Your agent hands you the keys to your new home and the movers come the next day with your furniture. You can’t wait to settle in and meet your neighbors. While you are moving in you realize that you can hear your neighbors above you, below you and even beside you.

A month goes by, and even with rugs covering 75% of your floors and your neighbors’, you can hear their conversations, Blackberry vibrating, arguments, TV and even the toilet flushing. You realize that you bought an eggshell not a home.

I have heard several stories similar to this one. When buying in San Francisco, where most of the homes were built well before 1970, this is not uncommon. As a buyer do you only look at new construction, even though what you most desire about San Francisco’s housing is its original charm and details?

With careful research and the right contractor you could soundproof your home. Of course, it is certainly not cheap. Perhaps you can add value to your home by soundproofing? There are definite benefits to homeowners. The additional drywall and insulation can reduce heating bills. It does reduce noise if constructed properly (e.g. not just blowing extra insulation into the ceiling). But the real benefit — privacy, peace and quiet — is priceless!

You can find soundproofing information, products and case studies here.

I am not a soundproofing contractor or an expert, but I have seen it done and have referrals. Please, feel free to reach out to me.