A lot of people are troubled by their neighbors, and in apartment buildings, one can have a lot of neighbors.
We enforce strict rules in our 200-plus square foot block of flats. These include when you can perform building work and when you are allowed to listen to music, and when you’re not supposed to disturb your neighbors.
We all have to change things as we remodel or replace kitchens and bathrooms, alter floorings , and even have builders come in to perform noisy things. As we were first moving into our flat and began making changes, we received complaints from someone who lived below us and was a writer working at home.
Super status conversion
Ten years later , we made the decision to transform the house into a “Superhome”. We sought the building’s management for their consent on what we would like to accomplish, and received a an email response. We replaced windows using double glazing, we also used secondary glazing, where the replacement was extremely difficult and also installed a fresh combi boiler.
Also, we added internal insulation on all exterior walls, and perhaps more in a controversial way, all ceilings. Insulate our portion of the roof was a major issue. It’s a flat roof solid, and we believe not insulated, however in good weatherproof condition.
It was not in the agenda, however laying an insulation that was waterproof on top of the asphalt (an upside-down roof) could be a viable energy-saving solution. However , it was not feasible to cover only the section that was on top. The freeholders would need to insulate the entire section including the flats surrounding us, and that wasn’t feasible.
We’ve opted for the untested solution of lining the ceiling dry throughout the flatand protecting it from the penetration of vapour. The job was completed by a responsible contractor who knew the rules that he was required to perform the work. We weren’t living in the house at the time, but there must have heard plenty of noise and to-ing going around with waste materials and other materials. We didn’t have any complaints and at all my knowledge that the builders. We made no enemies.
Beware of passionate discussions
Certain experts believe that the wall insulation inside is the only way to prevent cold bridging unless it extends to the adjacent partition walls. It could cause noticeable changes on walls that are shared with neighbors, the idea being that their walls aren’t heated by the flat that has been renovated and therefore will be warmer and more susceptible to condensation.
We did not add insulation on the walls of the interior and now, five years later, there’s no evidence of mould or condensation at the point where the internal walls meet the exterior, and also there are no complaints from neighbors.
Inspiring interest from neighbours
In addition, many (maybe most) of our neighbors are aware that we’ve completed our flat renovation London and are amazed in our efforts to do lots to improve the energy efficiency. We constantly speak about how comfortable and warm the apartment is. We have invited the entire blocks to come and visit the apartment. The flats next door should be able to benefit from having a warm and comfortable neighbor.
The process of repurposing an eco-friendly home to create an energy-efficient flat is not distinct from other improvements individuals make from time the time. That’s life. We’d certainly suggest that the entire building is eco-renovated same time since this helps save both money and time, and also prevents disturbance. However, individual flat energy improvements are worth the effort and should have no adverse effects on relationships with neighbors.
Five tips for the most successful renovation of your flat
Talk about improvements you would like to make with the building manager at the planning phase
Employ a professional builder
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when sealing and fixing internal insulation.
Use extractor fans , and do not dry your clothing in the air to lower the humidity
If you are using wall insulation for internal use make sure you put in blocks for curtain rails , or blind support