#25994
excathedra
Flatchatter

    Can we take a step back?  Subject to variations in individual schemes, it is not a case of “you need permission to instal a wooden floor”. 

    The NSW standard by-laws state:

    “An owner of a lot must ensure that all floor space within the lot is covered or
    otherwise treated to an extent sufficient to prevent the transmission from the floor space of noise likely to disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the owner or occupier of another lot.”

    I think this would apply irrespective of whether the Owners Corporation gave you permission.  If I were on a Strata Committee that received the sort of request that Clau2077 proposes, I would say that we could neither give nor withhold such permission.  The crucial test is not the readings on acoustic testing and the claims for the underlay provided by the floorboard marketers but, rather, the likely impact on neighbours (mainly, but not inevitably, on the floor below).

    Readings in a lab setting do not necessarily predict the impact of footfall on a light sleeper below at 3 a m.  Lawyers may have a good — and lucrative — time arguing about the significance of “likely” in this context.