Sound insulation in dwellings Part 2: New-build (GG 83-2)
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 2: New-build (GG 83-2) was written by Gary Timmins and Ian West and published by BRE on 1 August 2015.
Unwelcome noise in homes, specifically sound transmission between homes, is a major problem in the UK that requires serious consideration from both architects and builders. Noise nuisance can be a serious cause of stress and can affect our health and wellbeing. People have different attitudes to noise; building occupants may be unaware that the noise they are making can be heard by their neighbours and regarded as a nuisance.
GG 83-2 is part of a three-part Good Building Guide providing practical guidance for designers, construction managers, construction operatives and property developers to help them understand the requirements of the building regulations concerning the provision of sound insulation in dwellings.
The 12-page Part 2 explains how to provide a reasonable level of sound insulation between new dwellings, which are subject to routine pre-completion testing to ensure they comply with the minimum performance targets set out in the building regulations, as well as any site-specific requirements.
The regulatory requirements and more general information are provided in Part 1, and Part 3 gives advice on providing the correct level of sound insulation for converted dwellings.
[edit] Find out more.
[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.
- BREEAM Acoustic performance
- BREEAM Reduction of noise pollution
- Building acoustics.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Noise nuisance.
- Pre-completion sound testing.
- Robust details certification scheme.
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 1: An introduction (GG 83-1).
- Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 3: Material change of use (conversions) (GG 83-3)
- Sound insulation.
- Sound v noise.
- Structure-borne sound.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.





















