Acoustic Consultancy & Testing
Acoustic Consultancy & APT Sound Testing
When it comes to construction, few things impact long-term satisfaction quite like sound. Whether it’s noisy neighbours in an apartment block, echoes in a commercial space, or inadequate insulation in a converted building, poor acoustics can create lasting problems. What’s more, meeting sound insulation standards isn’t just about comfort, it’s a legal requirement under Building Regulations Part E in the UK.
At APT Sound Testing, we understand that navigating these regulations can be challenging. That’s why we offer a full turnkey acoustic consultancy and sound testing service, guiding clients from early design stages right through to final pre-completion testing and certification. With years of experience and UKAS accreditation, we deliver expertise you can trust.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how our process works, why acoustic design matters, and how we can help ensure your project achieves compliance, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Why Is Acoustic Consultancy So Important?
In the UK, Approved Document E outlines the minimum performance standards for sound insulation between dwellings. It applies to new builds, conversions, and material change-of-use developments. Non-compliance can lead to delays, expensive remedial work, and in some cases, refusal of building control sign-off.
But good acoustic design isn’t only about meeting a checklist — it enhances quality of life, protects your investment, and demonstrates a commitment to high building standards. Unfortunately, many projects leave acoustic considerations too late in the process, only to discover performance issues during final testing.
That’s where APT Sound Testing steps in. Our consultancy ensures your project is designed and built with acoustic performance in mind, significantly reducing the risk of sound test failure and costly rework.
Our 4-Step Acoustic Design and Testing Process
We’ve developed a clear, practical process that takes the stress out of acoustic compliance. Whether you’re a developer, architect, or contractor, we support your project every step of the way.
1. Site Survey Visit
Our process begins with an on-site assessment of the existing construction. This visit allows us to evaluate the current materials and identify potential weaknesses in the structure. For example, the use of lightweight blocks or poor sealing can result in inadequate sound insulation.
During this visit, we also assess the quality of any ongoing installation. Are acoustic materials being fitted correctly? Are workmanship standards being followed? Catching issues early can prevent expensive problems later in the build.
2. Sample Sound Insulation Testing
Before we propose any acoustic design changes, we carry out sample sound testing on the existing walls and floors. These tests provide an accurate picture of the current sound insulation levels and allow us to tailor a solution that addresses specific weaknesses.
Rather than relying on assumptions, we base our recommendations on real-world data. This approach ensures your design is targeted, cost-effective, and compliant.
3. Acoustic Design Review
Once testing is complete, we conduct a full design review of your proposed party walls and floors. This includes detailed analysis of the three key acoustic design principles:
- Mass – Heavier materials tend to block sound more effectively.
- Isolation – Structurally separating elements can reduce vibration transfer.
- Absorption – Soft, porous materials absorb sound within a space.
Using data from thousands of tests across a wide range of projects, we help you choose the best construction method to meet or exceed Part E requirements. We also work closely with your team to ensure the design is practical to implement and cost-efficient.
4. Pre-Completion Sound Testing
The final step in the process is the pre-completion sound test. This test is required by Building Control to confirm that your development meets Approved Document E standards. We use state-of-the-art Norsonic equipment and carry out all testing under UKAS accreditation, meaning our results are guaranteed to be accepted by authorities.
Once the test is complete, we provide a detailed report and, if the build passes, certification for sign-off.
If you’ve received a request from your local authority for sound insulation testing, get in touch with us directly at 01525 303905 or visit our website to book your site visit.
Supporting Every Stage of the Build
Our services don’t stop at testing. At APT Sound Testing, we work alongside developers from early design right through to completion. Whether you’re building a handful of houses or managing a large-scale apartment block, we’ve got the experience and expertise to guide you.
We’ve worked on hundreds of projects across the UK, including:
- New build homes
- Residential conversions
- Hotels and student accommodations
- Large apartment developments
- Mixed-use commercial spaces
Each project is different, and we tailor our approach accordingly. Need on-site advice during construction? We can visit your site to ensure materials are installed correctly. Have a design challenge? We’ll work with your architects to find smart, cost-effective solutions.
Why Choose APT Sound Testing?
There are plenty of consultants out there—but here’s why our clients choose us:
- UKAS-Accredited: Our sound testing laboratory is fully accredited, ensuring all results are reliable and legally recognised.
- End-to-End Support: From design advice to final testing, we offer a complete solution under one roof.
- Highly Experienced: We’ve carried out thousands of tests and reviewed hundreds of acoustic designs. We know what works.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: We help you achieve compliance without overspending. No unnecessary upgrades—just effective, tailored advice.
- Reliable Communication: Got questions? We’re just a phone call or email away, with clear, jargon-free answers and prompt support.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Acoustic Design
In our experience, the most common reasons for sound test failures include:
- Use of lightweight blocks without adequate acoustic treatment
- Poor workmanship around junctions, sockets, and service penetrations
- Misunderstanding of material performance
- Incorrect installation of acoustic insulation
These problems can almost always be avoided with early intervention and good planning. By involving us at the design stage, you’ll have the confidence that your construction is on the right track from day one.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or nearing completion, we can help ensure your acoustic requirements are met. Our team is responsive, experienced, and ready to assist with any aspect of your project.
📞 Call us: 01525 303905
🌐 Visit: www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk
We’re happy to provide a free consultation to discuss your needs and suggest the best next steps.
Trusted Consultancy Service
Sound insulation is too important to leave to chance. By partnering with a trusted acoustic consultancy like APT Sound Testing, you can ensure your building meets regulatory requirements, avoids costly failures, and delivers the best possible experience for future occupants.
With our straightforward process, technical expertise, and proactive approach, we help you move from design to delivery with confidence.
Ready to talk? Get in touch today — and let’s build something better together.
# About the Author
Darren Helliwell is a building performance specialist with over 25 years of hands-on experience leveraging thermal imaging, blower door testing, and smoke analysis to optimise air tightness in both new-build and refurbishment projects such as Battersea Power Station, Imperial War Museum and Harrods.
Using advanced infrared thermal imaging cameras alongside state-of-the-art blower door and smoke-testing equipment, Darren’s team delivers detailed thermographic surveys across residential and commercial buildings. These thermal imaging surveys pinpoint invisible air leaks, identify insulation defects, and reveal thermal bridging—empowering architects, contractors, and property owners to make targeted, energy-saving improvements.
Darren’s ongoing mission is to help design teams and contractors harness the power of thermal imaging to achieve truly airtight, energy-efficient building envelopes. By reducing heat loss and driving down energy bills, his thermography expertise supports sustainable, cost-effective construction and refurbishment outcomes.
Connect with Darren Helliwell:
[Thermal Imaging Surveys] Thermal Imaging Surveys | APT Building Thermography Reports
[APT Email] info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk
[LinkedIn] https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-helliwell-78789b26