Sound
Testing

In England, pre-completion testing helps demonstrate compliance with Requirement E1 of the Building Regulations. The regulatory guidance below describes England; requirements elsewhere depend on the project location.

In England, pre-completion testing generally applies to relevant new dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes, including those formed by material changes of use.

Qualifying new houses and flats can use registered Robust Details as an alternative to pre-completion testing for the relevant separating construction, provided the scheme and Building Control notification conditions are met. Confirm the applicable route with Building Control.

The exact number and type of tests depends on the development. Building Control determines the properties to be tested, with testing typically organised around groups of properties with similar construction.

If you're unsure what your project requires, we can review the proposed construction and testing requirements before testing takes place.

For guidance on meeting the requirements in England, see Approved Document E.

What if a sound test fails?

A failed test needs investigation and appropriate remedial action. It can also raise questions about other rooms or properties with similar construction.

Agree the remedial work and any wider testing with Building Control.

Additional testing may also be required following remedial work. We can help identify potential issues and advise on the next stage of the process.

Testing should take place when the relevant spaces on both sides of the separating construction are essentially complete, apart from decoration, and ready for assessment.

Walls, floors, doors and other relevant elements need to be sufficiently complete and accessible for testing. Planning this early helps avoid delays caused by incomplete areas, restricted access or construction changes.

Before the visit, check the following with your site team and testing engineer:

• Confirm the dwellings, rooms and separating walls or floors to be tested, and share the relevant plans and construction details.
• Check that the rooms are essentially complete apart from decoration, with windows and doors fitted and relevant seals, junctions and service penetrations completed.
• Arrange access to both sides of each wall or floor being tested, including any occupied or separately managed spaces.
• Keep the test rooms clear and unfurnished, and arrange safe access for the engineer and equipment.
• Coordinate noisy site work so it does not interfere with measurements, and agree any power and access arrangements needed for the equipment.
• Agree floor-covering arrangements before the test, particularly for impact testing. Impact tests are normally carried out without soft coverings such as carpet, but Approved Document E includes exceptions for certain floor constructions. Confirm the correct arrangement with the testing engineer before laying or removing coverings.
• Tell the testing team about incomplete work or changes to the separating construction before the visit.

Readiness should be confirmed before the test date. If you are unsure about a finish, floor covering or access arrangement, discuss it with the testing team before proceeding.