<b><b>Neil Smith, NHBC group technical manager, argues that while there is certainly a case for improving sound regulations, some of the proposed changes are a step too far</b></b><br><b>NHBC is regularly involved with complaints about noise from home owners. Few people expect walls to mask the Rolling Stones at full blast - but they do believe walls should block out everyday noise from next door. No-one wants to hear their neighbour's alarm clock going off.</b><br><b><b>Disruptive investigation </b></b><br> NHBC staff find that complaints about noise stem from a variety of defects including joist ends which are poorly built into separating walls, gaps around services passing through separating floors and use of the wrong blocks. Finding the source of the problem can often be difficult and disruptive. For example, it may be necessary to remove dry-linings or floor screeds to examine the structure. It can also be costly to repair. Access is often needed to at least three homes and the solution can affect every room on each side of the separating wall or floor. <p></p><p>Clearly, as an industry, we are sometimes failing to reach the standards of the current Approved Document and falling short of consumer expectations. We are also bearing the …