| Once you recognize that true peace in the | | | | also be great time to meet the people you'll |
| home is a matter of good soundproofing, | | | | be sharing the land with. |
| shopping for the condo that will suit you | | | | |
| over the long term is easy. Read on for a few | | | | 2. If at all possible, ask to see the condo |
| simple tips on making a sound decision when | | | | during a busy time of day. Early evening is |
| looking for your new home. | | | | usually a good bet. This is a time when most |
| | | | people are home, clanging around in their |
| We want to love our neighbors, but what if | | | | kitchens or doing what they do for |
| you're awakened every night at 2 am by the | | | | entertainment. |
| sound of babies crying or you can't fall | | | | |
| asleep because someone is shaking the walls | | | | 3. Get a building inspection that includes |
| with their snoring? Sure you love kids, but | | | | soundproofing. Ask to see any documentation |
| do you want to hear them driving their metal | | | | regarding the soundproofing in the building |
| bulldozers up and down the hallway at 7 am on | | | | and make sure it meets the minimum standard |
| a Saturday? Probably not. Well if you didn't | | | | that's written into the building code. |
| check the soundproofing in your condo before | | | | |
| you bought it, these are issues that could | | | | If the soundproofing is less than perfect |
| send you back to your real estate agent and | | | | however, you don't have to scratch the |
| looking for a new home. | | | | building off your list. There are still a |
| | | | number of ways to ensure that you and your |
| Likewise, have you considered your own | | | | neighbors can peacefully coexist after you |
| decibel level? If you're a normal family | | | | move in. |
| moving into condo, studio or conversion | | | | |
| surrounded by single folks and poor | | | | 1. Location: if you're a noisy family that |
| soundproofing, you may have a bumpy ride | | | | doesn't want to cause a ruckus, look for a |
| ahead. They will shake their fists on | | | | ground floor unit that allows your kids to be |
| sleepless mornings when they awake bug eyed | | | | who they are without any complaints from |
| to the sound of your children playing | | | | anyone downstairs. Likewise, if you're a |
| basketball in the room over their bedroom, | | | | quiet couple that doesn't want to be |
| they will curse them when their romantic | | | | disturbed unnecessarily, look for top level |
| evenings are punctuated by the sounds of | | | | units. |
| rolling marbles and shrieking, they will | | | | |
| smolder when quiet moments alone with a cup | | | | 2. A great condo in a great location is hard |
| of tea, a glass of scotch or a gripping novel | | | | to pass up so if you find one with thin walls |
| are torn to shreds by the thumping, | | | | that you absolutely love, consider renovating |
| screeching and clatter of your beautiful | | | | it for acoustic bliss. Sometimes changes can |
| blameless children. | | | | be as simple as installing new windows or a |
| | | | carpet with a thick underlay. It's all about |
| Fortunately, there are a number of ways to | | | | cushioning. If the condo association allows |
| avoid these kinds of conflicts before they | | | | structural changes, you may also want to |
| even start. The first, and easiest place to | | | | consider a floating floor or a hung ceiling. |
| begin is with the unit itself. If the unit | | | | There are a number of companies that |
| you're interested in has proper | | | | specialize in sound proofing systems if you |
| soundproofing, it shouldn't matter that you | | | | decide to take this route. |
| are a family of five or that your neighbor | | | | |
| just bought a new guitar. Proper insulation, | | | | So best of luck and when you find that nifty |
| flooring and windows will allow everyone to | | | | condo conversion in the fine neighborhood or |
| keep their sounds to themselves. Here's how | | | | the flat in the brownstone on the perfect |
| to find out if the prospective unit has the | | | | tree-lined street, make sure to do a sound |
| right amount of noise control: | | | | check before you buy. |
| | | | |
| 1. Ask Around: if you're really serious about | | | | Take a tour of the Carmel NY real estate |
| buying a particular condo unit, take the time | | | | market (plus the Putnam & Westchester MLS) |
| to ask the people who will be living around | | | | with our comprehensive Mahopac Real Estate |
| you what the soundproofing is like. Then ask | | | | Guide. Easy home search and great community |
| them to turn on their TVs and stereos and go | | | | info from Mike Trinchitella, top NY State |
| to the new place for a listen. If you don't | | | | REALTOR. |
| hear anything, you're on your way. This could | | | | |