Home Builders & Property Developers

We work with Home Builders & Property Developers to develop standard details for masonry, steel, timber and traditional construction with respect to sound insulation. We also carry out hundreds of sound insulation tests per annum to assist in the Home Builders quality assurance programs. Please find the services we regularly offer this market detailed below. If you do not find exactly what you need in this list please feel free to call to discuss you requirements.

Advice on Planning Conditions with Regard to Noise (PPG24)
We currently carry out several planning related surveys a month with regard to noise & vibration impact on both residential, public and commercial buildings. Our service starts with satisfying simple planning conditions with regard to acoustics to representation at Planning Appeals and Public Inquiries.

Sound Insulation Tests to BS2750 (ISO140) and BS5821 (ISO717)for Floors, Ceilings and Walls
Sound insulation testing is a mainstay of our business and a logical place to start where noise nuisance in domestic situations is an issue. We carry all the necessary test equipment and are currently involved in the House Builders Federation Robust Standard Detail process for the improvement of sound insulation in residential dwellings.

Advice on Sound Insulation and Building Envelope Design
We offer specific advice on the party wall and floor construction as well as the protection requirements of the building envelope. We can offer desktop studies and field trial surveys to assist in the design process.

Sound Insulation Risk Assessment Audits with regard to Conversion and Refurbishment Programme
We have recently been developing a bespoke service for potential developers to assess the sound insulation requirements of conversion property prior to purchase. This is so the cost implications can be assessed before the building/property is bought and account can be made on the price offered. This minimises the “Risk” in taking on the development blind.

Advice on Building Regulation Guidelines with Reference to Noise (Approved Document E)
With the recent proposed changes to the building regulations and in particular Approved Document E, acoustics is a hot topic, especially sound insulation and the extension of scope to which sound insulation criteria now apply. We can advise on the sound insulation requirements in residential, hotel, hostel, student accommodation schemes as well as schools, hospitals and commercial property.

24hr Noise & Vibration Monitoring for Nuisance & Building Damage Criteria
We are able to offer a number of survey schemes to suit the individual client. From a simple 24 hour continuous noise survey to long term year round monitoring , e.g. to cover a large scale construction project. Selected equipment is also available for hire.

Advice on Vibration Building Damage to BS7385
Inner city construction & demolition frequently has to occur adjacent to sensitive buildings which might suffer structural damage as a consequence. Careful monitoring regimes can show that vibration levels are within tolerance ranges and can alert the contractor when building damage criteria is likely to be exceeded. Remote monitoring and attended surveys can be designed to suit particular applications and we have extensive experience in monitoring sites where vibration is an issue.

Advice on Human Response to Vibration to BS6472
We carry instrumentation which measures true VDV levels and also have access to software which will calculate the true VDV from waveform events (such as individual Trains) and allows a in depth study of the vibration of a source and the frequency content together with the individual vibration dosage value. We follow the Association of Noise Consultants guidelines in the measurement and assessment of vibration.
Advice on Internal Noise Criteria.

Noise Specifications for HVAC and Building Services Plant & Machinery
The internal and external noise emissions of the M&E services present a design problem which needs to be addressed. We can advise on the internal noise criteria, predict the noise ingress into the building and specify treatment if required.

Liaison with Public & Local Authorities
We have appeared at public meetings, inquiries and appeal hearings to offer expert evidence in the fields of acoustics. We are frequently asked to liaise with Local Authority officers where planning applications feature noise & vibration issues. The general objective is to talk to the LA to understand their concerns and the reasoning behind their requirements and conditions. We have regular contact with LA planning departments, environmental health sections and their officers.