Laundry Room

Reply to: Very complex topic. TV, music and talking are pretty easy. Music that has deep bass is a very different animal (and harder) than talking. So you first need to define the music. The simple and relatively economical way to reduce sound transmission is with specialized drywall. Quietrock is a brand. Green glue is a product between 2 layers of drywall. The green glue and double drywall is a bit cheaper but more labor. Resilient channels is even better but requires careful install. Even thermal style insulation between floors will do something for voices - and is the cheapest option. But the drywall options are more effective. The other inexpensive and effective option is air sealing. No can lights. foam/caulk all penetrations in ceiling and floor. This makes a surprising difference. And of course, separate HVAC systems between floors. Door on stairwell?

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Reply to: If by gutted you mean the wall plaster is removed then this will be relatively easy and not expensive, you potentially could do it yourself- Roxul Safe and Sound rock wool insulation batts installed in the wall stud spaces between laundry closet and bedrooms. Same product installed in the downstairs ceiling joist spaces- leave an air gap on either side of the insulation batt- and for a little more expense have the drywallers install resilient metal channels to the bottom of the ceiling joists and install the drywall to the channels, thus isolating the drywall ceiling from transmitting sounds to the rooms above. Rock wool is mostly basalt rock basically spun like cotton candy, it is fireproof, increasing the fire resistance of your walls and ceilings and absorbs noise- hence the Safe and Sound name. You tube has some installation videos, good luck with your renovations, stay calm, things might take more time than you hope but it will be great once completed.

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Reply to: Thanks, RNmom. I will be near a TJM this weekend! I’ll give it a go. I just downloaded the Google Translate app. I had already read that it will translate signs using the camera, but I just read that it will also translate the spoken word. I’m going to have to make sure I know how it works before we leave. I’ve been practicing Italian with Duolingo and Tinycards, but I have no confidence that anyone will be able to understand me or vice versa.

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