A Guide to Living in Borough of Ealing

Please review your development:

Living at Faber Green in Northolt has been a challenging experience due to significant construction flaws and inadequate soundproofing. Despite the development being new, completed in autumn 2023, several issues have surfaced that severely impact the quality of living. The most pressing concern is the lack of proper soundproofing between floors and ceilings. Every footstep from the flat above, along with other daily noises, is clearly audible, making it difficult to enjoy peace and quiet in one’s own home. This suggests that the flooring and ceiling construction do not align with the original specifications or adequate soundproofing standards.

Another major issue is with the balcony design. Contrary to what was outlined in the planning documentation, the balconies were meant to include underside panels to prevent water and dust from dripping down from the balcony above. Unfortunately, these panels were not installed, leading to a constant problem with water and debris. This oversight not only causes inconvenience but also detracts from the enjoyment and usability of the balcony space.

Overall, while Faber Green has potential due to its location and new construction, the numerous deficiencies in soundproofing and the failure to adhere to the original construction plans, especially regarding the balconies, have created a less-than-ideal living environment. These issues need immediate attention to meet residents’ expectations and ensure a comfortable living experience.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is the issue with parking and the problems with the balconies. Firstly, the parking situation is more challenging than anticipated, with limited spaces and restrictions that make it difficult to secure a parking permit. It is essential to check with the management about parking policies and availability before moving in.

Secondly, the balconies have a significant design flaw. The lack of underside panels means that water and debris from the balcony above frequently drip down, causing inconvenience and potential damage. This issue was not apparent during the typical viewing but has proven to be a persistent problem. It is important for new residents to be aware of these issues and address them with the management as soon as possible to avoid any surprises and ensure a more comfortable living experience.

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature of my home is the well-equipped kitchen, which includes modern appliances, ample counter space, and high-quality fixtures that make cooking and meal preparation both easy and enjoyable. It is designed to be both functional and stylish, providing a great space for hosting and daily use.

Please review your development:

Living in my development has been a mixed experience. The design of the buildings is modern and aesthetically pleasing, with spacious layouts and good natural light. The facilities, such as the gym and communal areas, are well-maintained and offer great convenience. However, building management could be more responsive; maintenance requests sometimes take longer than expected to be addressed. Additionally, property management has room for improvement, particularly in communication with residents and handling issues like parking and security. While the development has many positives, better management would enhance the overall living experience.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Before moving in,. I also didn’t realize how challenging parking could be, especially during peak hours. Additionally, I would have appreciated knowing that maintenance requests can take longer to be addressed. These are minor issues overall, but they’re good to be aware of when settling in.

What is the best feature of your home:

The best feature of my home is the abundance of natural light, which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the day.

The nearest station is conveniently located just 10 minutes away, making commuting relatively easy. Parking is well-managed with allotted spaces.

Overall, living experience is good.

Please review your development:

The building’s design is modern and functional, offering a comfortable living experience. Building management is responsive, addressing maintenance issues. However, management should implement an induction process to help tenants familiarise with the electrical appliances.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The management should implement an induction process to help tenants familiarise themselves with the electrical appliances in each apartment.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Martina, the customer service associate handled my parking process proactively, ensuring that everything was completed before delivery of my car.

Please review your development:

Unfortunately looks like the floors/ ceilings here are very thin and are not soundproofed (as myself and many of my neighbours can hear every footstep from the flats above on daily basis), so it’s difficult to rest, study or to focus on various tasks/ activities on daily basis. The local Council has ordered the soundproofing for this development to have enhanced value. Unfortunately looks like in reality is far below the standard. Balcony decking have 10mm gaps and no underside panels at all. If you are drying laundry on the rack on the balcony and your neighbours on the balcony above don’t see this and they sweep or wash their balcony decking all this dirty stuff flows down onto your plate or cup and splashes your clean laundry, so you need to repeat your laundry again. The MYDEK balcony underside panels/ balcony Soffit were specified originally by the architects on the planning drawings and were omitted/ never installed on site. These panels are water drainage certified and allow water drainage along the longer balcony side/ edge. People are desperate to get protected from that issue and are installing own foil sheets/ structures above balconies to function normally here. In opposition to these there are obviously a good design aspects in here as well. I love spacious sunny living rooms and kitchens with amazing oriel windows and beautiful built-in kitchen joinery units and high-quality integrated Zanussi appliances. These are well done!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

If I knew that that the floors are so poor (soundproofing wise) I would never buy it. But these flats definitely have their own potential so I am hoping that both the floors and balconies will get rectified 🙂

What is the best feature of your home:

As mentioned previously living room and the kitchen are beautiful spaces in here!