A Quiet Life

From traffic and noisy neighbours to creaky floors, unwanted noise can drive you to distraction. But you can reclaim your little piece of peace

- Georgia Madden

Your home is supposed to be a retreat from the world, a haven of peace and calm. So nothing zaps your zen faster than the sound of a neighbour’s yapping dog or your teenager blaring music, videogames or YouTube videos in the next room.

Noise is a part of life, especially in a busy family home, but there are ways to prevent it edging towards irritating. In fact, the Australian Building Codes Board provides guidelines for sounds transmission and insulation in buildings, says architect Rebecca Naughtin. “Satisfactory and maximum decibel (dB) levels for rooms such as bedrooms, recreation areas and work areas range from 30dB to 35dB – an example of 30dB is a quiet conversation,” she says.

The best time to consider soundproofing is when you’re building or renovating, says Clinton Cole, director at CplusC Architectural Workshop. “Start thinking about sound insulation before you purchase, build or renovate a property,” he says. “Retrofitting a home to improve sound insulation is generally far more complex and costly than getting it right at the outset.” Focus on the areas that matter, advises Naughtin. “Soundproofing should be a priority for bedrooms and studies, where a low level of noise is essential for good sleep and concentration,” she says.