I'm working on finishing a basement apartment for my parents and got a quote for $10,000 to soundproof the ceiling. I'm wondering if this expense is worth it and if I should consider getting another opinion. The contractor who quoted me isn't very enthusiastic about soundproofing, which makes me think they might have quoted high just to avoid the job. Would it be unusual if I hired someone else specifically for the soundproofing while the original contractor handles everything else?
3 Answers
Honestly, if your parents value their peace and quiet, investing in soundproofing is worth it. I have basic soundproofing between my house and the basement, but I’m planning to upgrade to a more robust setup before renting it out. Getting a soundproofing pro to help ensures all details are covered and prevents potential issues later on. It's a smart move!
Soundproofing can really make a huge difference, but it's important to go with someone who specializes in it. There's definitely a limit to what you can achieve without spending a ton of money. I’d recommend finding a soundproofing expert who can give you a clear idea of your options and their associated costs.
If you're redoing the flooring upstairs anytime soon, that could significantly enhance soundproofing too. The best approach is to air seal between floors since sound travels through gaps most easily. Don't forget to add insulation between the joists. If you're directly attaching drywall to joists, it can transmit vibrations like a speaker. Using something like a resilient channel can help mitigate that. Also, ask why he quoted $10k—sounds a bit steep!