Noisy Buildings: Good Sound Mitigation Makes Good Neighbors

Most old buildings in San Francisco are built of wood (even if there is stucco or other siding on the exterior), and sound transmission can be intense. So you can pay a million and a half for a gorgeous historic condo and still hear every footfall or shriek from the teenager or toddler upstairs. Or you could have these horrible neighbors upstairs (heaven forbid). This is why many condo associations require 75% carpet over hardwood.

SFCondoLoft

Newer concrete buildings are much quieter so they are the best bet if you are especially sensitive to sound or a very light sleeper. These quieter buildings are usually newer construction, or sometimes older industrial conversions. Typically they are larger concrete buildings in more urban neighborhoods. Also these buildings are more likely have access to Internet alternatives to Comcast or AT&T, such as MegaPath or Monkeybrains.

If you prefer the older San Francisco architecture, or smaller buildings, or you are already in a neighborhood that is mostly older construction, you may have to navigate noise issues with your neighbors. Tread carefully here. I have seen drama over sound escalate between neighbors, create a lot of stress, and reduce property value more than 15%.

Jantoo

Saving money by not doing sound reduction ended up being expensive for my clients who eventually chose to sell their home in order to feel peace in their lives. They did the right thing and disclosed the sound conflicts, thus avoiding lawsuits, but the conflict affected the property value. Not everyone wants to move into the middle unit of a 3 unit building with a history of acrimony over sound. 

Clovis Tools

Total "sound proofing" is not really possible, but you can definitely take the edge off. At a minimum a carpet and a pad on 75% of the floor is a good start, which is a typical condo requirement. Double paned windows and solid core doors make a big difference. If those are not enough there are multiple vinyls for sound blocking and foams for sound absorption available; also products like Green Glue, Whisper Clips and Quiet Rock. 

Whisper Clips

Acoustic dampening materials can be put in the floor or the ceiling or both, (or even the walls if your noise is coming from the sides) depending on ceiling heights. Pete Fisler of Pacific Union did extensive research into methods. In his personal condo he had the ceiling dropped 11/2 " with metal channels (Whisper Clips are a brand name), then applied with Green Glue Sheetrock, which is a double layer of sheet rock with Green Glue product in between. He says it solved his noise problem.  Here's a useful article summarizing soundproofing methods, which also includes legal information should relationships deteriorate.

Jantoo

If you are in a small building I suggest discussing with your neighbors the idea of installing sound reduction materials in all of the units, before tempers flare. Treat it as a building expense and pay for it collectively with the HOA dues. Teamwork is soooo much more fun than neighbor wars.

Notting Hill

Thanks to Chiare Hwang, Pete Fisler and Diane Hourany. May you all know peace and quiet in your buildings.