Are all six tools genuinely free?
Yes. You can build results, download text and print without an account, payment details or a subscription. Your own internet, device and printing costs remain separate. There is no checkout, booking or required purchase.
Does the noise estimator use my microphone or measure decibels?
No. No microphone, sensor, recording or live measurement is used. You enter an outdoor reference level and assumptions. The resulting indoor level is an illustrative proxy, not a professional acoustic measurement, hearing-safety assessment or legal-compliance reading.
Where do wall and window values come from?
They are explicitly labelled illustrative scenario allowances: walls 15 / 25 / 35 dB and windows 0 / 10 / 20 / 25 dB. They are not validated performance values, averages of existing homes, STC/Rw ratings or specifications for a product. Actual construction and other sound paths can differ substantially.
Why do reference distance and source type matter?
The free-field example uses a logarithmic distance adjustment from the same source: 20 × log10(distance ratio) for an ideal point source, or 10 × log10(distance ratio) for an ideal line source. Real streets, courtyards, barriers, reflections, ground and weather can break these assumptions. Use equal distances if the input already represents the level outside the wall.
Can the number be used in a neighbour dispute or building approval?
No. The model has no calibrated measurement, validated site inputs or standards-based assessment. Use appropriate professional evidence and the relevant official process for disputes, compliance, exposure concerns or construction decisions.
What is the difference between absorption and sound isolation?
Absorptive furnishings or porous panels can change some reflections within a room. Isolation concerns sound passing between spaces and depends on the complete construction and other paths. Treating echo does not establish that a wall blocks outside or neighbour noise.
Will any plan make my home completely silent?
No. The tools do not guarantee a specific reduction or complete silence. Low frequencies, impact vibration, gaps, ventilation, flanking routes and indoor sources may remain. Compare reversible changes cautiously and seek a suitable assessment before major work.
Are cost defaults current local prices?
No. They are illustrative arithmetic inputs. Enter your own area, matching unit prices, total labor allowances and contingency. The tools do not fetch prices, convert currencies, verify quotes or include taxes and project extras unless you account for them.
Do I need permission before making changes?
Possibly. Renting, shared buildings, fire doors, structure and building services can involve approvals. The tools cannot verify those requirements. Do not block ventilation or escape routes, disable alarms or alter electrical or structural elements based on a worksheet.
Are my home details stored?
The tools do not request an address, microphone access, recordings, uploads or identity. Values and checklist ticks are processed in current-page memory without a calculation API or deliberate cookie/browser-storage persistence. Avoid identifying details in optional notes. Browser restoration, chosen downloads, hosting requests and email are separate considerations.
How do I save, print or share a result?
Build a result, then use Download text or Print / Save PDF. Text downloads include current checklist ticks where relevant. PDF saving depends on your browser. Review notes for private information before sharing; the website cannot recall a shared file or delete a local copy.
Why are blank optional fields omitted?
The tools intentionally avoid displaying empty notes or assumed entries. Optional extra-cost amounts act as zero internally, while blank comparison prices are not treated as zero. In the room planner both optional dimensions are needed to calculate area. Text you enter is shown literally, not interpreted as HTML.
Does the material comparison rank products?
No. It compares generic roles and limitations rather than brands or universal scores. It does not assign STC, Rw, NRC or IIC ratings to a generic material, convert between those ratings or recommend the cheapest entered project total.
Does the bedroom planner measure sleep or prescribe a duration?
No. Time in bed is the interval between your chosen clock times, not measured sleep. The planner does not diagnose sleep problems, prescribe treatment or claim that environmental changes improve health. Persistent sleep difficulties or health concerns belong with an appropriate healthcare professional.
How do I report a problem or accessibility barrier?
Use Contact for non-urgent website feedback. Include the tool, device, browser, steps and an invented example, plus the result or format you expected. Do not send an address, recordings, medical information or identifying household details. No response time or professional consultation is promised.