Anonymous Property Manager's Inside Story: Condo Noise and Complaints on the Rise

Dealing with noise is just part of condo life, right? But how much noise is too much, and what can we really do about it? That's what we're diving into today. We had a chat with someone who knows these issues inside out – a seasoned district property manager from Toronto. We're keeping their identity under wraps to get the real scoop.?

This district property pro has seen it all in the world of high-rise living. We got into the nitty-gritty of sound problems in condos, and trust us, it's not as simple as throwing down a thicker rug. We talked about what works, what doesn’t, and the kind of challenges they face every day in managing noise in these towering residential buildings.

Question: Have you dealt with a lot of noise issues in condos, especially with floors like hardwood, laminate and vinyl flooring?

Response: "Oh, absolutely. We're seeing more noise complaints these days, what with all the vinyl and laminate floors popping up in our condos. The main issue is people often go for the cheapest underlay they can find – that's on the owners and the contractors, but really, it starts with the developers. Sure, saving a few bucks now might sound good, but it ends up causing a whole bunch of noise problems in our buildings. It's a big deal, affecting how comfortably our residents live and even the reputation of our properties."

Question: ?How familiar are you and your team with acoustic underlayments? ?

Response: ?"I'd say my knowledge about acoustic underlayments has improved over time. However, I've noticed that even experienced property managers often lack a basic understanding of this subject. From my industry discussions, a common mistake I've seen is managers approving products based only on their IIC rating, without checking if they're suitable for their specific building type, like those with or without suspended ceilings.

Question: Why do you think some property managers hesitate to jump on better noise reduction methods in condos?

Response: "Well, it often stems from the sheer volume of responsibilities they juggle. Managers have a lot on their plate.? Which often leads to the attitude, 'In-suite renovations are not my problem'.? I keep telling my team, 'If you approve the wrong underlayment, it definitely becomes your problem!' But a lot of them just don't want the hassle of changing things up, change takes effort. It's a hurdle to overcome, but we will get there."

Question: What do you mean when you say, "approve the wrong underlayment"? How does that typically happen??

Response: "Great question. the issue is that some property managers lack the basic knowledge needed to interpret acoustic samples or reports.? It's actually pretty straightforward – the products are either tested for the specific type of building they're managing, or they're not. Unfortunately, many managers only focus on the Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating. It's like only reading the headline of an article and ignoring the content. So, when they approve an underlayment based solely on its IIC rating without considering other aspects, they're potentially choosing a product that's not optimal for their building's soundproofing requirements. That's what I mean by 'approving the wrong underlayment.' It's not just about picking a product with good numbers, it's about understanding what those numbers mean in the context of their particular building."

Question: In light of the challenges you've mentioned, how do you see the role of specialized companies in acoustic underlayments contributing to better living environments in condos??

Response: "Oh, they're absolute game-changers! Working with companies that specialize in acoustic underlayments opens up a whole new world of solutions. These experts don't just sell a product, they provide a crucial service in understanding the unique needs of each building. When you collaborate with them, you're not just buying an underlayment, you're investing in peace and quiet. This kind of partnership is really invaluable.

Most of the residential property managers we work with are forward-thinking and they know who they are. If you're among them and want to make sure your knowledge on the topic of acoustic underlayment's are current and tailored to your building's unique acoustic needs, feel free to get in touch with us. We can review your current acoustic rating, building construction assembly and guide you through these intricacies.

Prevention is the key to success. No Need for costly #Acoustic Test Reports: A key insight from a recent CAT case "Gamat et al. v. Toronto Standard #Condominium Corporation No. 2745" where the Tribunal's stance on #acoustic test reports. The Tribunal recognized that while acoustic reports can be helpful, they are not mandatory to establish the existence of a nuisance caused by #noise and #vibration.

Let's work together to get the optimal products approved and installed.

FULLY EDITABLE COMPLIMENTARY GOLD STANDARD CONDO RULE FOR HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS