Sex, kids and rock and roll prompt spike in soundproofing quotes from homeowners during lockdown
Tradesperson comparison site, HaMuch.com, has seen a spike in quote requests submitted to the platform for soundproofing work while most other traditional trade relate work has dropped off since the UK entered lockdown.
Last week, HaMuch.com released some top tips to safely allow tradespeople to complete essential maintenance within your home with many of us refraining from allowing outsiders in, due to fear of catching Coronavirus.
However, while HaMuch has seen the level of quote requests submitted for traditional jobs fall, there has been a 43% increase in the number of people requesting prices on soundproofing their home when compared to last year.
Soundproofing tips for your home
It can cost an average of £1700-£2000 to professionally soundproof one room in your home although you could take a crack at it yourself with the average room of 16 square metres costing about £700 in materials.
Seal air gaps
Using weatherstrips to seal gaps between doors and windows can be a cost-effective way of soundproofing a room, with these costing £5 or gap draught excluders costing £10 an upwards.
Adjust your furniture
Adjusting your furniture will cost you nothing but could make a big difference when soundproofing. If you have particularly noisy neighbours and your bedrooms share a wall, placing large items of furniture like a wardrobe along said wall can help reduce their nocturnal noise.
Add some mass to your walls
If this still doesn’t do the job, add a layer to the wall. Canvas paintings can help while you can also buy soundproofing wallpaper which is specially designed to help reduce noise and can be done for £35 an upward where the cost of materials are concerned.
Soundproof curtains
While many of us use heavy-duty curtains to block light coming in, they can also help with sounds. The heavier, or the more layers, the better and not only will they help with windows, but it can also be a quick job to erect a rail above your home office door to help reduce noise within your home as well. Blackout curtains start at £30 with more professional soundproof options coming in at £100.
Carpet or rugs
Another simple and cost-effective tip, particularly for those living in a flat. The average room will cost about £350 to have a carpet laid but you can pick up some heavy-duty rugs for as little as £20 apiece. Not only will they reduce noise between your flat and the flat below, but they also reduce the sound of echoing within your room.
Acoustic sealant
Acoustic sealant is best used in conjunction with other soundproofing measures but it can be handy for blocking up gaps and cracks along windows, doors, windowsills and more, it also costs as little as £15.
Egg boxes
Thinking inside of the box, the uneven and undulated structure of items such as an egg box won’t soundproof as such, but it will help reduce echoes. Placed in strategic places, they can make a difference for a very low cost and with a bit of experimentation. Although they aren’t a measure you want to leave in place for the long term.
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Option
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Costs
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Links
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Professional floor and wall sound-proofing / insulation
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Sound-proof flooring; ave UK room size of 16 square metres = £689
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Professional sound-proofing installation – room ave UK = approx £1700-2000
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Seal air gaps
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DIY – weatherstripping from £5
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DIY – gap draught excluders £10 upwards
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Adjust the positioning of furniture
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DIY – free
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Add mass to your walls
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DIY – decorate walls from £20
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DIY – sound-proofing wallpaper = £35 upwards
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Sound-proof curtains
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DIY – blackout curtains = from £30
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DIY – sound-proof curtains = from £100
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Lay carpet or use cheaper floor rugs
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DIY – floor rugs from £20
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Carpet fitting = mid-range thicker carpet = from £20 to £50 per square metre (£350 upwards for an average room)
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Acoustic sealant
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DIY – acoustic sealant from £15
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Egg box/carton/tray
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DIY – cardboard egg trays = approx 20p each
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