Brits could face £1,000 pre-Christmas bill warn experts

In the build up to Christmas, many Brits will be trying to get their homes picture perfect, with almost £2.8 billion more expected to be spent compared to last Christmas, getting their spaces ready for visitors.

However, in the rush to get ready for the big day, many Brits won’t be aware they could face a £1,000 fine if DIY projects cause disruption to their neighbours.

Whilst it may seem scrooge-y, according to home improvement experts, suffolkpocketdoor.co.uk, "Local councils across the UK have the power to give out fines of up to £5,000 via noise abatement notices if homeowners fall foul of local noise bylaws."

Carl Benson, pocket door expert at suffolkpocketdoor.co.uk, said “Pre-Christmas is a busy time for DIYers in the UK, often looking to build extra seating or extra space ahead of Christmas visitors, but it is always worth checking your local councils noise advice to prevent any fall-out with neighbours.

Whilst unlikely homeowners or renters could face a fine for loud DIY noise, especially if it falls outside of the recommended hours. Often there is no statutory law in terms of times when you can carry out DIY works in your home, each council will have what it deems acceptable, and this can vary.

For instance, Newcastle under Lyne council considers after 1pm on a Saturday, and Sundays all day should be noise-free.”

According to Gov.Uk, if someone doesn’t comply with a warning notice without a reasonable excuse, councils can give a fixed penalty notice (FPN) giving them the chance to pay a fine (up to £110 for dwellings) or prosecute them if they don’t issue an FPN or if the person responsible doesn’t pay the fine on time (if convicted they can get a fine of up to £1,000 for dwellings).

Loudest home DIY jobs:

• 115 dB: Hammer drill
• 102 dB: Jigsaw
• 95-105 dB: Circular Saw
• 90-100 dB: Reciprocating Saw, Belt Sander, Angle Grinder, Drill

Suffolk Pocket Doors’ top tip to avoid DIY Fines:

• Speak to your neighbours about noise (including vibration) or dust from DIY - when it will start, end and extent of the work
• Maintain your tools - properly maintained tools should cause less disruption.
• If using loud tools, don’t turn up the radio or speakers even louder.
• Make sure that the noisiest tasks are being carried out during the time period that is likely to cause the least impact on your neighbours, if you are not sure when this will be, ask them.