Check out www.totalaccousticsolutionsuk.co.uk With the trend for clean lines hard surfaces and minimalism there has been a surge in the need for acoustic solutions, many architects being the culprits of the problem from new build to refurbished properties, residential as well as from small businesses to huge corporates in the city, there main objective is design and image where budget is concerned and don't seem to be interested in how a space really works, consequently they often don't work and acoustics being one of a variety of problems, there is so much to consider that as a client it can very easily be overlooked and you employ professionals to know it all. Everyone these days loves glass wood tiles and leather surfaces, uncluttered with clean lines which all add up to a whole lot of echo. Soft furnishings are the obvious solutions, rugs carpets cushion and curtains. There are a whole lot of solutions out there now, canvasses of all sizes with your own selected image make great pieces of art, if you have downlighting there are special coils that can fit above each light to absorb sound between floors, acoustic underlay under carpeted areas, ceiling panels can also be fitted in a colour of your choice, they can simply blend in or be a feature, even suspended shaped panels could be a feature to a high ceiling maybe in a kitchen, acoustic specialist can also fit a specific type of speaker system that give of a white noise that balances out your problem areas, the frequency will be adapted to specifically suit your problem, so as you can see there are many solutions to help you and the experts will find the best one that suits you. The website at the top has many solutions and is recommended by WHICH!! this is always a good sign, they will come and do a no obligation free no hidden charge site survey and quote for you too. I hope this was helpful to you. Kind regards Barbara

Many thanks Dale Loth Architects. Any idea who sells reputable demister pads and the size we should get? Quite a few sell them on line but keen to get a good one. Sorry dumb question but how do I get foil backing onto the mirror back? Is this something a glass/mirror cutter provides/can do? And how would you suggest we attach to glass tiles. I understand there needs to be space between the tiles and the mirror. Would you suggest a frame say 1000mm x500mm with demister pad inside? That's what we were thinking. Again any suggestions from any Professionals much appreciated.

Hi Mike, any standard coving (there are many options from expanded polystyrene to plaster & gypsum based products) will be absolutely fine. More important is to ensure it is well fixed, and that you use a good quality bathroom paint to resist mildew etc. If you have a period property, I'd certaily recommend spending a little extra to get a higher quality, period moulded coving with a little more detail than the average modern one. It might cost a little more, but the effect will be to give a much more luxurious feel for limited cost. Google period style coving and try some of the links.

Hi there Phil, I spoke with our Building Regulations team about your query and they came back to me with the following advice which could be very helpful for you. The fire strategy for these proposed works needs to be considered holistically with respect to the entire property, not just the works at this level. At this early instance, we would advice you to contact us at RESI directly with a full overview of your property and we can advise on the full potential feasibilities of your proposal. It does surprise clients often, but seemingly simple internal alterations such as these proposed require considered specified works to achieve UK building regulations compliance. Generally, regardless of the fire strategy to the upstairs floors, if the garage is to remain in use for vehicular storage then it should be separated from the rest of the property with 30 minute fire resisting construction. This can be done with timber studwork with 12.5mm plasterboard to each side or 15mm fireboard on one side and calcium silicate/concrete boarding on the other - naturally the garage is a cold-bridging space and so any partition should be thermally insulated to current part L standards as well. A structural engineer should be appointed to confirm the part A compliance with respect to structural integrity and at RESI, we do not advise conducting works to load bearing members without the advice and engagement of an engineer. We have several engineers we work frequently with who can engage on your project at a technical level alongside ourselves to ensure that a set of compliant building regulations scope drawings can detail and demonstrate how the works should be done properly, for both your contractor and a building inspector. Incidentally, the party wall structure should be surveyed for inherent defects prior to specifying a new dpc or injected dpc solution, with all new insulation measures satisfying the requirements of Part L of the building regulations for upgraded elements. We hope this is helpful, but if you do have any other questions regarding fire safety do not hesitate to get in touch with our team. We have an internal team of 40+ architects, surveyors, BREGs and planning officers who can advise and help you create the home you want and need. You can book in a free advice call to chat with our architectural experts about you project at a time that suits you. Best fo luck with your project. Have a lovely day. Bríd and the Resi Team