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UK Wide Sound Insulation Testing.
UKAS accredited sound testing with fast booking and building control ready reports.
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Preferential pricing for ongoing projects, project coordination support, priority scheduling and dedicated contact. Upto 25% discount per test.
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- London & nationwide coverage.
Design guidance before testing.
Floor & wall design guidance, pre-build compliance advice, reduce risk before testing.
Avoid delays and pass first time.
- Experienced acoustic consultants.
- Trusted by developers UK wide.
- Building control ready reports.
- 99.9% pass rate when our design recomendations are commissioned.
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Sound Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is sound insulation testing?
Sound insulation testing (often referred to as Part E sound testing, acoustic testing, or pre-completion testing) is the process of measuring how effectively sound is reduced between adjoining dwellings or rooms.
Under Approved Document E of the Building Regulations, all relevant buildings must provide reasonable resistance to the passage of sound. This means that noise from neighbouring properties should not cause significant disturbance to occupants.
In practice, testing assesses two key types of sound:
• Airborne sound – such as speech, music, or TV passing through walls or floors
• Impact sound – such as footsteps or movement transmitted through floors
The test results are compared against minimum performance standards defined in Approved Document E. If these standards are not met, the building cannot be signed off.
👉 In simple terms: sound testing is the final proof that your building performs as it should acoustically.
Do I need sound testing for my project?
In most cases, yes. You will typically require sound insulation testing if your development includes:
• Flats or apartments
Semi-detached or terraced houses
• Conversions into residential units
• HMOs or student accommodation
• Mixed-use developments where residential adjoins other spaces
• Detached houses are generally exempt, as there are no adjoining dwellings.
However, requirements can vary depending on Building Control interpretation—particularly for HMOs and mixed-use schemes.
👉 NOVA can quickly review your drawings and confirm whether testing is required—helping you avoid uncertainty early in the project.
What is Part E sound testing?
Part E sound testing refers to testing carried out to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document E.
Approved Document E sets:
• Minimum sound insulation standards
• Testing requirements
• Guidance on acceptable construction methods
Testing is the most common route to compliance and is required unless you use Robust Details (pre-approved constructions).
👉 Most developers choose testing because it allows flexibility in design and construction.
What is pre-completion sound testing?
Pre-completion sound testing is carried out at the final stages of construction, before Building Control sign-off. The purpose is to:
• Verify actual on-site performance
• Ensure compliance with Part E
Provide documented evidence to • Building Control
Testing is typically undertaken when:
• The building is complete
• Doors, windows, and services are installed
• Rooms are ready for occupation
👉 If the building is not fully complete, results can be affected—this is a common cause of failure.
When should I book sound testing?
We recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance, and ideally earlier on larger developments.
Early booking allows:
• Proper planning of test locations
• Time to ensure site readiness
• Reduced risk of delays
It also gives you access to pre-test advice, which can significantly improve your chances of passing first time.
How long does sound testing take?
The duration depends on:
• Number of tests required
• Site layout and access
• Number of construction types
Typically:
• Small developments: 2–4 hours
• Larger developments: half day to full day
Efficient access between units can significantly reduce testing time.
What areas are tested?
Testing is carried out between:
• Habitable rooms (e.g. bedrooms, living rooms)
These are the areas most sensitive to noise and therefore most important for compliance.
Testing is not usually carried out in:
• Corridors
• Stairwells
• Circulation spaces
As results in these areas can be inconsistent and are not representative of actual use.
What equipment is used for acoustic testing?
Professional sound testing uses:
• Omnidirectional loudspeakers for airborne testing
• Tapping machines to simulate footsteps
• Precision microphones and sound level meters
All equipment must be:
• Calibrated
• Compliant with relevant standards
• Used by trained professionals
👉 This is why using an experienced acoustic consultant is essential—incorrect testing can lead to invalid results.
What is acoustic testing vs sound testing?
In most cases, the terms are used interchangeably. However:
• Acoustic testing is a broader term
• Sound insulation testing specifically refers to Part E compliance
For Building Regulations, they effectively mean the same thing.
Can I search for “sound testing near me”?
Yes—but choosing the right provider is critical. Not all sound testing companies offer:
• Practical advice
• Pre-test support
• Failure analysis
👉 NOVA combines testing with real-world construction experience—helping you pass, not just test.
What is UKAS accreditation in sound testing?
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation is the official recognition that a company is competent to carry out sound insulation testing to the required standards.
For sound testing, this means:
• Testing is carried out in accordance with Approved Document E
• Procedures follow the correct methodology
• Equipment is calibrated and verified
• Results are accurate, reliable, and repeatable
👉 In simple terms: UKAS accreditation ensures your sound test results are technically valid and trusted by Building Control.
Do I need a UKAS-accredited sound testing company?
In most cases, yes. Building Control bodies typically expect testing to be carried out by:
• A UKAS-accredited organisation, or
• A tester who can demonstrate equivalent competence
However, in practice:
• UKAS accreditation is the industry standard
• Non-accredited testing may be questioned or rejected
👉 Using a UKAS-accredited company removes uncertainty and ensures smooth approval.
How Many Tests Are Needed?
How many sound tests are required in total?
Approved Document E allows testing on a sampling basis, meaning not every unit needs to be tested. Typically:
• Around 10% of units are tested
• Grouped by construction type
Each group must demonstrate compliance independently.
👉 Poor results can increase the number of required tests—another reason to get it right first time.
How many tests are required for houses?
For semi-detached and terraced houses:
• Typically 2 airborne wall tests per development (≤10 units)
This is because only walls between dwellings are tested—floors are not relevant.
How many tests are required for flats?
Flats require more extensive testing due to both walls and floors.
Typical requirement (≤10 units):
• 2 airborne wall tests
• 2 airborne floor tests
• 2 impact floor tests
This ensures both vertical and horizontal sound transmission is assessed.
Do larger developments require more tests?
Yes—testing scales based on:
• Number of units
• Number of construction types
• Layout complexity
Larger developments often require multiple test sets.
What is a “set of tests”?
A set of tests includes:
• Airborne wall test(s)
• Airborne floor test(s)
• Impact floor test(s)
Each construction type must have its own test set.
Can the number of tests increase?
Yes—particularly if:
• A test fails
• Results are inconsistent
• Additional construction types are identified
👉 This can increase costs and delays—planning is key.
Do I need separate tests for different wall types?
Yes. Each construction type must be tested independently to ensure compliance.
How many tests are required for conversions?
Conversions often require:
• Similar testing to flats
• Sometimes more due to higher risk
Existing structures can introduce variability, requiring careful testing.
Can I reduce the number of tests?
Yes—by using Robust Details. However:
• They must be registered in advance
• Construction must match approved designs exactly
How We Can Help with Failures
What happens if I fail a sound test?
If a test fails:
• Building Control cannot sign off the development
• Remedial works are required
• Re-testing must be carried out
This can delay completion and increase costs.
Why do sound tests fail?
Most failures are caused by:
• Poor workmanship
• Gaps or air leakage
• Incorrect installation
• Flanking sound
• Incomplete construction
👉 Even small defects can have a large impact on performance.
What are airborne sound failures?
These occur when sound passes through walls or floors. Typical causes:
• Insufficient mass
• Poor sealing
• Lightweight construction
What are impact sound failures?
These relate to footsteps and movement through floors.
Common causes:
• Missing acoustic layers
• Rigid floor finishes
• Poor installation
What is flanking sound failure?
Flanking sound occurs when sound bypasses the main separating element. It travels via:
• Junctions
• Ceilings
• External walls
👉 This is one of the most common and complex failure types.
Can small defects cause failure?
Yes. A small gap or poor seal can:
• Significantly reduce performance
• Cause a test to fail
How do you fix sound test failures?
Solutions depend on the issue, but may include:
• Sealing gaps
• Adding acoustic layers
• Upgrading floor or ceiling systems
• Improving junction detailing
Will I need to re-test after failure?
Yes—re-testing is required to confirm compliance.
How does NOVA help with failures?
We:
✔ Identify root causes
✔ Provide practical solutions
✔ Reduce unnecessary work
✔ Offer fast re-testing
Sound Testing for HMOs
Do HMOs require sound testing?
Often yes—but requirements vary depending on:
• Layout
• Use
• Building Control interpretation
Why are HMOs more complex?
Because:
• They are not always treated as self-contained dwellings
• Requirements can vary case-by-case
What testing may be required?
• Walls between bedrooms
• Floors between occupied areas
• Separation between communal and private spaces
What is the safest approach?
Design and test to full Part E standards wherever possible.
Sound Insulation Design: How to Pass First Time
Do I need sound insulation design before testing?
Yes—this is critical.
Testing only verifies performance—it does not fix problems.
Why is design so important?
Because:
• Most failures originate from design
• Fixing issues later is expensive
What does sound insulation design include?
• Wall and floor construction
• Junction detailing
• Flanking sound control
What are the most common design mistakes?
• Ignoring flanking sound
• Poor detailing
• Material substitutions
Sound Insulation Design & Soundproofing – FAQs
Do I need sound insulation design before testing?
Yes—this is one of the most important steps in achieving compliance.
Sound testing is simply the final verification stage. If the design and construction aren’t correct, testing will highlight failures rather than fix them.
At NOVA, we regularly see projects that rely on “standard details” but still fail due to:
• Poor junction detailing
• Incorrect material selection
• Flanking sound paths
👉 The most cost-effective approach is to get the design right first time.
What does sound insulation design involve?
Sound insulation design focuses on ensuring your walls and floors:
• Meet Part E performance requirements
• Are buildable on site
• Minimise risk of failure
NOVA provides:
• Proven construction details
• Guidance on materials and build-ups
• Advice on flanking sound control
• Bespoke acoustic design where required
We’ve developed a database of tested wall and floor systems specifically to help developers and contractors achieve compliance with less risk.
Can NOVA provide design advice as well as testing?
Yes—this is where we add significant value.
We can support you with:
• Early-stage design advice
• Construction detail selection
• Site reviews and practical guidance
• Full acoustic design reports
Our goal is simple: help you pass first time and avoid costly re-work.
What is the difference between “just passing” and good soundproofing?
There is a big difference.
You can design a system to:
• Just meet Part E minimum standards, or
• Achieve a higher level of acoustic performance
Designing for a marginal pass increases risk:
• Small defects can lead to failure
• Occupant complaints are more likely
NOVA’s approach is to design systems that are robust and repeatable on site, not just theoretically compliant.
Acoustic Design Strategy & Best Practice
Should I use standard details or bespoke design?
Both have their place.
Standard tested details:
Lower risk
• Faster to implement
• Ideal for typical developments
Bespoke design:
• Required for complex or mixed-use projects
• Useful where space or structure is constrained
When should I involve an acoustic consultant?
As early as possible.
The biggest risks occur when:
• Design decisions are already fixed
• Materials are substituted on site
• Acoustic performance is considered too late
Early involvement allows us to:
• Prevent issues
• Optimise design
• Reduce costs
What is the biggest mistake developers make?
Leaving acoustics too late.
Sound insulation is often treated as a tick-box exercise, but in reality:
• It directly affects compliance
• It impacts occupant satisfaction
• It can cause significant delays if it goes wrong
How can NOVA help me get it right first time?
How can NOVA help me get it right first time? We combine:
• Design expertise
• Real-world testing experience
• Practical site knowledge
This means we don’t just design systems that work on paper—we design systems that work on site and pass testing.
Licence to Alter Sound Testing – FAQs
Do I need sound testing for a Licence to Alter project?
In many cases, yes. Licence to Alter works—particularly in flats—often involve changes that can significantly affect sound insulation, such as:
• Replacing carpets with hard flooring
• Altering floor build-ups
• Changing internal layouts
Even if Building Regulations testing is not strictly required, freeholders, managing agents, or lease agreements often require sound testing to demonstrate that the works will not negatively impact neighbouring properties.
👉 We recommend confirming requirements early, as failing to do so can result in costly remedial works later.
What types of works typically require sound testing under a Licence to Alter?
The most common scenarios include:
• Installing timber, laminate, or tiled flooring
• Removing existing soft floor finishes
• Altering structural or separating elements
• Converting layouts within flats
These works can significantly increase impact sound transmission, which is one of the main causes of complaints in residential buildings.
👉 If your works affect floors or separating structures, sound testing or acoustic approval is highly likely to be required.
Why is impact sound such a major issue in Licence to Alter projects?
Impact sound (e.g. footsteps) is particularly sensitive because it travels directly through the structure.
Carpeted floors naturally:
• Absorb impact energy
• Reduce vibration transfer
• Provide a high level of acoustic isolation
When carpets are replaced with hard finishes (e.g. timber or laminate):
• Impact noise increases significantly
• Sound transmits more easily into neighbouring properties
• The risk of complaints and test failure rises
👉 This is why most lease agreements specifically restrict or control hard flooring installations.
Why is it difficult to match the performance of carpet with a wooden floor?
Achieving the same acoustic performance as carpet is one of the biggest challenges in Licence to Alter projects.
Carpet and underlay provide:
• A soft, absorbent surface
• Natural damping of impact sound
• Consistent acoustic performance
In contrast, wooden or laminate floors are:
• Rigid
• Reflective of sound energy
• Directly connected to the structure
To achieve similar performance, additional measures are required, such as:
• Acoustic underlays
• Floating floor systems
• Resilient layers
Even with these measures, performance is highly dependent on:
• Product selection
• Installation quality
• Junction detailing
👉 Poor installation can completely negate the benefits of acoustic products.
How can NOVA help ensure my Licence to Alter project passes?
At NOVA Acoustics, we support Licence to Alter projects from start to finish.
We can:
✔ Review proposed floor systems
✔ Recommend compliant acoustic build-ups
✔ Provide guidance before installation
✔ Carry out sound testing after completion
✔ Advise on solutions if issues arise
Our goal is to ensure:
• Compliance with lease and Building Control requirements
• Reduced risk of complaints
• A smooth approval process
Recent Projects
Reverberation Testing, Consultancy, Design and Installation of Acoustic Panelling.
Acoustic Consultancy and Design for RIBA Stages 3 and 4 for redevelopment to form a Hotel.
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