Sound Proofing an Apartment Might Be Worth the Expense

Most people don't enjoy having to listen to their apartment neighbors stomping around in the middle of the night, playing music with heavy bass, talking or shouting.  I'm no exception, but sound proofing my apartment seemed like too much work and expense.  As a renter instead of an owner of property, the effort of covering my walls with sound proofing insulation seemed like a hassle and an impractical solution. I also didn't want to hire a professional sound proofer because of the expense.

In addition to the expense, I figured that sound proofing the ceiling would reduce the height by a good 6 inches, and soundproofing the walls would reduce the available floor space. However, my neighbors started complaining about my didgeridoo  playing.  I enjoy playing the didgeridoo in the early evenings to relax. I've also been recording the sound for a unique CD that I am producing. Unfortunately, my neighbors seemed to think this was outrageous (even though they blast their stereos at all hours of the night).  The one above me began to bang on the floor every time he would hear me play, and the one next to me called the supervisor on me several times. They didn't seem to mind when someone played loud party music in the middle of the night, but once I started playing my own music they demanded that I sound proof the place.

Blurb Alert! If you are living in an apartment or condo and do not want to disturb your neighbors when listening to great music, consider getting quality headphones before going through the trouble of soundproofing your living space.  Of course, if your neighbors are too loud and you can't stand it anymore, you might want to install some soundproofing foam.  Find the best deals by using our search engine above, which will pull all of the latest soundproofing foam or soundproofing insulation offerings in eBay® auctions. BOUNTY HUNTER HEADPHONES Bounty Headphones HEADPHONES For use with Bounty Hunter® metal detectors True stereo headphones Individual volume controls for right & left sides .25" stereo plug compatible with all Bounty Hunter® models with .25" headphone jacks

Sound Proofing is a Great Idea if You Want to Professional Record Music

Although I was unhappy about it, it turned out that sound proofing my apartment was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. You see, I have always wanted to turn my apartment into a recording studio. I have the sound editing equipment, the audio tools on my computer, and even a quality commercial CD burner. Before I soundproofed my apartment, there was no way to record. There was just too much ambient noise, and too many people complaining whenever I made noise of my own. Soundproofing my apartment provided an easy solution. Now I can make as much noise I want, and it doesn't bother anyone.

Drawbacks of Sound Proofing a Living Space 

That isn't to say that sound proofing my place was without drawbacks. For one thing, sound proofing is incredibly labor intensive. It takes hours and hours to attach sound proof foam to all of the surfaces. For another, it deadens noises and makes the whole room seem strangely silent and still.

Conclusion - Consider How Long You Will Live In Your Apartment Before Sound Proofing It

All in all, sound proofing has been well worth the time and expense for me.  I don't have to listen to the neighbors' noise, and I can play my didgeridoo to my heart's content without worrying about people complaining.  If you plan on living in your apartment or condo for a long time, sound proofing might be worth it for you, too.  If you're there for the short term, I would suggest you tolerate your neighbors' noise until you can get your own home.

"Sound Proofing an Apartment Might Be Worth the Expense" contributed by Kurt Williams