Comments on: Noisy Neighbors: How to Deal With Them When You Work From Home

By: kim

kim — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:44:18 +0000

I understand and can appreciate what you mean by not leaving your peace in their hands but I couldn’t help but feel ever growing resentment for my own neighbors reading this – I don’t WANT to wear ear plugs every single time I want a little quiet! Adding white noise isn’t helping – I need to hear the alarm clock or someone at the door during the day. I’d like to listen to my own music or TV while I work without the constant base beat behind everything I do….. Why is it necessary for them to play the stereo that loud on their OPEN patio to enjoy it? Why can’t THEY do something about the base noise pollution? They have to be the most inconsiderate noise producing people I have ever met – if its not the pulsing base from their stereo for hours & hours then its the parties, or their beer soaked daughter yapping with her friends in the front yard at 1am, or the parents screaming at each other when she’s not home or it’s the constant traffic to & from their house complete with revving truck engines. Seriously these people pressure washed their house all day on Thanksgiving DAY last year – who pressure washes their house on thanksgiving DAY?

Sorry for the rant but I just have no patience for the infringement and I am frustrated endlessly with this – I’ve spoken with them, I’ve written letters, I’ve complained to the city and called the police… seems like the only thing left to do is sell the house, take the loss and move.

By: Nobody Special

Nobody Special — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:31:49 +0000

As a foreigner living in the Philippines I've had to deal with roosters crowing at crazy hours of the night (in Makati), noisy neighbors doing exactly as described in this blog post, and people routinely burning their rubbish rather than sticking it in the bin like rational human beings.

Here's what worked for me. I personally went to the police station and said "I would like to make a formal complaint" - they directed me to the barangay - off I went to the barangay, the barangay tailed me to the offenders and sorted them out.

Usually they halt the undesirable activity for a few days, then it starts again - fortunately I have documentation all typed up from the barangay, so I have my attorney write them a friendly letter which I personally deliver. (This is not cheap, but for my own peace of mind, it's worth it)

The letter from the attorney indicating legal action will ensue should they not cease and desist tends to halt these activities either permanently or for several weeks. If it starts up again, I have actually taken neighbors to court. In all cases there are laws about disturbing the peace.

A note about the Police: It is their DUTY to handle this type of complaint. If they don't, you can file a blotter against them. Sometimes it's easier to go to the Barangay since they tend to be the first line of mediation.

By: How to Work From Home During Chaotic Repairs

How to Work From Home During Chaotic Repairs — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:01:42 +0000

[...] most straightforward approach, particularly if noise is your biggest problem. In a previous post, WWD reader Mau recommended the earmuff hearing protectors typically found in shooting ranges. If the noise [...]

By: ps

ps — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:13:15 +0000

Reading this blog made me shake my head. You see, I’m on the “headphone-solution” phase of our noisy neighbor problem. They are a shameless bunch who thinks they are the only ones living in our subdivision. They are not even homeowners. They just rented the house next door and first thing they did when they move-in was play their disco music so loud as if they’re all deaf. No wonder they all talk like their shouting from one hill to another. And can you believe it? Just when it’s time for you to go to sleep at night, they will also turn their radio on a certain FM station and play it loudly all night long. Oftentimes, they also bring along their friends and they talk as loudly as their music while drinking some booze and playing cards. I guess at times they also have pot sessions there and so here I am waiting for the right timing. I’ll get my revenge! Hehehe…

By: JT

JT — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:16:18 +0000

I have the same problem. We have shameless neighbors who think that they are the only ones who are living in our compound. from parking space up to noise, they are the complete package. We have been patient for so many years now and we can no longer tolerate their ways. I tried reporting them to the police and it did little effect (they took me seriously since we told them the barangay officials are cooperating with the disturbance). I’am all out of options. hope the nuisance law won’t stay as a bill otherwise i’ll be forced to use underhanded tactics. And oh, they are also stealing electricity (jumper). they were caught (i reported them hehehe), however they are still doing it and fucking meralco is doing nothing this time around.

Hope there is a solution to this like laws. ciao.

By: WebWorkerDaily » Archive How to Turn Productivity into a Habit «

WebWorkerDaily » Archive How to Turn Productivity into a Habit « — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:23:46 +0000

[...] forces that are going against our productivity. These include random distractions, illness, noise, and even the fear of getting started. I’m very familiar with this problem, because even if I [...]

By: rhiarti

rhiarti — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:13:05 +0000

How lovely for you that something so simple works! I live 24/7 in earplugs thanks to my neighbours noisy children… it barely touches the problem.

By: peder

peder — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:02:13 +0000

Nice blog you got here im reading it everyday.
also visit my website im offering workfromhome services : http://www.roofcash.com

By: ganesh

ganesh — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:29:33 +0000

I am able to empathize!!.

One best solution for working unaffected is by working in glass rooms.

Building a glass door covering from ceiling to the floor in the corner where we are working will give our own personal space as well as help us keep an eye on what is happening with the kids in the home.

This would even help in keeping our dear ones know that we are at work and not to disturb us for some time.

By: John Dowdell

John Dowdell — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:48:29 +0000

For earplugs, check out the decibel rating… some of them go up above a “30 db” rating.

But it’s easier to work with a Peltor headset, just flip it on and off, much easier:
http://www.amazon.com/s?field-keywords=peltor hearing protector

(The $20 models work great, but if you’re getting a WorkTunes for the input mic be sure to get the newer, higher-DB models.)

Noise-cancelling headphones work best with repetitive noise, but not varying noise. Decibel ratings can be tricky, because they differ at varying frequencies.