Urban noise complaints
When I wrote about the motorcycle-riding neighbor, it brought a few comments about other noise issues in urban (and suburban neighborhoods.) So, today I’d like to give those other noise complaints some air time.
I have had clients who have either complained about, or were complained-to about all of these common noises. Some stated that the noise issue was a big part of their reason for moving. Do these bother you? Do you think that anyone bothered by these is just a hot-house flower who should move to the middle of no-where?
People noise:
There are voluntary activities that people do in and around their houses and apartments that, if heard by the neighbors, can cause friction.
Riding a motorcycle, using a chirping car opener, using a car alarm, lawn mowers , leaf blowers, playing music, dancing (especially DDR), yelling – either in anger or shouting for children to come, cooking strong-smelling foods, doing laundry or vacuuming at odd hours.
Then there are house-function noises that bother the neighbors:
Neighbors are bothered by the mechanical noises from direct vents for heating equipment, discharge noise of water running from a sump pump, motor noise from fans and air conditioners, and touchy house alarms.
I also hear complaints street conditions. Beyond just busy streets, loose manhole cover that clank all night are intolerable to some. Then there's light pollution -- bright street lights, neon from local businesses, and spotlights flashing on a motion detector in the neighbor's yard or driveway can drive some people batty.
I've had clients tell me they think direct vents should be banned. I also have had buyers furious because their neighbor complained about their air conditioner. Is noise pollution the price one pays for urban living, or are the noisy ones being selfish? As a buyer, how to you check for these kinds of problems before it’s too late?
