Hello Joseph To satisfy most issues for sound transmission in apartments we usually use the Regupol E48 8mm Impact acoustic underlay. It complies with the NCC and exceeds most strata requirements. If you search for this product you can obtain from Regupol their product information sheet. You can speak to them on (02) 9820 1233 (Minto). They will be able to provide their test results and certification of their product for you depending on the installation. They will also be able to direct you to acoustic engineers familiar with this kind of query. Regarding an onsite test, there are a lot of variables that affect the sound result. For example, thickness of slab, whether there is plaster or a suspended ceiling (changes the result), insulation etc. It would help you to find this out as the test results hinge heavily on this, and the acoustic product tests by manufacturers have different products for different scenarios. Regarding your installer, there are a couple of things that will make or break the result. In order for any acoustic membrane to work, the flooring must be completely isolated from the walls and floor. That means a gap all round for expansion must be maintained and then covered with skirting up off the floor. We install skirting with a spacer between the floor and bottom of the skirt using some discontinued laminex samples as a minimum 2mm clearance is required. Again, the Regupol info sheet shows a diagram of this. Cheers

As I've stated time and time again in other posts, everything invariably comes down to money..........yes oklouise the process involves various parties (client, council, bank, builder etc) however IMO the designer is the executive expert in creatively negotiating and resolving the solution most effectively as they (should) have the knowledge and or connections/ across the many relevant areas in order to balance the needs of the project within the contextual conditions and nominated (financial) limitations........the issue I think is that when professionals fail to identify and manage the critical elements and priorities when proposing a solution, disappointment (of course) occurs and unfortunately the reputation of (the design service) "not being worth it" substantiated - I completely understand/see that following some (unfortunate) experiences you've become experienced/knowledgeable yourself in being able to achieve what you're seeking with your own skill, and that's great......but others (with less capacity/experience in that regard) can become caught/influenced going down the wrong path misinformed or limited to obtain the best solution for their particular needs because they don't understand what front end investment in the design process can achieve, and that is appropriate alignment of people's goals within budget - but for this to be successful services have to be performed in a particular (efficient) format and the designer needs to be able to (quickly) apply/project super accurate costings to specific proposals and that takes specific experience and skill..................this is right here is one of the significant challenges of our particular professional, as from where we stand, we can seriously help people, but people have to have the money, trust in, and commitment to the design process, which is not black and white, nor scientific, and be challenging on various levels.......you hit the nail with the comment "trust that their ideas can be converted to reality without any horrible surprises"........it seems to me, from experience, that the money conversation is often strategically avoided early in the professional relationship because the pro's are scared they'll possibly lose the job, when in fact it should be tackled head on assertively and realistically.........it's pretty simple, clear communication and honesty - more of that would go a fair way in avoiding the issues plaguing this game ;)

Oh this project grows. I’m thinking the kitchen/laundry access is probably worthwhile (light, access, etc). I’m liking the more contemporary layouts, compared to the u version that I liked at an earlier date. Siriuskey your comments about that version being too wide were important. (I eventually remembered design issues with my mum’s last kitchen which was a u and too wide and while it felt spacious, it was a bit ‘not quite right’). oklouises’ wed 5.26pm (2nd option) is probably my preferred option at this stage. I think that would be functional and satisfies my wish list pretty well. Layout and furnishing the greater space is still on the go. I must say, I’ve found everyone’s input with this project so creative and helpful.

Hello there, I haven't read all the comments or studied all the plans and variations but I would suggest the powder room with a shower downstairs be on external wall for vent: store rooms do not need it. Also have the laundry doors in center and opposite each other allowing for two straight runs of benching much better!! The kitchen look huge: maybe make dine larger. Upstairs have the study all open to stairs and void: a much nicer place to work. Why have the ensuite on the far end when it would be lovely for bedroom to look out and to have it closer to robe. Then too move robe door so you do not do laps round the bed to find slippers. long window is excellent for fresh air in robe too. I know you said it is a QLDer but which way is north and have you taken that into account to your liking, heating, cooling? Cheers Margot