Sound Testing and Acoustic Compliance Surveys
Sound testing is essential for residential new builds and conversions to demonstrate compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations. It can also be necessary to achieve credits under the BREEAM scheme for education, healthcare, commercial and other building types.
At the end of our building acoustics projects comes the acoustic testing. ParkerJones Acoustics are able to provide post-completion sound testing to demonstrate compliance with the acoustic performance requirements.
We also offer operational noise monitoring to satisfy the requirements of any planning condition, and to achieve credits under BREEAM Pol 05 (and Hea 05).
Don’t know what you need? Just give us a call or an email.
Sound Testing Services
- Approved Document E (Part E) of the Building Regulations in England, Wales and NI
- the Building Standards Technical Handbook of the Scottish Building Regulations
- BB93 for schools and HTM 08-01 for medical
- Hea 05 of the BREEAM Construction Scheme
- Employer's Requirements
Sound Insulation Testing
Sound testing is a requirement of the Building Regulations in the UK, involving the measurement of airborne and impact sound insulation between dwellings across party walls and floors. We’re able to conduct sound testing quickly and efficiently, providing the testing report within 24 hours of coming to site. What’s more, if things go wrong with your sound test, we’ll tell you how to fix it.
Noise Pollution Compliance Surveys
Many industrial and entertainment developments come with planning conditions relating to noise pollution. We’re able to work in accordance with BS 4142:2014, IEMA, BREEAM, and any other standards imposed by the local planning authority or the Environment Agency. Short term or long term noise monitoring is no issue for us, and we could be at your site the next day.
ParkerJones Acoustics test reverberation times, sound insulation, indoor ambient noise levels, speech intelligibility, and noise pollution to noise-sensitive receptors.
BREEAM Compliance Acoustic Testing
Acoustic testing and noise monitoring to achieve acoustic related credits under Hea 05 and Pol 05 of BREEAM. Our noise assessments can support any type of building in demonstrating compliance with BREEAM acoustic performance standards. We are ‘suitably qualified acousticians’, so if you need some acoustic testing for BREEAM, give ParkerJones Acoustics a call.
Sound Testing Explained
Sound insulation testing and acoustic design are essential for new build/change of use residential developments, to comply with Part E of the Building Regs.
What are the requirements for Sound Testing?
There are many sets of Building Regulations requirements which a new or refurbished residential development must meet. One of these, is to achieve a minimum standard of sound insulation performance internally between dwellings. This is an important regulation, as we seek some level of sound privacy from our neighbours, ensuring we can live and sleep in peace.
The specific acoustic performance requirements for new builds and conversions are set within Approved Document E ‘resistance to the passage of sound’
For compliance with the Building Regulations, the acoustic testing must be conducted by a qualified acoustic engineer who is accredited to conduct sound testing by an organisation such as Ukas or the Association of Noise Consultants. Such an engineer will be using expensive equipment including a Class 1 sound level meter which costs several thousand pounds… so don’t try this with your noise meter bought for a few quid!
Sound testing should ideally be conducted after completion of the building works, or as close to completion as possible. A failed acoustic test can often be down to constructions not being completed, penetrations and air gaps not being sealed, doors not being in place…
We advise reading our guide to sound testing before booking!
How do our Sound Testers work?
As a small independent acoustic consultancy, we pride ourselves on taking a personable and bespoke service to all of our clients. We’re not restrained by timesheets, contracts, equipment sharing, or red tape.
Give us a ring and we’ll provide a quote over the phone, with a list of available dates. If you find a better quote, tell us, we’ll try to match it.
It’s important to us that we take time to listen on-site during our sound testing procedures. If a sound insulation test fails, which is unfortunate from time to time, we’ll know how to put it right. We’ll then conduct any re-testing for a reduced price.
Fast Delivery and Response
An acoustic engineer could be at your site the next day
Next Day Acoustic Reports
Sometimes even the same day
Competitive Fees
Sound test from as little as £250 + VAT
Look at our reviews!
Making Sense of Acoustics
Cutting out the jargon of the 'dark art' and explaining things simply
UK Wide Sound Testing
Sound Testing all over the country, including major UK cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham, Cardiff and Swansea.
What our Clients say
"ParkerJones Acoustics recently helped us to discharge a planning condition and was very professional and accommodating. Chris (director) worked alongside us to model various window configurations of the property to establish where acoustic mitigation measures were required. This enabled our client to address matters strategically rather than simply blanketing the whole site with the worst-case scenario, in turn saving our client time and money. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics and I look forward to working alongside him soon."
"I have recently used the services of ParkerJones Acoustics to carry out a Noise Impact Assessment as part of a planning condition for an industrial development my company was building in the Scottish Highlands. From their same day quote to their equally prompt site visit and final report I have had a truly excellent service from this company, especially in comparison to some of the larger companies I have used in the past who were considerably more expensive. I am genuinely pleased to say I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris and his team at ParkerJones Acoustics to any business or individual requiring their services."
"Within 48 hours of contacting ParkerJones Acoustics, they were on site and collecting the information he needed. Chris (director) took the time to understand our business proposal; and he was so easy to work with and very friendly and we had a very professional and detailed report in our inbox within a week. A fantastic service that we would not hesitate to recommend, thank you!"
"We approached ParkerJones Acoustics for advice regarding a Noise Impact Assessment for a planning application. We cannot thank him enough for the prompt replies we received, the professional manner of his approach and the knowledge and expertise he had of the technical and planning issues. We would use Chris (director) of ParkerJones Acoustics) again and highly recommend him and his company."
"Chris has provided us with an excellent service, he's swift at responding and very knowledgeable in his area of work. We needed a noise survey undertaken due to an unauthorised installation of extraction fans at a local sports club close to our home. His report, which he turned around in 24 hours for us, was professional, clear to read and interpret. I highly recommend ParkerJones Acoustics Consultants."
"We sourced ParkerJones Acoustics consultants to help us with our planning application for a wedding venue. We found Chris (director) to be incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and professional in helping to produce a fully comprehensive noise assessment which resulted in a positive planning application. Communication was second to none and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his service."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones highly enough. I engaged Chris (director) to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily reccomend them to anyone"
"ParkerJones Acoustics provided our client with a very comprehensive Noise Impact Assessment report in support of a planning application for a micro-bar in the centre of Shifnal. A competitively priced service which was delivered in fast response to the Planning Authority's request. The application was successful. Thank you Chris!"
"Parker Jones Acoustics provides a fantastic, efficient service with excellent attention to detail. Within two days we had noise monitoring taking place capturing data on site - under a week and the report (incredibly informative without being too wordy) had arrived. Highly recommended!!"
"Chris was very knowledgeable and professional. We were seeking planning permission for a cafe and this was granted in part due to the excellent report by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris really listens to the specific detailed requirements set out by his clients. Thanks very much Chris."
"I can’t recommend ParkerJones Acoustics highly enough. I engaged Chris to produce a noise and vibration report for residential air conditioning and was extremely impressed with the level of communication and professionalism throughout the process. The final report was of exceptionally high quality and I will happily recommend them to anyone."
"ParkerJones Acoustics carried out an acoustic survey for us in a planning application for a new home. They were very professional in their approach and both Chris and Tom were very easy to deal with. Their recommendations seemed fair and balanced and we are hoping the council will agree. It was an expense we could have done without, but their fee seemed reasonable and includes any follow up from the planners, so we would have no hesitation in recommending them."
"Used Parker Jones Acoustics on a project in Dundee. Noise assessment was a last minute requirement from local planners and could have severely delayed things. Chris got on board quickly, engaged with the planning team and was able to fast track the assessment. Result = positive planning decision 4 weeks later. ParkerJones Acoustics are now part of our team for future projects"
"Carried out a Noise Assessment report for a listed building which achieved planning permission. Delivered promptly and professionally. Extremely pleased with the service and would happily recommend and use their services in future."
"Excellent speedy response from ParkerJones Acoustics, and high-quality report provided in support of our planning application. Really impressed."
"Chris at Parker Jones Acoustics has been faultless. We had a deadline to hit and he was very proactive around reaching that deadline, even in the current climate of COVID19. I've been very impressed and equally was my planning consultant very impressed"
"ParkerJones Acoustics were pro-active in addressing difficulties in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their experience and endeavour shone through the alternative quotes I obtained, and the finalreport exceeded my expectation; an impressive piece of work delivered in very good time. A happy customer; thank you Chris"
"Chris was most helpful, responding quickly and professionally to our request for a noise survey. He sent the results to us within a day which was much appreciated. I would definately recommend his service, and would also use his company again Thank you"
"Used this company to perform a noise and vibration survey for my air conditioning planning permission. It was handled very professionally, good advice given and quick turnaround. Very happy with the service."
"Great service from ParkerJones Acoustics, clear fast communication, fast turn around on work and competitive prices. I would highly recommend for any acoustic work."
"I needed some guidance in a hurry and Chris was on the end of the line with a very clear no nonsense reply. Very much appreciated"
"I reached out for some support on an acoustic related issue that we see troubleshooting at our plant. The support I got was excellent and very thorough."
"ParkerJones Acoustics helped significantly reduce the echo in our office by recommending acoustic treatment and sound insulation fittings. We’re now finding it much easier to work without disturbance and are able to use our meeting spaces without worrying about confidential conversations being overheard."
"I received an excellent, well informed and quick service. Chris has the expertise expected and is a true professional. Thank you."
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"Very economic and efficient. Helpful and very informative. Definitely use again on future schemes."
"Chris Parker Jones carried out an excellent noise assessment for us, detailed and yet easy to follow. Easy to contact and very helpful follow ups. Very professional."
"Thank you very much for the investigation you performed and the report you wrote which has helped us with a persistent noise problem from a neighbouring business."
"Highly professional and no issues at all. Would recommend to anyone. Answered all our questions. Gave a report which perfectly answered all the councils requirements."
"Joy to work with and went above and beyond for us to satisfy the landlords requirements. Highly recommended and will be using again for the rest of our sites."
"Wow! I messaged Chris on the website at 11am, and by 2pm he'd emailed me with diagrams and examples and an amazing breakdown of solutions. I am so thoroughly impressed."
"Very professional and helped me get through a tricky project. I would definitely recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to my clients. 5 star service!"
"Was very happy with the information provided by ParkerJones Acoustics. Chris was very helpful, being clear and thorough with all communications."
"Chris' deep expertise is matched by his focus on giving you only the input you need, instead of everything he could potentially bill you for. I wish other professionals operated on the same footing."
"Fantastic communication and extremely professional. All our questions answered and did an amazing job with the report for the council. Highly recommend if you do not want any hassle get in touch."
"ParkerJones Acoustics exceeded expectations; quick turn around on the report, great communication and a friendly service. We will be using them on our other projects!"
"On behalf of Cantor Properties - Fantastic company, great service. Efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Would highly recommend!"
"We’ve had problems for years with our house in London suffering from noise and vibration from the railway station a matter of metres away and being on a busy road. Chris from ParkerJones Acoustics did a brilliant job of helping us soundproof the existing windows, he clearly is a very knowledgeable noise expert and explained everything to us really simply. I can now get a decent nights sleep!"
"Chris (director) really is an expert & knows exactly what he is talking about which is a rarity these days. He replied promptly by email to my initial enquiry and followed up with a phone chat to discuss in greater detail the problem of the noise nuisance I have been experiencing from the flat above. Chris is a great listener and proposed a couple of solutions which he then sent on by email within an hour and which I am now following up. He also wants to know the outcome- a true professional and I would definitely recommend him. I cant thank him enough for his invaluable advice and insight."
"I contacted ParkerJones Acoustics after moving into a noisy 1st floor flat. I had no idea about what solutions were a available and after doing my own research I had become very confused. Chris responded to my email almost immediately, and clearly explained about the available products and offered his professional advice about my best course of action. Because of the information Chris gave me, I now feel much more reassured that there is a solution to my very annoying noise problem. I would not hesitate to recommend ParkerJones Acoustics to anybody who has a noise problem."
"I recently used ParkerJones Acoustics to investigate and advise on the soundproofing between my old victorian flat and the one above. We were looking at putting in a new kitchen with a ventilation system which we needed to ensure that noise and vibration would not be an issue and that the changes would constitute an improvement of sound insulation, as requested by the freeholder of the building. Chris really is an expert and is extremeley knowledgeable and resourceful, his report and emails were very comprehensive and he was even sending us information into the early hours of the morning, clearly a very hard worker!"
We had ParkerJones Acoustics to assist us with a noise problem in a recently purchased residential flat. Chris provided a fantastic service. He was extremely responsive and the work that Chris did was a very high standard. His knowledge of the subject is amazing. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris and ParkerJones Acoustics
"Chris (director) is fantastic. Lovely guy. Friendly efficient and honest. My new music room is superb and I couldn't have got the result I did without his help. I would refer and definitely use again."
"Chris is very knowledgeable and works hard to get you the best result when it comes to soundproofing. Very professional and quick to come back to you - would recommend 100%!"
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Enquire about a Sound Test
How can one our noise consultants help with your sound testing needs? Do you have a residential development which needs to demonstrate compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations?
0800 830 3338
info@parkerjonesacoustics.com
11 Bankside Road, Bristol, BS4 4LB
7 Bell Yard, Holborn London, WC2A 2JR
Acoustics.
Noise.
Vibration.