t know for paper thin walls either so this does strike me a little odd.

[Terry Wilson]

If the alternative is wardrobes which they prejudice your layout I’d just go for the sound insulation and do what you want to do. It’s not overly thick and solves the problem

[Thomas Hall]

I’d always add sound insulation on a shared wall if I had the opportunity to, especially in bedrooms. If he’s asking about it, he knows a thing or two about how thin the walls are. Consider joists carrying sound too, I believe they can if laid a particular way. I had my bed in your planned position, I loved it, could sit in bed and look out the window. I’m also fairly sure it’ll add some value to the house.

[Tina Mead]

We have this layout in our Victorian and the wardrobes are a good soundproofing option. Our neighbours have never heard our babies screaming, so try this. He sounds a tricky one. I’d tell him you are adding soundproofing and just do the wardrobes and I bet that will satisfy him

[Thomas Walker]

Soundproofing is always a good idea, but don’t be cheap about it. It’s stupid expensive, but actually worth having it done right. I’d give anything to not hear my neighbours! It may be his suggestion, but you’re doing it as much for you as for him!

[Thomas Murphy]

Has your architect told you you need planning permission for the side extension or could this not be done under permitted development ?

[Sara Harry]

I have the same Victorian bedroom. Storage was important to me so I put wardrobes all across the chimney breast wall (including in front of the chimney breast where the shelves are deep enough for folded clothes as opposed to rails) and my headboard is against the internal wall. And I flipped the bedroom door hinge so it swings the other way. But I think your idea to have the headboard on the adjoining wall is also lovely and a popular choice. I don’t see why you should compromise because of your neighbour’s unreasonable requests. Unless the council requests you to do something, to stay neighbourly I would smile and say that’s a great idea and then who’s to tell whether you actually put the insulation or not. Frankly it’s none of his business. Ask the builders strictly not to let anyone in the house if you’re not there during the reno, because nosy neighbours tend to try their luck.

We also did a side return extension if that helps. Which borough are you in? I am a Solicitor (albeit in a completely different field) and I did lots of research on the law and local guidelines and submitted planning myself and liaised with the council directly. It most often falls under permitted development. There are exceptions, as ours actually didn’t fall under permitted development, but councils are usually efficient in approving given that it’s a pretty standard extension to a Victorian home. It’s such a common extension, personally I haven’t heard of neighbours being able to veto side return extension plans.

My advice – don’t succumb to the requests of a bitter neighbour! Renovate YOUR house exactly as YOU want it (but within legal and council guidelines

[Rupert Lowe]

Is this room already adjoining his? I’d be wary of capitulating- can you hear him already? He can’t really be asking you to change the original part of the house just because you’re extending. Sadly, it’s often those who have lived there the longest who seem to think they control the neighbourhood. But if you are doing anything in that room, you could install rockwool sound insulation between the joists which is always a good thing anyway (and won’t interfere with the features). I’d also be prepared for him to demand pw surveyors etc as there won’t be any appeasing him no matter how considerate you are

[Will Huges]

I’m actually on the other side of this. The owner of the house next door (semi detached Victorian) had already extended then recently did another extension that I thought I didn’t need to worry about as it was on the far side of the house. My bedroom is in the old part of my house and previously I didn’t really hear my neighbours when I was in my bedroom. But since this latest extension the occupiers’ use of the property has changed and I hear people talking until late in the night, and a baby crying. I have to wear ear plugs to get to sleep every night.

[Eric John]

Yes, such a great idea, but I have one more suggestion for you, and that is about using Acoustic wall panels, which will not just help you to reduce noise passing through the shared bedroom wall, especially everyday noises like talking or snoring, and even Slatted acoustic panels will add warmth and texture to your bedroom, and making the space feel more refined and inviting.

They also create a high-end, cohesive look that complements both classic and modern interiors.

Hope that helps a bit, and best of luck with the layout🙂

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