BS8233 Noise Assessment and Report | Expert Noise Survey Services

What is BS8233? BS8233 (2014) – “Guidance on Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings” – is a British Standard commonly used by local authorities to ensure that residential buildings and refurbishments meet required noise insulation standards. It helps assess the existing noise climate, identify necessary mitigation strategies, and protect residents from external noise, ensuring adequate acoustic conditions for sleeping and resting.

Key Areas Covered in BS8233:

• External noise sources (traffic, rail, aircraft)

• Noise from internal plant and services

• Room acoustics and internal noise levels

• Noise targets for outdoor spaces, like gardens and balconies

• Guidance on sound insulation for residential properties

• Noise Rating (NR) curves for building materials and construction

• Mitigation strategies for noise and vibration

BS8233 sets acceptable noise limits to ensure acoustic comfort and privacy, offering detailed guidance for both non-specialists and acoustic professionals.

Why is a BS8233 Noise Assessment Necessary?

A BS8233 noise assessment helps comply with local authority requirements and noise insulation standards. It:

• Assesses external noise from highways, railways, or airports

• Measures internal noise from services and equipment

• Recommends noise reduction measures to meet regulations

How BS8233 Helps with Your Planning Application

Local authorities often require a BS8233 noise report when applying for planning permission for new or refurbished buildings. The report:

• Identifies potential noise issues for occupants

• Recommends sound insulation for walls, floors, windows, and doors

• Ensures acoustic comfort in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas

Following BS8233 helps avoid delays or rejections in planning applications.

Target Noise Levels According to BS8233

BS8233 provides recommended noise targets for residential buildings:

• Living room (07:00–23:00): 35 dB LAeq,16hour

• Dining room (07:00–23:00): 40 dB LAeq,16hour

• Bedroom (Sleeping - Night): 30 dB LAeq,8hour (23:00–07:00)

For outdoor spaces like gardens and balconies, BS8233 offers guidance to maintain acceptable noise levels for relaxation.

Regulating Construction Noise and Vibration

BS8233 also provides recommendations for managing construction noise and vibration to protect nearby residents and buildings.

BS8233 Noise Survey and Mitigation Solutions

At Environmentally Sound Ltd, we offer comprehensive BS8233 noise assessments, surveys, and reports to ensure compliance with the standard and local regulations. Our process includes:

• Site Survey: Assessing external noise from traffic, rail, and air traffic

• Internal Noise Assessment: Evaluating noise from internal systems like HVAC

• BS8233 Report: Producing a report with identified issues and mitigation recommendations

• Mitigation Measures: Proposing sound insulation, noise barriers, or design changes to meet BS8233 standards

Why Choose Us for Your BS8233 Noise Assessment?

• Expertise: Acoustics specialists with years of experience in vibration control and noise mitigation

• Comprehensive Reports: Detailed reports with tailored mitigation strategies

• End-to-End Service: From initial surveys to post-construction verification, we guide you through every step

Who Needs a BS8233 Noise Assessment?

BS8233 noise assessments are required for:

• New building projects (residential, commercial, mixed-use)

• Conversions or refurbishments, such as turning commercial spaces into residential units

• Planning applications near noise-sensitive areas like highways, airports, or railways

A BS8233 noise survey ensures your development meets required acoustic standards.

Benefits of a BS8233 Noise Assessment

A BS8233 noise assessment benefits developers, architects, and builders by:

• Ensuring compliance with noise regulations, reducing the risk of fines

• Improving internal acoustic environments for occupant comfort

• Enhancing sound insulation to minimize external noise impact

• Reducing the risk of noise complaints from nearby residents

• Identifying cost-effective solutions, saving on expensive retrofits

• Providing a comprehensive environmental noise assessment

• Offering guidance on vibration control to minimize construction impacts

• Recommending mitigation measures like noise barriers and sound-absorbing materials

• Increasing the likelihood of local authority approval

• Providing peace of mind knowing your project meets noise standards

Costs of BS8233 Noise Assessments

BS8233 noise surveys typically range from £700 to £1500, depending on project size and complexity. Factors affecting cost include:

• Project location

• Duration of the noise survey (usually 24–48 hours)

• Additional required mitigation services

We offer competitive pricing and clear cost breakdowns for your survey needs.

Get in Touch for a BS8233 Noise Assessment

If you need a BS8233 noise assessment, survey, or acoustic report, Environmentally Sound Ltd is here to assist. We collaborate with local authorities to ensure your project complies with noise regulations.

Contact us today at 01908 643433 or email us to discuss your project and schedule a noise survey.