Choosing an Acoustic Consultant

If you want specialist advice it usually pays to get professional advice and even though this may be costly, in the long run it may work out cheaper than following a different route.

The science of noise and building acoustics can be complicated so it's advisable to get specialist input at an early stage of a project. Typical examples of where businesses may need specialist acoustic advice include:

• Changing the use of a building to a potentially nosier business.
• A new residential development close to a noise source such as a railway.
• Installation of mechanical plant e.g. air conditioning units or extract systems close to residential accommodation.

Were can I find out contact details of local acoustic consultants?

The professional bodies listed below have websites with the ability to search for consultants in your area.

• |Institute of Acoustics (IOA)
  The UK's professional body for those working in Acoustics, Noise and Vibration.
  
  77A St Peter's Street
  St Albans
  Hertfordshire
  AL1 3BN
  
  Search for a local consultant using 'Find a specialist' - enter 'acoustic consultant' and the required location.
  
  
• |Association of Noise Consultants (ANC)
  
  105 St Peter's Street
  Hertfordshire AL1 3EJ
  
  Details of local consultants can be viewed using 'list of members' or search for a specific member if required.

As with all professional advice don't be afraid to ask whether:

• they have experience of the type work you are requesting
• you can speak to previous clients who have had similar work undertaken so you can gauge effectiveness
• they can provide a detailed quote (as with all professional quotations is good practice to request quotes from a number of alternative companies for comparison).