Part E
Sound testing
Pre-completion airborne and impact sound tests between new or converted homes. New homes built to registered Robust Details can use that route instead, subject to the scheme conditions.
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Design & approvals
Acoustic design and remedial advice
A qualified acoustic consultant designs separating walls and floors to meet Part E and, after a failed sound test, identifies the likely cause and specifies remedial work. You receive construction details or a remedial specification for your builder and building control.
When you need it
Part E sets sound insulation standards for walls and floors between homes, including homes formed by conversion, and for rooms for residential purposes. Most of this work needs pre-completion sound testing. New-build homes using approved Robust Details can follow that scheme instead, but conversions must be tested.
In conversions, existing floors and walls usually need upgrading, and sound can travel round a separating floor through the walls around it. The details have to cover those junctions as well as the floor or wall itself.
If a test fails, Approved Document E expects remedial treatment to the rooms that failed and more testing until building control is satisfied.
What is included
Included
- Review of drawings and the proposed or existing construction
- Separating wall and floor details, including junctions and flanking paths
- Advice on the Part E standard for new build or conversion
- After a failed test: review of the results and a site inspection where needed
- Remedial specification for the builder
Priced separately
- Sound testing and retests
- Remedial building work
- Opening up to inspect hidden construction
- Environmental noise assessments for planning
Your written quotation confirms the exact scope, what is included and any limits for your building.
What you receive
Construction details and a specification showing how separating walls and floors are designed to meet Part E, or after a failed test, a remedial specification setting out the work needed before retesting.
Sent as a PDF. We can send it to your building control body or agent on request.
Our reports and testing support the compliance process. Approval and completion decisions remain with your building control body: the local authority, a registered building control approver, or the Building Safety Regulator for higher-risk buildings.
How to prepare
- Plans and sections showing separating walls and floors
- Existing construction details, for conversions
- Proposed floor finishes and ceiling build-ups
- Sound test reports, after a failed test
- Photographs of the construction, if available
- Your planned test or completion date
Send what you have. Missing details will not stop an enquiry; we will tell you anything still needed.
How it works
Tell usChoose the service or describe the job.
Written quotationScope, deliverables and price, confirmed in writing.
We manage the workArranged and coordinated by RegulaBuild. Technical work is carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.
Your reportThe output named in your quotation, with any follow-up.
Questions
Our sound test failed. What happens now?
Send us the test report. An acoustic consultant reviews the results, inspects if needed and specifies remedial work. Building control will expect further testing afterwards.
Do conversions have to meet the same standard as new homes?
Approved Document E sets slightly different performance values for homes formed by conversion. Testing still applies.
Can good design guarantee a pass?
No. Design reduces the risk, but the result also depends on how the work is built, which is why testing is required.
Often booked with
Combine them in one quote request
Approvals
Building Regulations drawings and plan review
Technical drawings and specifications, or a review of your architect’s drawings against the Approved Documents.
Design and approvalsView service
Surveys
Measured building surveys
Accurate existing floor plans, elevations and sections as a base for design work.
Surveys and plansView service
Where we work
Acoustic design and remedial advice across England
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Discuss acoustic design and remedial advice
Start with this service and add anything else you need. If you are unsure, say so and we will advise.