Noise pollution
Hard flooring
The trend towards hard and laminated flooring has been the cause of an increasing number of complaints about noise.
If you are considering fitting hard flooring, you should carefully consider the potential impact on your neighbours - particularly if you live in a terraced house or flat.
Make sure that it will not increase noise impact on your neighbours, and that any sound insulation fitted is effective.
In many dwellings the fitting of hard flooring is prohibited by the lease.
If you suffer from noise from hard flooring, first approach your neighbours.
Using rugs and removing shoes can reduce the impact noise on hard floors but will probably not completely solve the problem.
If you live in a flat check the lease.
If you do not own your home, take the matter up with your landlord.
In some cases, where buildings have poor sound insulation, carpet may be the only solution.