Many people are unhappy with their neighbors, and in apartment buildings, one can have a lot of neighbors.
There are strict rules for our 200-plus square foot block of flats. They state when you are allowed to perform building work and when you are allowed to listen to music, and when you are not allowed to disrupt your neighbors.
We all have to change things and upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms, change floorings , and even have builders on site to work and do things. The first time we moved in to our apartment and began to make changes, we received complaints from a person who was living below and was a writer who worked at home.
Super status conversion
Ten years later , we made the decision to transform the house into a “Superhome”. We requested the building’s managers for their consent on what we would like to accomplish, and received a written confirmation. We replaced windows using double-glazed units, and used secondary glazing when replacing was difficult, and also installed a fresh combi boiler.
We also added insulation on all exterior walls, and perhaps more in a controversial way, all ceilings. The insulation of our roof was a major issue. The roof is flat, solid, and we believe it’s not insulated, yet in good weatherproof condition.
The replacement was not on the agenda, however laying an insulation that was waterproof on top of the asphalt (an upside-down roof) could be a great energy-saving solution. It was however not feasible to insulate just our area that was on top. The freeholders would need to insulate the entire section including the flats surrounding us, and that was not feasible.
We’ve opted for the less-tested method of using dry-lined ceilings throughout the flatand protecting it from permeation of the vapour. The job was completed by a competent builder who was aware of the constraints within which he needed to perform the work. We weren’t living in the apartment at the time, but there could be lots of noise, to-ing and going around with waste materials and other materials. We didn’t have any complaints, and neither as far as I know nor did the builders. We made no enemies.
Stay clear of passionate arguments
There are some experts who believe that wall insulation inside will only result in cold bridging, unless the insulation extends to the adjoining parts of internal partition walls. It could cause noticeable changes on neighbouring walls of the party–the idea being that their walls aren’t heated by the newly renovated flat and, consequently, less warm and more prone to condensation.
We did not add insulation to the internal walls and now, five years later, there’s still no evidence of mould or condensation at the point where the internal walls meet the externalwalls, and, again there are no complaints from neighbors.
Inspiring interest from neighbours
Another benefit is that many (maybe even all) of our neighbors know that we’ve completed improvements and are amazed in our efforts to do lots to improve the energy efficiency. We often discuss how comfortable and warm the flat is . We’ve invited everyone in the 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 doesn’t require any distinct from other improvements individuals make from time the time. That’s life. We’d certainly suggest that the entire block be eco-renovated at same time since this helps save time and money as well as avoiding disturbance. However, individual energy improvements are worth the effort and should not have any negative impact on the relationship between neighbours.
Five tips to ensure the most successful flat renovation London
Talk about improvements you would like to make with the building’s manager at the planning phase
Make sure you hire a skilled builder
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when sealing and fixing internal insulation.
Make use of 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 to support curtain rails or blind support
