Does your spouse like to practice the drums in the evening? Does your teenager like to play video games, with the volume turned up high? Are there other sources of noise you’d like to minimize?
There are many ways to soundproof areas of your home and to reduce noise. Here are
some ideas:
Wall coverings/ drapery. They not only look stylish but they absorb sound and reduce ambient noise levels.
Furniture placement. Surprisingly, where you place furniture can dramatically reduce incoming noise. For example, a bookshelf covering a third of a wall can muffle sound from an adjoining room by 25%.
Noise harmonization techniques. Soft music, air fans, and other sources of rhythmic noises can actually reduce the unpleasantness of incoming sounds.
Area rugs. Adding an area rug, even on top of existing carpeting, can significantly reduce noise coming from the floor below and the rooms adjoining.
Acoustic tiles and panels. These are special ceiling tiles and wall coverings that are designed to diffuse and reduce sound infiltration. There are some products on the market that are remarkably easy to install. Go to your local rock music store they will know what you need. The same material used in studios will work at home.
Stairwells allow sound to travel the entire house, especially hardwood or laminate(which look great by the way). Try installing a carpet runner, it can do wonders in sound dampening.
But in spite of all the modifications to your current home, if it is still way too noisy, maybe the solution is……to move! Call me that’s what I do!!
Lee Yule's Edmonton Real Estate Blog 
