Hello everyone!
I’ve mentioned before that we plan to install a wooden privacy fence along the side of our property bordering the neighbor. The plan was for rounded fence panels, 180cm (71 inches) tall at the highest point and the same width.
The local DIY store gave me a quote for the materials, including delivery. Normally, this store is not particularly expensive.
The total for materials for 19.5m (64 feet) of fencing came to over 1000€. The panels themselves were about 500€, with the rest being the “miscellaneous parts.” One costly item is the wood stain planned (three times 4L (1 gallon) of Bondex long-lasting protective stain) for nearly 200€. The advisor also said we need to use H-posts and set them in concrete. He quoted a 40kg (88 lbs) bag of screed concrete for each post.
I know that here in northern Germany it’s probably better to set the posts in concrete, but do I really need 400kg (880 lbs) of concrete for a 19.5m (64 feet) wooden fence? It seems crazy to me.
With L-brackets, screws, posts, etc., the entire project came to just over 1000€, and then we still have to assemble it ourselves — and we’re not sure if we can manage that. I had originally thought of using the quick-setting concrete that only needs watering, but I expected 2–3 bags would be enough.
Do you think the quote for materials is realistic? I’m a bit shocked.
Now we’re considering alternatives. For example, I could order a mixed package of “natural hedge bouquet” with 160 plants online for about 280€, which would green up the whole garden and cost only about a quarter of what the fence would. However, the noise insulation to the neighbor’s property would probably be weaker than with a wooden fence (anyone with experience here?), and we would have to wait a few years until the plants grow tall enough to screen the view of the metal shed. But honestly, I’d almost prefer to invest a four-figure amount in greenery rather than in a fence.
What would you recommend?
I’ve mentioned before that we plan to install a wooden privacy fence along the side of our property bordering the neighbor. The plan was for rounded fence panels, 180cm (71 inches) tall at the highest point and the same width.
The local DIY store gave me a quote for the materials, including delivery. Normally, this store is not particularly expensive.
The total for materials for 19.5m (64 feet) of fencing came to over 1000€. The panels themselves were about 500€, with the rest being the “miscellaneous parts.” One costly item is the wood stain planned (three times 4L (1 gallon) of Bondex long-lasting protective stain) for nearly 200€. The advisor also said we need to use H-posts and set them in concrete. He quoted a 40kg (88 lbs) bag of screed concrete for each post.
I know that here in northern Germany it’s probably better to set the posts in concrete, but do I really need 400kg (880 lbs) of concrete for a 19.5m (64 feet) wooden fence? It seems crazy to me.
With L-brackets, screws, posts, etc., the entire project came to just over 1000€, and then we still have to assemble it ourselves — and we’re not sure if we can manage that. I had originally thought of using the quick-setting concrete that only needs watering, but I expected 2–3 bags would be enough.
Do you think the quote for materials is realistic? I’m a bit shocked.
Now we’re considering alternatives. For example, I could order a mixed package of “natural hedge bouquet” with 160 plants online for about 280€, which would green up the whole garden and cost only about a quarter of what the fence would. However, the noise insulation to the neighbor’s property would probably be weaker than with a wooden fence (anyone with experience here?), and we would have to wait a few years until the plants grow tall enough to screen the view of the metal shed. But honestly, I’d almost prefer to invest a four-figure amount in greenery rather than in a fence.
What would you recommend?
Yes, objectively assessing your sensitivity might be even more useful than taking measures right away.
In that case, the 1000 EUR from the beginning of the thread could possibly be better spent on therapy (I don’t mean this in a condescending way). It could very well be a case of neurosis. Based on my experience with my noisy neighbor, I also became overly sensitive at some point and reacted to objectively tolerable noise levels.
I did not need any specific therapy, but with time and a change in focus, I am now quite relaxed. My wife can even watch TV next to me while I fall asleep peacefully.
In that case, the 1000 EUR from the beginning of the thread could possibly be better spent on therapy (I don’t mean this in a condescending way). It could very well be a case of neurosis. Based on my experience with my noisy neighbor, I also became overly sensitive at some point and reacted to objectively tolerable noise levels.
I did not need any specific therapy, but with time and a change in focus, I am now quite relaxed. My wife can even watch TV next to me while I fall asleep peacefully.
I’m not sure if measuring a value would be beneficial to me, except for the cost. Objectifying it helps only to a limited extent, after all, I’m human and not known for unconditional objectivity.
Due to the new housing development, there is no barrier. The gardens are close together (under 10m (33 feet)), and right in the middle of the neighbor’s garden, there is a bass-heavy speaker playing electronic and pop music. I don’t think you need a measuring device to imagine that I hear it just as loudly on my terrace as he does on his. There’s simply nothing in between to stop the sound even slightly.
Due to the new housing development, there is no barrier. The gardens are close together (under 10m (33 feet)), and right in the middle of the neighbor’s garden, there is a bass-heavy speaker playing electronic and pop music. I don’t think you need a measuring device to imagine that I hear it just as loudly on my terrace as he does on his. There’s simply nothing in between to stop the sound even slightly.
Scout schrieb:
What I was getting at with my question: if it’s mainly the thumping noise in the living room with the window closed that bothers you, you might want to consider a different, better-insulated window.
Maybe just adjusting the window’s sealing pressure would be enough, if the window installer was careless about it.Yes, the bass stands out noticeably inside. Through the windows/wall, I don’t hear anything except the bass line, but that’s very prominent.
Recently, I heard this bass thumping in the living room and stepped outside around the corner, simply because I thought, “wtf, how loud must it be outside?”
When I opened the door, I realized "Blinding Lights" was playing—a song I actually like. I didn’t recognize it inside because really ONLY the bass comes through strongly; the highs and even the midrange aren’t audible indoors.
M
Myrna_Loy2 Jun 2021 11:20My experience is also that in the city, people tend to be less sensitive because there are so many background noises. A level that is perfectly acceptable in an urban area can be perceived as extremely loud in the countryside.
My intention was to objectify the disturbance in order to define the target for correction. You describe yourself as very sensitive and suggest that the music might not actually be that loud. But perhaps it is quite loud after all.
In that case, you would have more arguments when addressing the neighbor and wouldn’t be criticizing yourself so much.
In open spaces, sound usually dissipates quickly because there are no reflections. Yes, bass frequencies, being the most energetic waves, can travel further, but at 10 meters (33 feet) I would generally say that, at volume levels considerate of neighbors, it shouldn’t be perceived as particularly disturbing—especially inside the building.
In that case, you would have more arguments when addressing the neighbor and wouldn’t be criticizing yourself so much.
In open spaces, sound usually dissipates quickly because there are no reflections. Yes, bass frequencies, being the most energetic waves, can travel further, but at 10 meters (33 feet) I would generally say that, at volume levels considerate of neighbors, it shouldn’t be perceived as particularly disturbing—especially inside the building.
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