Before you decide to build or purchase a home, you may want to consider the noise factor of the particular neighborhood. Many homes today are located near interstate highways choked with large trucks running day and night. Airports are also a source of noise polution

You can soundproof your home during construction or use a do it yourself soundproofing kit for an existing home. On a new home consider windows as the most crucial noise reduction item. Double paned glass and vinyl flanges can reduce noise by 50%.

Adding insulation in the attic or another layer of shingles to an older residence can help reduce noise significantly.

The interior layout also effects noise within the house as noise travels by air and drafts enable noise to move. Doors situated across from one another in hallways create drafts between rooms.

On a two story home its good to insulate the floor joists between the first and second floors to reduce the sound of walking or kids playing upstairs. Also insulating the walls between the bathroom and bedrooms is a good idea.

Carpeting and draperies also absorb sound. If you have a home near a busy highway, doubling the drywall on the side facing the road will help tremendously.

There are now kits on the market for home theatres that have 4X8 sheets of foam panels which adhere to walls with Velcro dots that are easily removed without damaging walls.