Noises are a source of many conflicts in condos. It is even a very important reason for many formal notices.

The problems are present often in old buildings. "Soundproofing is particularly bad in housing towers transformed in condos" says Johanne Denis, president of the Association professionnelle des designers d’intérieur du Québec (APDIQ) and designer for more than 20 years. For her, condo buyers must never forget that they are the owners and that they can act to fix the problem.

Here are a few strategies that one can use to reduce the airborne and impact sounds and don't forget to read our complete article on soundproofing and life quality!

1. Reduce echoes with fabric

"Modern trends of minimalist interior designs with materials such as glass, ceramic or leather do not help reducing noises,” indicates Johanne Denis. Instead, you should choose fabrics (drapes, carpets, curtains, armchairs, table cloths, cushions) that reduce indoor noises.

2. Limit your noise footprint

Plastic cushions under all the furniture, kitchen drawers with a soft close system, boxes for the speakers in the living room, and noisy appliances far from the party walls . . . "In a building, dishes can make a vibration noise or an annoying rattle, adds Johanne Denis, that it is possible to eliminate by simply adding some baize between each pieces or by avoiding to stack them."

3. Take action at the source

Often, an annoying noise only has one source: for example, a neighbour that starts his espresso machine at 5:00 in the morning. Some acoustic products - adding SONOpan panels on the wall where the grinding noises are coming from, for example - are worth it.

4. No doors face to face

It is the worst scenario to be awakened in the middle of the night when the neighbour visit returns home. Favour staggered rows and solid core doors. If needed, isolate the bottom of the doors with closed-cell neoprene.