LISBON (Reuters) – The construction site in front of the apartment of Brazilian journalist Giuliana Miranda in Lisbon’s suburbs didn’t bother her much – until the remote work started and the noise of drilling drowned out her interviewees at Zoom. Soon, she moved out.
But luck was against her. Just before working from home became mandatory again last month, two of his eight neighbors in the new building began renovating their apartments. Two more have started since then.
“The construction site was authorized by the Chamber to start at 7 am and also work on Saturdays. I changed because of the noise, ”she said over the phone. “But … now, the new building has four people renovating their apartments too!”
A new line of legislation in a decree passed on Thursday that extends Portugal’s national blockade for another two weeks can finally bring peace and tranquility to Miranda and others struggling to concentrate when neighbors are hitting walls and destroying the floor. .
Under the decree, the government can impose limits on decibel levels in residential buildings during the working day, so as not to disturb remote workers. Currently, construction can take place from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays, with some projects being licensed to work on weekends.
The government did not respond to a request for more details about its plans.
Hugo Fernandes, a 44-year-old musician who said he suffered from the noise of renovations to the neighboring building more than two years ago, has high hopes.
“A new rule can change things. We have already complained to the council before, without success ”, said Fernandes. “It is unbearable and, as a musician who works at home, it is simply impossible.”
Still, gaps in legislation can leave those struggling with construction noise outside their buildings with no luck. The rule states that noise levels within a building must be regulated – it does not specify whether noise from the street can be stopped.
But for companies hired to carry out renovation works on apartments, legislation can be a problem – especially if it is open, said Ricardo Gomes, head of the Portuguese Association of Builders.
“There will be short-term damage to the industry, yes – but the real question is, how long would these rules last?” Gomes said. “COVID will end, but remote work will not. Like everything that is imposed in the state of emergency, these rules need to be limited. “
Victoria Waldersee reporting; Edition by Alex Richardson