Realtorspeak

[dot com refugee]

Realtorspeak #1) At a recent openhouse in the "cube" on Georgia, I asked the realtor if noise between the suites is a known problem in the building. He said no, that the building has "Party Wall Construction."

Later, I googled "party wall construction" to test my assumption about his statement and had a good laugh after learning what it really means. Talk about being misleading!

Realtorspeak #2) At a recent open in the Palladio on W Hastings on a moderately warm day, the south facing suite was so hot I could barely stand it. When I commented on how hot it was to the realtor, she said that "this suite really benefits from solar energy." I suppose many people in the province know how to monetize that "solar energy." I simply contained my laughter until after leaving the suite.

[blazespinnaker]

Realtorspeak #1) At a recent openhouse in the "cube" on Georgia, I asked the realtor if noise between the suites is a known problem in the building. He said no, that the building has "Party Wall Construction."

Later, I googled "party wall construction" to test my assumption about his statement and had a good laugh after learning what it really means. Talk about being misleading!

What do you think it means and why do you think it is misleading? party wall isn't "realtor" speak, it is builder speak, and is a type of sound proofing.

Realtorspeak #2) At a recent open in the Palladio on W Hastings on a moderately warm day, the south facing suite was so hot I could barely stand it. When I commented on how hot it was to the realtor, she said that "this suite really benefits from solar energy." I suppose many people in the province know how to monetize that "solar energy." I simply contained my laughter until after leaving the suite.

Heh heh. Ok, that's realtorspeak.. Still, there are some interesting solar tech which involves tinting the windows, so in theory, she is right.

[dot com refugee]

What do you think it means and why do you think it is misleading? party wall isn't "realtor" speak, it is builder speak, and is a type of sound proofing.

That is what I thought too...until I looked it up: A wall built on the boundary line of adjoining properties and shared by both owners.

The realtor was trying to spin this into meaning that the suite is soundproof, that your neighbor could have a party and you wouldn't hear it. I've since heard that sound between the suites is actually a major problem in that building.

It's funny to me, but you probably had to be there.

[registered]

From the thread's title I was expecting "if you don't buy now you'll be priced out of the market forever", which I've been told many times.

[yaletown605]

[quote="registered"]From the thread's title I was expecting "if you don't buy now you'll be priced out of the market forever", which I've been told many times.[/quote]

Funny. they have been right so far. Despite of all the doom and gloom, RE prices are going up.

[blazespinnaker]

What do you think it means and why do you think it is misleading? party wall isn't "realtor" speak, it is builder speak, and is a type of sound proofing.

That is what I thought too...until I looked it up: A wall built on the boundary line of adjoining properties and shared by both owners.

If you will be building new walls, "party wall" construction is an excellent means of soundproofing. An example of party wall construction consists of 2-by-6 top and sole plates with 2-by-4 studs that are staggered and held to the outside face of the plates. Often the plates are split to create a space that inhibits vibration and acts to dampen sound. The "additional layer of wallboard" technique described earlier can also be used in conjunction with party wall construction for a super soundproof configuration. Consult an architect or engineer for a party wall detail that best suits your needs.

http://www.onthehouse.com/wp/20050815

It is a type of soundproofing.

[grantness]

http://www.onthehouse.com/wp/20050815

It is a type of soundproofing.

"Party wall" simply means the wall is shared... it does not necesarily mean the wall has been soundproofed, despite what 1 web page may say.

http://www.legal-explanations.com/defin ... y-wall.htm

[blazespinnaker]

http://www.onthehouse.com/wp/20050815

It is a type of soundproofing.

"Party wall" simply means the wall is shared... it does not necesarily mean the wall has been soundproofed, despite what 1 web page may say.

http://www.legal-explanations.com/defin ... y-wall.htm

I've had "party wall CONSTRUCTION" before. I know what it means. A party wall is a shared wall. Party wall *construction* generally means, unless someone is being extremely deceitful or ignorant, is construction which is specific for a party wall in order to soundproof.

Most, if not all, modern buildings with party walls have this type of construction.

[Strataman]

blaze said

Most, if not all, modern buildings with party walls have this type of construction

Sorry Blaze your dead wrong, most almost 100% of new condos have "party walls" designed strictly for FIRE rating and almost none built in the last 10 years have one stitch of additional sound insulation. In the modern present day condo you will hear your neighbours alarms clock. Many times when I am trouble shooting problems for residents I have arranged to talk to the neighbour thru the wall. The worst ones are the more expensive TownHomes!

[blazespinnaker]

The worst ones are the more expensive TownHomes!

Can you give a specific name of such a building? All the latest condo buildings downtown I've toured have pretty good soundproofing.

I've lived in older buildings and the soundproofing quality has improved extensively over the last 20 years. The modern stuff is much better than what you get with 30-40 year old construction.

However, if you have a specific name you can point out, I'd be interested.

I think perhaps your expectations are a bit unreasonable and that's why you might be disappointed with what you're seeing (or rather, hearing). Party walls will never be good as detached, multiple walls with 40-50 feet of air space / fences / trees/ bushes / etc in between.

[grantness]

I don't think the expectations that conversations & alarm clocks cannot be heard between units is unreasonable.

Blaze, i don't believe that your definition of "party wall construction" is as universal as you believe. But even if it is synonymous with a staggered stud design, that is only half the issue... the walls must also be properly sealed to avoid sound leakage.

For example, at 1010 howe st., I could hear my neighbour's living room from my bedroom as if i were standing right there. We shared a metal window pane, which was basically a big gaping acoustic hole. Anything they said came through that gap like it was transmitted on a speaker.

Sound control has never really been a technical issue as much of an economics issue. (I.e., more material & more complex design). If modern buildings are truly quieter, it's almost certainly because of advancing building codes & consumer expectations.

[canadian]

I simply contained my laughter until after leaving the suite.

thats because you never visited Rob Chipman's site I guess. This is nothing compared to "Robonomics".

[blazespinnaker]

For example, at 1010 howe st., I could hear my neighbour's living room from my bedroom as if i were standing right there. We shared a metal window pane, which was basically a big gaping acoustic hole. Anything they said came through that gap like it was transmitted on a speaker.

Yeah, for sure, I can see that happening. It's little details like this which makes pre sales such a crapshoot.

[Strataman]

Blaze said

However, if you have a specific name you can point out, I'd be interested.

I think perhaps your expectations are a bit unreasonable and that's why you might be disappointed with what you're seeing (or rather, hearing). Party walls will never be good as detached, multiple walls with 40-50 feet of air space / fences / trees/ bushes / etc in

Yeh sure the townhouses at Aquarius and Marinaside Resorts. Nope don't expect the same as a suburban yard. Yep all the owners say they paid a million plus for this.... and I say so? You bought location thats it! The townhomes can be rebuilt from scratch for about $90,000 not counting land or location. Hey I'm not complaining makes for a great business!
I won't mention anymore as they are more recent in the last three years and I make a living adding sound proofing!

[blazespinnaker]

Fascinating stuff. Something to look out for, for sure.