Soundproofing works

[spiidey]

We're in the process of appointing a company to carry out soundproofing works for us.

We've had 3 companies out to see what we want done, and have received quotes from them all, and are happy with one of the quotes received. We're trying to do everything by Email so we have an audit trail.

What is the best way to ensure that there are no hidden costs following appointment?

We're keen to pin them down on everything prior to appointment, however there are a couple of areas that are still "unknown" prior to them starting the works - e.g. they need to lift our floors to see what pipework sits underneath the floors and whether this needs acoustically isolated and if so, what type of material/solution.

What is the best way therefore to approach:-

1. Locking down a fixed price prior to works starting?
2. Agreeing the cost of works for anything (e.g. the acoustic sealing of pipes) where extent of works are "unknown" prior to work commencing?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

unknown

Everything you are expecting will be unknown! They can promise the earth and when you are disappointed you will have no way or proving a thing. That's the big problem with soundproofing existing buildings. You can say it hasn't made much difference and they can simply disagree with you and there won't be a thing you can do about it.

You would be better off deciding on a specification and getting builders to provide like for like quotes.

 

[chapeau]

Everything you are expecting will be unknown!

Bloody hell, it was bad enough when there were only unknown unknowns or known unknowns. Now we have to add expected unknowns.

 

[peterperfection]

Could you please speak louder ? I didn't quite hear your comments.

 

[longdogs]

Could you please speak louder ? I didn't quite hear your comments.

Beat me to it!

 

[peterperfection]

Could you please speak louder ? I didn't quite hear your comments.

Beat me to it!

could you repeat that please >?.

 

[peterperfection]

Prize for the typed text that deaf people read ?
Who will get it first ?

 

[joe-90]

Soundproofing is a complete waste of time. It doesn't work.

 

[peterperfection]

Soundproofing is a complete waste of time. It doesn't work.

ok I hear you -- 10pm tonight - please confirm .

 

[joe-90]

I'll be wearing a skirt with split up the side.

 

[peterperfection]

I'll be wearing a skirt with split up the side.

I think that will be ok- Vanilla slice for 'afters'.

 

[Harbourwoodwork]

Its so easy to loose sight of the problem , all being masked by the finances.yeh you can get the best price and work well done, but this does not mean you will achieve sound separation,depending on the size of the project and what you want to achieve, you may need someone proffessional in your corner to look at the specs and guide the the project ordinary builders that have no experience are no use ,lots of people will promise the earth.

 

[snico]

Soundproofing is a complete waste of time. It doesn't work.

It does work, I soundproofed my study for when the missus has enough of the guitar playing!

I did mine through buying online, you can get companies in that will do a very good job.

The more you pay, the better it will be.

 

[joe-90]

It only works if you soundproof the room making the noise. If it is against noise from another flat/house then it is a waste of time.


Guitar playing? Turn down the volume.

 

[chapeau]

Soundproofing the missus would be my preferred solution.