aforbes

Hi all - quick question but a lot of people here talk about claiming VAT back. I was under the impression that you only pay the 5% VAT in the first place to the contractors (therefore no need to claim back - rather it's their responsibility their end). [Scottish VAT rules for renovating uninhabited building] Also wondering, if the building is not 'signed off' (no completion certificate) does this affect the 5% VAT rate - would it stop me from being able to claim this rate? If i am not selling the house does it really matter if I don't get a completion certificate? Does it affect insurance? Many thanks if you're able to shed some light.

when you say replacing what exactly do you mean? Do you have a particular method?

Unfortunately the ceiling height is too low to do that in the bedrooms - plus the noises are so loud and specific I don't actually think an independent ceiling will help (RSJ's in the way etc) - and mezzanine doors. Wherever there's a gap the sound will find it..! Any other suggestions most welcome

It's been suggested that I drill in drywall screws either side of any nails I can find (removing the nails is quite hard so I thought I'd just leave them in). Should I give this a go before anything else?

yes party wall act does apply - but it's just more money spent on surveyors and then lawyers as he'll fight to the death not to do any remedial works (I've already been in touch with surveyors but can't find one with experience of this regarding party wall act - ie sound problems). Freehold already spent 12k letters to guy upstairs and he did works that have created a new problem. Words fail me. - No click together laminate (he's used thin rubber panels). Anyhowwww - all I can hope to do is something from my site - I am hoping it's just ceiling but have horrible feeling it's joists (limit to what I can do) or even his cheap chip board which I'm told is really common problem - and there will be nothing I can do at all. nuts situation in 2021!!

Interesting you say that - it occurs in different places across the floor. It's been suggested that I drill in drywall screws either side of any nails I can find (removing the nails is quite hard so I thought I'd just leave them in). Should I give this a go before anything else? Man upstairs (apparently) hasn't used nails but he's a liar so who knows. One thing I know for sure is that he's used cheap chipboard; not wrapped any pipes; and hasn't used acoustic sealant. He's basically done the cheapest possible job - and not put noggins between the joists (this was another suggestion from a friend - that noggins were needed).

Hi guys - new to this forum but it looks like it's full of brainy people! Essentially I have terrible problem with guy upstairs doing awful works to his floor. Now, every time someone walks we get this really loud (sometime 70 db!!) cracking and popping noises which wake us up and is generally a nightmare. Please hear recording attached. That's just one person - imagine what it's like when there are 4+ (have tried legal route so please don't suggest that). Seems only thing to do is works from below. Have low ceiling in part - so can't put in 10cm false ceiling much as I'd like to. Does anyone have experience with simply screwing in the ceiling plaster? Did it work? (some of our nails are coming out since his works though I can't think that it's just this making the noise) Does anyone have any experience with removing a ceiling (and the rockwool therein) and adding noggins between the joists? Did it work? Easy to put back? He's also installed plaster boards between the joists to stop airborne sound (fat lot of good as we hear everything), so this would also have to be removed to get at the pipework above it that isn't wrapped. In short does anyone have any sensible (affordable) ideas? Would be so grateful if so - and if you know of a competent, trustworthy workman who could do the job in SW London that would be even better! Thanks so much 14 nov 2019.mp3

Hi guys - I have a re I have a really similar problem but in a converted property. Guy upstairs did works and now excessive cracking and popping downstairs. Plus some nails are edging out of my ceiling due to the works upstairs - but I don't think the noise is this as it's so loud. Any idea what I can do? Anyone had luck with noggins? Or should I first try screwing in my ceiling? There's a lot of unwrapped pipework in the floor I know - could be that it's knocking on stuff? It's a nightmare and sometime 70db loud(!). Tried legal route to no avail. Have low ceilings in part so can't build down too much (maybe 4cm) but don't think false ceiling will hide such loud noise. .....any suggestions so welcome- thank you! (have attached a recording) 14 nov 2019.mp3