The Quiet Upgrade:

When you imagine your dream home, you probably think of beautiful finishes, spacious layouts, or cozy nooks. But there’s one element that often gets overlooked—and yet plays a huge role in making your home feel like a true retreat: soundproofing.

Whether you're building from scratch or remodeling a space, soundproofing is a small investment with big payoffs. It reduces stress, increases privacy, and adds long-term value to your home. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Soundproofing Matters

Noise affects how we live, sleep, and relax. A poorly soundproofed home can mean:

• Hearing every footstep from upstairs.

• Losing sleep because of loud TVs or music.

• Lack of privacy in bathrooms or bedrooms.

• Daily frustration for families with different routines.

Especially in open-concept homes or households with kids and teens, sound control is not a luxury—it’s a sanity-saver.

Where to Soundproof First

If you're not soundproofing the entire house, prioritize these key areas:

• Bedrooms (especially the primary suite)

• Bathrooms near living spaces or guest areas

• Walls between shared bedrooms

• Floors/ceilings between levels

• Home offices or media rooms

• Laundry rooms adjacent to quiet zones

When we built our home, we gave the kids the upstairs—but we didn’t want to hear them all the time. We soundproofed the ceiling above our living room and also between our bedroom and the main living area. Now that our teenage son blasts music like it's his job, we’re really glad we did it. The noise isn't gone, but it’s softened—and that makes a big difference.

How to Soundproof: Methods + Materials

There are several layers and techniques to consider, depending on the level of sound control you need and your construction stage.

1. Insulation

• Standard fiberglass insulation (R-13 to R-19): Helps dampen sound slightly but isn't designed for acoustics.

• Acoustic insulation (e.g. Rockwool Safe’n’Sound): Specifically designed to absorb sound.

• Cost: $0.75–$1.50 per square foot installed.

2. Resilient Channels or Sound Isolation Clips

• These are metal strips installed between drywall and framing to prevent vibration transfer.

• Great for ceilings and shared walls.

• Cost: $1.00–$2.50 per square foot installed.

3. Double Layer Drywall

• Two layers of drywall with Green Glue soundproofing compound in between.

• Ideal for home theaters, bedrooms, or offices.

• Cost: $2.00–$4.00 per square foot depending on labor.

4. Solid Core Doors

• Block more sound than standard hollow-core doors.

• Useful for bedrooms, offices, or bathrooms.

• Cost: $150–$400 per door (plus installation).

5. Caulking and Sealing

• Acoustic sealant closes gaps at outlets, switch boxes, and baseboards where sound can leak.

• A small but important step.

• Cost: Minimal—around $10–$20 per tube.

What It Doesn’t Do

Soundproofing doesn't make a home silent. It’s not about blocking 100% of noise—but about dampening, redirecting, and reducing transmission. Think of it like dimming the lights rather than turning them off.

When to Do It

• Best: During new construction or full renovations, when studs are exposed.

• Next Best: During room additions, basement finishing, or when replacing drywall.

• Retrofit Options: Though limited, acoustic panels, rugs, and door sweeps can help soften sound in finished spaces.

Final Thoughts

Soundproofing may not be the most glamorous upgrade, but it’s one of the smartest ways to turn a house into a haven. By planning ahead and choosing the right materials for your walls, floors, and doors, you’re investing in peace—both literal and emotional.

If you’re building or remodeling, don’t just think about how your home looks. Think about how it sounds—and how you want it to feel.