What Exactly Does an Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Control Consultant Do?
We work with architects, contractors, engineers, developers and owners to recommend design
criteria in all areas of Acoustics, Audio-Visual, Noise and Vibration Control.
-
Why Would I Need your Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Control Services?
Because Architecture should be seen and not heard, or seen and heard perfectly; and an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We investigate, analyze and provide advice on
acoustics, noise and vibration control to enhance value and functionality, as well as to reduce
risk for new projects. Noise complaints are subjective but our findings are not! We also help
resolve existing problems in buildings, workplaces and the outdoors.
-
What does an Audio-Visual Design Consultant do?
We offer you unbiased systems design advice and installation review with no conflicts of interest
since we do not profit from the sale of equipment. We develop a basic understanding of your
functional requirements, as well as your operational expectations, and tailor our design
approach accordingly. We always strive to be as cost effective as possible. We provide the best
design philosophy for each client's particular needs, incorporating a wide range of products in
our search for the most effective system at the lowest possible price. In order for us to be able
to fully understand the physical requirements of a design, it is always best to hire us in the
conceptual design phase, not when the construction documents phase has begun.
-
How are fees determined? Does it cost anything to have us meet with you to discuss our
problem?
The price range depends on the project, not the square footage. It is true that a smaller project
can sometimes be more challenging than a large-scale project. At any given time, we have a
large number of Acoustics, Audio Visual, Noise and Vibration Control projects which expand
across many large geographic areas. This makes it impractical for us to visit and examine
problems prior to having a contract. We gather project information through telephone
conversations, e-mails and faxes, but a hard-copy set of drawings is preferred.
-
Can we meet and discuss our project? Or can you visit our project before we hire you?
If you insist, we can do this, but we have a minimum trip charge, which is explained under the
individual homeowner area below. The majority of our clients understand that site visits are a
large portion of our work. Occasionally, we make exceptions and do on-site visits before we are
retained for our services, but this is for long-term clients and/or special situations. We do not
charge for a written proposal based on a public or large private project RFP.
-
Can an individual homeowner hire you?
Yes, but VSA requires a minimum consultation fee before we will meet with individual homeowners. It is $2,500.00 and is payable in advance depending on the geographic location and the nature of your issue. This fee covers an initial meeting and a written proposal outlining the project’s needs and further project cost projections. Our job, if hired, is to find the problem and then the solution, which, unfortunately, can become expensive.
We receive many calls from upset homeowners about upstairs, downstairs or next-door
neighbors, hardwood floors, barking dogs, loud music and many other noise-related issues, as
well as problems regarding media rooms. Though we empathize, without a proper assessment,
it is impossible for us to offer valid recommendations for a solution. Before buying another
home, you might consider a long-term noise survey for prospective homebuyers, or if building,
our design services. Again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
-
What happens if you find that ‘noise’ violates city codes?
Usually, the people causing the noise are compelled to correct it. We can document the noise
problems, help you ask the right questions, perform testing and help you document the findings.
-
What makes VSA different from other acoustics, audio-visual, noise and vibration control
design firms?
VSA’s staff are very experienced in our respective areas of expertise, and we make every effort
to find lower-cost alternatives to solve your problems. We are always aware of the latest
technologies and assist you in planning for future needs. We do everything necessary to solve
your problem and include this in our reports. Beyond this, we use as many environment-friendly
products as possible.
-
How do you soundproof a room/office/studio, etc.?
We determine the source of a problem in the same way that a medical doctor determines the
source of a medical problem: through testing. We need to perform acoustic and/or vibration
tests before recommending the benefits of various solutions. We always try to offer multiple
solutions, keeping in mind factors like dimensions, aesthetics, legalities, cost and the client’s
vision.
-
Do you make sound measurements?
We make sure that our clients understand the city codes and ordinances. We do late night and
early morning measurements when necessary. We are capable of assisting you with intermittent
noise. We can do long-tern measurements, as well as long-term noise recordings, for future
analysis.
-
What do you mean by recommendations?
Our recommendations include a broad range of products from absorptive foams to windows,
providing an effective acoustic barrier for sound isolation requirements, isolators, doors that
feature maximum sound reduction, panels to provide solutions to control flutter, echo and
reverberation time as well as recommendations for finished materials with the highest acoustical
values
We do not provide sales staff, installation experts, builders or craftsmen, nor do we provide
equipment. We are designers who suggest the best and most cost-effective solution for your
individual needs. We believe in giving you a broad range of solutions to match your budget. We
are not associated with the sale of any product.
-
Do you work with equipment noise, construction noise or traffic noise?
Yes, all of the above. We work with elevator noise, mechanical noise, air conditioning units,
chillers, cooling towers, pumps, blowers and sound systems in nightclubs. We are able to
monitor things like construction noise, early morning or late night delivery noise, garbage trucks,
etc.
-
At what stage is it best to hire you?
The earlier we are hired, the more you can save. The earlier we enter the conceptual or design
stage, the less it will cost the owner in the long run. It is far more difficult to correct an existing
problem than to foresee and avoid future problems.
-
Why do we need you during construction?
It is very important that once our clients decide on a design direction, it is followed. Our
construction services ensure that our recommendations are implemented and implemented
correctly. The way a product is installed is as important as the intended use of the product itself.
In addition, we maintain building regulation compliance by liaising with building control officers,
designers and architects, right down to the end users.
