The result
A refurbishment scheme needed a Part E upgrade plan — but the client wanted a realistic, evidence‑based target that matched the building’s construction, disruption constraints and budget.
ATSPACE carried out pre‑improvement sound insulation testing, established a clear baseline, identified the dominant weak points, and set upgrade targets that were achievable in the real world, not theoretical.
The result was a plan that balanced resident comfort, installation practicality and measurable improvement — with verification steps built in from the start.
Project snapshot
Service: Pre‑improvement sound insulation testing
Client: Local authority + refurbishment contractor
Site: Ashfield Court, 16 Green Street, Leicester LE1 1RD
Building type: 1960s residential block, mixed tenure, 60 flats
Construction: Concrete frame, concrete floors, mixed ceiling treatments, historic internal alterations
Programme stage: Pre‑works planning + contractor procurement
Compliance driver: Part E improvement intent + resident comfort objectives
ATSPACE delivery: Baseline airborne + impact testing, build‑up review, gap analysis, upgrade‑target setting, phased verification plan, procurement‑ready reporting
Why setting a realistic target matters
Unrealistic acoustic‑upgrade targets create two major problems:
- You specify a scope that is too disruptive and too expensive.
- You specify a scope that cannot be delivered consistently in an occupied building, leading to frustration and repeat visits.
The client needed upgrade targets that worked for this building, with its varied conditions, historic changes, and residents in place.
What ATSPACE tested and why
We selected representative dwelling pairs, including:
- typical flats with standard finishes
- flats with known complaint history
- flats with historic ceiling/floor changes
We carried out both airborne and impact sound testing because Part E performance — and resident comfort — depends on both.
We then linked the results to actual construction build‑ups.
What the baseline testing showed
Three patterns emerged clearly:
- Airborne performance varied depending on past alterations.
- Impact performance was the dominant weakness, especially in flats with hard flooring or minimal ceiling treatment.
- Flanking routes through service zones and ceiling penetrations were amplifying noise in particular stacks.
This meant one blanket upgrade was never going to be effective — the plan had to target the real acoustic risks.
The Part E upgrade plan ATSPACE produced
The plan used three levels of intervention, allowing the client to match investment to need.
Level 1 — Low‑disruption improvements
- improve floor‑finish strategy + perimeter isolation where hard flooring was the driver
- close obvious flanking routes at service penetrations + ceiling access points
- standardise sealing at repeated interfaces across flats
Level 2 — Targeted ceiling upgrades in high‑risk stacks
- enhanced ceiling treatment only where baseline testing showed persistent weakness
- focus on continuity and workmanship, not just adding layers
Level 3 — Full upgrades for the worst‑performing pairs
- reserved for flats with persistent complaints + poor test results
- planned carefully around access + resident management
A verification plan was also included so improvements could be proven after each phase — avoiding the trap of “do everything first and hope it worked.”
How this reduced programme and cost risk
This approach reduced risk in four ways:
- scope was based on measured evidence, not assumptions
- targets were realistic for the building and budget
- high‑disruption works were reserved only where justified
- verification steps prevented drift and repeat remedials
Outcomes
The client gained:
- a clear baseline and realistic improvement target
- a phased upgrade approach aligned to budget + resident management
- reduced risk of ineffective impact‑noise upgrades
- better procurement clarity for contractors
- a verification plan that proved improvement rather than relying on claims
Common mistakes this project avoided
- setting upgrade targets without measuring current performance
- applying the same detail everywhere regardless of construction differences
- assuming impact noise improves without floor‑finish changes
- leaving flanking routes untouched
- completing upgrades without a verification plan
CTA
If you need realistic, deliverable Part E upgrade targets, ATSPACE pre‑improvement sound insulation testing provides:
- clear baseline evidence
- identification of dominant weak paths
- achievable upgrade targets
- a verification plan that proves improvement
Ask for:
- baseline airborne + impact sound testing
- gap analysis + realistic upgrade‑target setting
- scope support for procurement
- verification testing after upgrades
Frequently asked questions
Do we need baseline testing before a Part E upgrade?
Yes — without it, you risk overspending on ineffective measures.
Can you set targets that fit an existing building?
Yes — targets must suit the construction, access constraints and budget.
Will impact noise always need floor works?
Not always, but floor‑finish strategy is often the biggest driver of impact failures.
Do you offer post‑upgrade testing?
Yes — verification testing proves improvement and strengthens handover evidence.
