Soundproofing Consultation
In a soundproofing consultation, an acoustical consultant works out how noise and vibration are traveling through your building. Then we define the scope you need for a real, noticeable reduction.
What a soundproofing consultation covers
Walls, Ceilings and Floors
First, we review the assemblies, transitions and usual weak points during the soundproofing consultation. That includes perimeters, penetrations and the junctions where performance most often leaks away.
Noise Type and Transmission Paths
Next, we separate airborne sound, impact noise and structure-borne vibration. Then we pinpoint the main paths the noise takes, including any flanking routes. Flanking is sound that bypasses the main wall or ceiling through ducts, outlets or connected structure.
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
We also check MEP penetrations, pipe chases, conduit routes and equipment supports, since all of these can carry noise and vibration through the building.
HVAC and Ductwork
In addition, we look at noise traveling through ducts, the supply and return paths, and whether you need isolation, lining, relocation or sound mazes to cut cross-talk and mechanical noise.
For quiet rooms, the target is often an NC (Noise Criteria) rating. NC curves set how much background noise HVAC may add in each octave band, so “quiet enough” becomes a number.
Elevators, Boiler Rooms, Chillers and Pumps
When building equipment is part of the problem, our acoustical consultant reviews the vibration paths, mounting conditions and structural connections that carry low-frequency energy into living and working spaces.
That hum often reads low in dBA, because A-weighting under-reads bass. So we also look at dBC and octave-band data at 63 Hz and 125 Hz. For the full picture of building equipment noise, see our mechanical noise hub.
Your Scope and Next Steps
Finally, you get a clear recommendation for the right soundproofing approach, realistic expectations and the next steps toward engineering details and construction.
Need measured results for a board or a dispute? Then an acoustic report adds formal documentation on top of the soundproofing consultation. For typical price ranges, see our NYC soundproofing cost guide.
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Residential • On-Site
Residential Soundproofing Consultation
Best for: clients ready to move forward with a buildable scope.
- On-site walkthrough (construction conditions + constraints)
- Identify flanking paths (returns, chases, slabs, penetrations)
- Detailed sound reduction approach (assembly-level)
- Refined budget range tied to scope options
- Written report (unless separately requested)
Commercial
Commercial Soundproofing Consultation
Best for: offices, restaurants, gyms, retail, hotels, and mixed-use spaces.
- On-site evaluation (noise sources + building acoustics conditions)
- Isolation vs. treatment plan (sound reduction + echo reduction)
- Coordination notes (HVAC, access panels, penetrations, doors)
- Buildable scope direction for GC / trades
- Stamped engineering
- Formal written report (unless separately requested)
Documentation
Acoustical Analysis Report
Best for: legal, board, landlord, or documentation needs.
- Field evaluation + measurement as needed
- Existing condition analysis + transmission path narrative
- Performance-based recommendations
- Formal deliverable suitable for stakeholders
- Scope depends on access, building type, and objectives
Residential • Virtual
Virtual Residential Consultation
Best for: early-stage apartment issues, feasibility checks, budget-sensitive planning.
- Video call walkthrough (space + conditions)
- Identify likely noise type + transmission path (airborne / impact / mechanical)
- High-level strategy (walls, ceiling, doors, penetrations)
- Practical next steps + rough cost guidance
- Field measurements
- Drawings
- Written report
Hire us for the work and your consultation fee is credited back toward the project. If we believe your project falls outside the scope of our services, we’ll give you a full refund for the consultation. Otherwise, the fee is non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a virtual consultation?
A virtual consultation includes a video walkthrough and a discussion of the noise sources and how they are likely traveling. We also give you a high-level strategy for walls, ceilings and floors, a quote based on your measurements (we may adjust it after an in-person visit) and clear go or no-go guidance.
What is included in an in-person residential soundproofing consultation?
During an in-person consultation, we walk the site, inspect the construction and identify flanking paths and constraints. Then we give you a detailed soundproofing approach for walls, ceilings and floors, engineering details for the assemblies we recommend, and a refined cost range tied to the verified scope.
Does the consultation fee count toward the project?
Yes. If you move forward with construction, we credit the consultation fee toward the project cost.
What happens if Hush cannot solve my noise problem?
If we believe your project falls outside the scope of our services, we’ll give you a full refund for the consultation. If you hire us for the work, the fee is credited back toward the project. Otherwise, it’s non-refundable.
Do you provide quotes without a consultation?
We can give you preliminary cost guidance from basic measurements and information. However, an accurate scope and price usually needs either a virtual or an in-person consultation.
What information should I have ready before scheduling?
If possible, have your room dimensions, a short description of the noise, photos or a quick video of the area, your building type and any renovation rules ready. For virtual consultations, basic measurements also help us quote more accurately.
How do I choose the right consultation type?
Choose virtual for early feasibility and budget guidance. Choose in-person when you’re ready to confirm the scope and move into construction. Our commercial consultation suits offices and more complex spaces, while an acoustic report makes sense when you need formal documentation or measurements.
How quickly can work begin after the consultation?
Once we confirm the scope and set the schedule, we can usually plan your project quickly. That said, timing depends on building access, approvals and how complex the assembly is.
Do you take before and after readings, and is there a guarantee?
Yes. We take before and after readings when measurement is part of the scope. In our service agreement, we guarantee at least a 50 percent reduction in the noise you hear, confirmed by those readings. Our target is a 70 percent reduction or more, depending on the noise type, the existing construction and any flanking paths.