Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3) was written by Gary Timmins and published by BRE on 30 October 2015.
Sound transmission between homes, is a major problem in the UK which requires serious consideration from both architects and builders. Noise nuisance can be a serious cause of stress, and if not remedied it can affect our health and wellbeing as well as influencing our enjoyment of buildings.
Sound insulation in dwellings is a three-part publication which provides practical guidance for designers, construction managers, construction operatives, and property developers about the requirements of the building regulations.
Part 1 sets out the regulatory requirements and general information. Part 2 gives advice on the correct level of sound insulation when constructing new dwellings.
Part 3 offers practical advice and guidance about constructions that provide a reasonable level of sound insulation between dwellings formed by a material change of use. Where new dwellings are formed in a building as a result of a material change of use, they are subject to pre-completion testing to ensure they comply with the building regulations and any site-specific requirements.
The contents of Part 3 of the guide are:
- The noise problem.
- Beginning the process.
- Altering existing walls to form separating walls.
- Altering existing floors to form separating floors.
- Potential conflicts with other regulations and requirements.
- References and further reading.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Approved Document E.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Building acoustics.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Noise nuisance.
- Part E compliance.
- Pre-completion sound testing.
- Robust details certification scheme.
- Sound insulation.
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 1: An introduction (GG 83-1).
- Sound insulation in dwellings Part 2: New-build (GG 83-2).
- Sound v noise.
- Structure-borne sound.
Featured articles and news
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.

























