Sound proof test for new apartment?

Hi all

Tried to search the archives for this but getting database errors.

Does anyone know how I would go about getting a sound test done in an apartment that could be used to prove to the builder that sound proofing is inadequate? Also how much would it cost?

I've just moved into a new apartment where my bedroom is below the kitchen of the apt above. Every morning at 6:30am we are woken by footsteps above us, even with earplugs in. I've lived in apartments for years and am used to some overhead noise but this is like someone constantly knocking right in the room. It is as bad/worse than if it was on wooden floors in the upstairs of a house with no insulation.

If it does fail a sound proof test do I have any comeback with the builder?
They installed the kitchen floors in the apt above us - they are standard in all of the apartments here. I don't think asking our neighbours to wear slippers in the morning would help - we could still hear that and I don't think they'd oblige anyway. Even if the builders did agree to do something about it would my upstairs neighbours have to let them in and have their apt disrupted? I have read that sound proofing our ceiling wouldn't fix the problem.

Any advice appreciated. Feel like I'm going to go out of mind with it.

did you get any joy on this?

google noise testing and you ll get a list of companies

Fergie65 said:

did you get any joy on this?

Click to expand...

If you run the search option in this forum you will find 3 pages of threads under 'sound proofing' alone. There are also some under 'noise from neighbours' etc. Using different search options you should find plenty of reading matter.

try here ( no connection) http://www.acoustics.ie/

Has anyone ever tried to install sound insulation in an apartment. Without getting into the whole "How did the builders ever get away with this in the first place" there still should be someone to talk to post build.
The noise in the apartment above me is really bad, you can hear them walking around, they dont wear shoes so the noise is more like the thumping of their heals creating a verberation that runs through you. Its a constant mundane reminder that someone is above you and its seriously affecting me. There seems to be no blocking of the flanking path to stop or even lessen airborne or impact sound. I have tried our management company they said call the builder, the builder gives you the runaround, called citizens information, they said call home bond, homebond said contact the county coucil's Building Contol Section who deal with the Dept of Environment as this falls under the category of Building Regulation Issue. I have sent a fax to DCC (ours are affordable housing too.....but not that they care about that as they say its private housing anyway). So, I'm not holding my breath after the fax.

Has anyone ever sought out to do this and actually made any progress. There are apartments EVERYWHERE in this country so I know I'm not re-inventing the wheel someone must have done this but no one seems to know where to start with this. Its either this route or I leave my home

I have heard that some companies pump polysterene balls into the cavities to absorb the sound but never heard of anyone doing this. Besides, the air between the cavities is what offers the insualation so if you fill that you will bridge the void and compromise your heat insulation!!

Not exactly the info you are after but I had similar issues with next door and am now using Quies earplugs and find them excellent (might be useful for a temporary fix)