Sometimes it can be quite tricky to find a quiet place in your home because of the many distractions around. This is especially true in a house with small children. They will be running up and down the stairs, the TV will be blasting loud music and there will be noise coming out of the kitchen from blenders, the tiny rings of the microwave etc. In modern houses, there is even less separation between rooms as most go for open plan designs. There is very little in the way of walls and sound carries all throughout the house. Following are a few tricks you can use to keep the noise level to a minimum.
Start using material that absorbs sound
If you have hardwood floors, you will be used to the sound of constant footfalls on the surface. To prevent this you can layout carpet squares that will muffle the sound.
This method can be applied for noisy stairs by using carpet runners. Soft materials are very good at absorbing sound. There are even acoustic ceiling panels to prevent sound escaping through the ceiling. In the way of decoration, you can hang colourful tapestries on the wall that will also add an aesthetic element.
Minimize noisy appliances
This is quite obvious; if an appliance is creating too much disturbance, opt for a quieter choice. This is something that modern day manufacturers are quite attentive about. They have come up with newer models of dishwashers, ceiling fans etc. that produce less sound than their older versions. But you also have to keep your appliances in top shape. A perfectly working machine can suddenly develop a noise or vibration that may point to a malfunction.
Secure the walls
Bookcases are the perfect way to block a wall surface. They will cut down noise from the other side creating a quiet place of solitude for you to read or work in. This will be immensely helpful in shared wall rooms. Not only will it be quiet, you will be able to create a small beautiful library within the house.
Fix noisy pipes and squeaky floors
Sometimes when you turn off the faucets you will be able to hear the pipes rattle or chatter. Water hammer is also a common occurrence in noisy pipes. You can attach a water hammer arrestor to the supply pipe. It’s better to have a plumber check out the problem so you can get a second opinion.
Another noisemaker is squeaky stair steps. This usually happens when a loose tread rubs against a riser or stringer when someone steps on the stair. There are ways you can fix it yourself. First, find where the sound is coming from. For example, if the noise comes when you step on the tread, concentrate the repairs there. It is better to do the repairs from below the stairs where it cannot be seen.