August 10, 2025
Renovating or extending a home comes with its fair share of noise. Whether it's the constant hum of power tools, banging from demolition, or hammering during framing, the sounds can quickly become overwhelming. It’s not just the people living in the house who feel it. Close neighbours can be impacted too, especially in places like Wollongong where homes are often built close together. If you’re not prepared, noise can turn what should be an exciting update into a stressful experience.
Planning ahead to manage noise isn’t just thoughtful, it helps keep things running smoothly. By thinking about how sound travels and putting a few steps in place before any work begins, you can reduce tension at home and avoid complaints from next door. It’s all about finding practical ways to control the disruption and allow the renovation to move forward without too much interruption to everyday life.
Before any tools come out or walls come down, it's a good idea to start by discussing noise control with your builder or contractor. A clear plan helps set the right expectations and avoids surprises halfway through the project. It also shows you're thinking ahead and respecting the space of those around you.
Start by asking if your team has dealt with noise-sensitive projects before. Many experienced builders will have tips and preferred approaches for keeping the noise down. Together, you can figure out things like:
- What hours daily work will take place
- Which days the loudest work is expected
- Which areas of the home will be most affected
- If rest breaks can line up with quieter periods
In Wollongong and Kiama, there are also council restrictions and guidelines about when noisy work is allowed. Builders are generally familiar with these rules, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check. If your renovation includes work on weekends, make sure it won’t breach any local noise limits. Early communication helps avoid delays caused by complaints or regulatory issues.
It’s also worth chatting with your neighbours, especially if the build will take a few weeks or months. Giving them a heads-up on the schedule, and letting them know who to contact if something feels off, helps build goodwill. A bit of neighbourly courtesy can go a long way in reducing stress on all sides.
Even with good planning, there’s no way to avoid noise altogether. But you can definitely reduce how far it travels and how much it interrupts everyday life. There are some simple things you or your builder can do to help manage loud work and contain the sound.
Here’s a list of popular approaches:
- Set up temporary acoustic barriers around the work area, like sound blankets or timber hoardings
- Close internal doors or use door seals to limit the transfer of noise from room to room
- Install or use double-glazed windows to reduce external noise bleeding into or out of the space
- Use heavy curtains in rooms where people are working, studying, or trying to rest during the day
- Seal up any visible gaps and cracks to help muffle airborne sound
- Focus the noisiest tasks during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, when neighbours are less likely to be sleeping or working from home
Some families also choose to spend part of the day away from home when the loudest tasks are underway. If demolition is expected on a certain day, taking the kids to a park or heading out to visit loved ones can offer a break from the disruption. Just make sure there’s someone on-site to coordinate with the workers when needed.
The materials used during a home renovation and extension can make a big difference in how much noise moves through the house. Choosing products that absorb sound instead of bouncing it around helps to create a quieter space during and after the build.
When it comes to controlling sound, think about what's going into your walls, floors, and ceilings. Materials like acoustic plasterboard or dense insulation batts can really help lower how much noise passes through. For flooring, floating timber floors with an acoustic underlay are a solid option and help reduce footstep noise between levels. Carpets and rugs also do well at softening impact and airborne sounds inside rooms.
Some great picks for managing sound include:
- Rockwool or polyester acoustic insulation for wall and ceiling cavities
- Acoustic-grade plasterboard to line shared walls or rooms you want to keep quieter
- Rubber or cork flooring underlays beneath timber or laminate floors
- Soft furnishings like thick curtains or large rugs, especially in open-plan spaces
Keep in mind the double benefit of some of these materials. For example, insulation used for sound control can also help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. That’s handy around August in Wollongong when things start warming up again.
If you're renovating to include a home office, media room, or bedrooms close to shared walls, you may want to go for higher-grade soundproofing. A client we worked with in Kiama created a detached structure at the back of their house for a home office. By using acoustic insulation and internal wall linings specifically designed to absorb sound, they were able to block out street noise and enjoy peace and quiet without moving locations.
Once tools are in use and work starts, the best approach is staying proactive while keeping things flexible. Even the most carefully laid plans might face changes, so checking in on noise levels as the job goes on should be part of your routine.
Here are a few ideas that can help reduce tension and make life a bit easier during a home renovation and extension:
- Avoid overcrowding noisy machines in one area. Spacing out equipment or relocating generators away from key rooms can create a noticeable difference.
- Assign someone to monitor noise levels on site. Builders who know loud tasks are being tracked tend to take extra steps to keep it under control.
- If you're living through the renovation, set up noise-friendly spaces inside the house, such as using a spare room or garage to escape during louder periods.
- Try using white noise machines, background music, or fans when you're at home. These sounds can mask the more jarring construction noise.
- Remind workers to keep shouting to a minimum, especially during early morning starts or late afternoon wrap-ups. Respectful habits make a big difference.
You may also want to keep open lines of communication with your neighbours as the work continues. If something changes like a sudden late delivery or a new phase starting, letting them know helps manage expectations and shows you’re still thinking about their comfort too.
After the last nail is hammered in and the paint’s dry, many families are ready to relax again. But managing noise doesn’t have to stop when the tools are packed away. There are still a few small things you can do to make your home more peaceful long-term after your renovation and extension.
Regular maintenance helps soundproofing last longer. Make it part of your seasonal checks to look for gaps that may have formed over time. Re-sealing cracks in windows or replacing worn door seals can help stop noise from creeping back in. If you’ve got new furniture or layout changes, consider soft surfaces like cushions, beanbags, and plush throws. They all help absorb sound.
You can also create zones around the home for quiet. A small reading nook in a low-traffic corner, or a door added to divide an open plan can work wonders. If your home office or study is part of the renovation, you could line the back of bookshelves with sound-dampening foam or add a fabric pinboard to one wall to soften acoustics in the space.
At the end of the day, sound comfort is about finding what works for your unique layout and lifestyle. Building those peace-friendly areas into your design pays off day to day, especially for families juggling work, school, and downtime under the same roof.
Managing noise through home renovation and extension projects in Wollongong takes a bit of forward thinking, but it pays off well. Every house and build is a little different, so it’s worth tailoring your approach to your block, your lifestyle, and your renovation goals.
From your choice of materials to how you schedule the build and prepare your household, each piece works together to make the whole experience smoother. It’s all about helping your space grow without turning daily living upside down. By planning carefully and working alongside experienced builders who know the area, you can enjoy all the exciting parts of your renovation without feeling like you're living inside a construction zone.
Ready to tackle your home renovation and extension? Let Lighthouse Projects & Construction guide you through a smooth transformation. Discover how your home can become more functional and peaceful by exploring our home renovation and extension services. Our team in the Illawarra region is ready to bring your vision to life while managing noise seamlessly, ensuring comfort and satisfaction at every stage. Feel free to reach out for a personalised consultation.
