Sound insulation and house price value

slhqoue

Hi there,

I live in a terraced house built in 1905. We've recently had new neighbours move in on one side, and unfortunately they are quite noisy and we can hear this noise through the walls. Soundproofing the walls with the installation of stud walls is looking like an option, but it is certainly expensive.

I wondered whether getting this good quality sound proofing work done would increase the houses value, make little difference, or even decrease the value as it might draw attention to a possible noise issue. Having said this, I'm pretty sure noise through walls in a terraced house is quite common?

Thanks for any advice

user1977

If done properly I doubt it's going to be noticeable by any but the most eagle-eyed buyers/surveyors. I suppose you'd be losing a bit of floor space, so that might affect value?

Petriix

It's incredibly difficult to insulate against sound because It travels through solid materials. Short of taking out the joists and re-seating them on something that will dampen the sound, results are typically very disappointing. It's far easier to isolate sound where it's created - soft floor/wall coverings, speakers isolated from surfaces etc. 

[Deleted User]

When you come to sell you will just have to hope that you can find a buyer who doesn't mind noise, or that your neighbors are quiet when they are viewing.

Sound proofing doesn't help much in many cases. Terrace houses are almost impossible to soundproof. Just a bad idea in general.

Noneforit999

Assuming its done professionally, I don't think its going to draw attention to anything come sale time, the buyers may not even notice there is a stud wall there.

I would do some proper research as to whether its going to have a significant impact to the noise vs the cost though, seems hit and miss from online stories about these types of thing. 

You may find a 1905 party wall is solid and therefore noise is to be expected, we are in a 1965 house with a cavity party wall and we can hear the neighbours TV. Fortunately they are older so rarely hear their voices but we are a mid 30s couple with a toddler so I am sure we make more noise than they do!

Bear in mind, the companies that make these noise walls have a vested interest in telling you they actually work but you don't want to spend thousands to find its make a minor difference but what is left still annoys you. 

staffie1

I wouldn’t waste my money on it. It’s very expensive, with no guarantee it will make any difference. I speak from experience.

slhqoue

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it may not make a massive difference, but I assume putting a stud wall with insulation in front of a brick party wall will make some difference?

FreeBear

Used to have bookcases in the alcoves in my lounge. Since removing them, much more aware of noise from next door. It is mass that cuts down airborne sound. You may find just a couple of sheets of sound blocking plasterboard does the job.

Impact noise (slamming of doors & footsteps) is much more difficult to suppress and can involve expensive & complex solutions.

staffie1

slhqoue said:

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it may not make a massive difference, but I assume putting a stud wall with insulation in front of a brick party wall will make some difference?

It might. You won’t know until you’ve spent your money.

markin

Most people on the diy sub-forum seem to report it made enough of a difference to be worth it, Even if the is still some sounds getting through, its more muted.

I'm sure it would be a plus point if you point it out to buyers, Even if the EA doesn't put an extra £20K value on it.