Acoustic Consultancy & Testing
When planning or managing a building project, one of the most crucial, yet often overlooked. elements is sound insulation. Whether you’re constructing new apartments, converting an existing building into residential units, or developing semi-detached houses, achieving compliance with Building Regulations Part E (Approved Document E) is not optional. It’s essential. That’s where professional acoustic consultancy and testing services come in.
At APT Sound Testing, we offer a full-service, turnkey acoustic consultancy package designed to support your project from initial planning through to final sign-off. With years of experience, UKAS-accredited testing services, and a deep understanding of the construction industry, we help ensure your development meets all required sound insulation standards while maintaining a sharp focus on cost-effectiveness and practical delivery.
Acoustic Consultancy Matters
Sound insulation isn’t just about comfort, it’s a legal requirement. Building Regulations Part E sets out mandatory performance standards for sound insulation between dwellings. Failure to meet these can result in costly delays, failed building control sign-offs, and frustrated future residents.
Good acoustic design takes into account three key factors:
- Mass – The density and thickness of walls and floors.
- Isolation – Decoupling structures to reduce vibration and airborne sound travel.
- Absorption – Using materials that soak up sound within a space.
Achieving the right balance of these elements requires more than guesswork—it needs informed expertise backed by real-world data and thorough on-site analysis.
Our Proven 4-Step Acoustic Design Process
To support our clients throughout the development journey, we’ve created a simple, effective 4-step process to guide your project from concept to compliance:
1. Site Survey Visits
Our acoustic consultancy begins with a comprehensive visit to your site. This step is critical in understanding the existing construction and identifying potential acoustic challenges early. For instance, some older or poorly constructed walls may use lightweight blocks that can significantly underperform in sound insulation.
During these visits, we also check that installation teams are applying acoustic materials in line with manufacturer guidelines. a crucial step in reducing test failures later.
2. Sample Sound Testing
Before finalizing your acoustic design, we perform sample sound insulation tests on existing walls and floors. This testing provides a clear picture of the current sound performance, allowing us to tailor a solution that improves upon weak points rather than over-engineering unnecessarily. With this targeted approach, we can enhance performance while keeping costs in check.
3. Acoustic Design Review
Once we’ve assessed the current site conditions and testing results, we carry out a full acoustic design review. This includes analysing proposed wall and floor designs for key acoustic principles — mass, isolation, and absorption — to create a design that’s robust and regulation-compliant.
We work collaboratively with architects, contractors, and developers to offer practical recommendations that balance performance and buildability.
4. Pre-completion Sound Testing
Before handing over the keys, Building Regulations require sound testing to confirm compliance. As a UKAS-accredited testing body, we carry out final sound insulation tests and issue the necessary certification to satisfy Building Control.
If your local authority has asked for pre-completion sound testing, call us today at 01525 303905 or email info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk to schedule a visit.
Experience Across All Types of Developments
At APT Sound Testing, we’ve worked on everything from single semi-detached houses to large apartment complexes with hundreds of units. No matter the size or complexity of your project, our experience allows us to bring valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t.
Having tested thousands of buildings, we know how different construction methods perform in practice. Whether you’re building with timber frame, concrete, or modular materials, we can help design an acoustic solution that meets the performance standards laid out in Approved Document E.
Why Choose APT Sound Testing?
Here’s what sets us apart from other acoustic consultants:
- UKAS Accreditation – Our sound testing services are ISO-compliant and UKAS accredited, ensuring the highest standard of accuracy and impartiality.
- Turnkey Service – From initial design consultation through to testing and certification, we provide a seamless, start-to-finish solution.
- Expert Knowledge – Our in-depth understanding of construction practices and acoustic regulations ensures practical, effective solutions tailored to your project.
- Cost-Conscious Approach – We always aim to deliver the most efficient design to meet requirements without unnecessary overspend.
- Responsive Support – Have a question or concern? We’re just a phone call or email away.
Reduce the Risk of Failure
One of the biggest reasons developers face project delays is failing sound tests at the end of a build. This is often due to poor workmanship or overlooked design flaws that could have been caught earlier.
Our proactive site visits and mid-project testing can identify and resolve these risks before they become costly problems. By catching issues early, we help you stay on schedule and on budget.
What Happens If You Don’t Pass?
Failing sound tests can cause major headaches for developers, including:
- Delayed sign-off from Building Control
- Additional remedial work (which can be expensive and time-consuming)
- Potential fines or enforcement action if the building is occupied without approval
With APT Sound Testing by your side, we drastically reduce the chance of failure and give you the confidence that your project will pass first time.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning a new development or need help with an ongoing project, get in touch with us today. Whether you’re unsure of the requirements or need to book a sound test, our friendly team is here to help.
📞 Call us on: 01525 303905
📧 Email: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk
Sound insulation is a crucial aspect of modern building design, both from a regulatory and occupant satisfaction perspective. With APT Sound Testing, you get more than just a test, you get a trusted partner who helps you every step of the way, from initial surveys through to final certification.
Don’t let acoustic issues delay your project. Let’s get your development over the finish line, smoothly and successfully.
