How Should Sound Insulation Be Assessed When Buying a House?

The terms ‘new building’ or ‘side street’ do not, on their own, determine the level of quiet. The road, neighbours’ activities and technical equipment are all different sources of noise. The aim of a home visit is not to make a definitive diagnosis, but to understand which issues require further investigation.

Identify the source

Traffic noise is not the same issue as impact noise or the sound of appliances inside the building. Ask which areas the bedroom adjoins, and enquire about the location of the lift and service spaces. A brief period of silence with the windows closed does not prove the adequacy of all building elements.

Observations during the visit

With permission, take a quiet break in the rooms. Assess the difference between when the window is open and when it is closed. Listen separately in the corridor, living room and bedroom. Record the date and time; the absence of neighbours at that moment may affect the result. Do not generalise a single observation to the whole day.

Questions to ask

• What type of work has been carried out on the windows and doors?
• If retrofitted insulation has been installed, is its scope documented?
• What is the maintenance schedule for technical equipment?
• Have any previous inspections or measurements been carried out?
• Is an expert inspection required for a specific area?

Limitations of the quick test

The mobile app alone does not generate a building acoustics report compliant with standards. Tapping on a wall also does not definitively indicate performance between flats. If it is critical for decision-making, request an assessment from a qualified acoustics expert. Do not assume that the entire home will perform identically based on a general product name.

Describe your needs in terms of time and room

The expectations of someone who works at night differ from those of someone who holds meetings during the day. Rather than simply asking for a ‘quiet home’, specify in which room and at what times you require quiet. Sharing this information with Buy Best Villa from the outset can help you shortlist candidates more effectively. Technical suitability, however, must be verified separately through the relevant assessment.

Further reading

[Expert Report: Why and How to Commission One When Buying a Home?]You can find further information on this topic in the guide at (https://buybestvilla.com/tr/blog/valuation-report-ekspertiz-why-and-how-to-get-one-when-buying-a-home).