If you are looking for a new home and you found one that is perfect  but the only downside is there excessive noise, you still have options. It might be barking dogs, airplanes, loud neighbors or a busy road, either way this unwanted noise contributes to noise pollution.  Don't pass up that dream home however, there are a few things you can do to create a peaceful and quite environment.

Windows are the biggest culprit, they are the most common way that noise travels in and out of a room. Most homes are equipped with single pane windows which are installed on a wood frame and they typically don’t offer a lot of noise reduction. But here are a few things that you might do to help solve of the sound problems:

• Replace the windows: Double-paned windows or windows that come with an acrylic frame are designed for noise reduction. In fact, double-paned windows have an STC rating of between 28 and 35 (unlike most single-paned windows, which have STC ratings of 20) that can reduce noise by up to 20%. Acrylic frames for your windows can reduce noise levels by up to 50%.
• Add Soundproofing Windows. Sound proofing windows are additional windows that can greatly reduce sound issues.
• New Drapes: If you can’t replace windows or if you need additional sound relief, you can purchase sound deadening drapes.  These are similar to the ones used in hotels. These drapes come in a variety of styles and help to block sound waves from entering or exiting through the window. Although they may also darken the room, many styles are available in many fabrics and colors.
• Create Window Plugs: You can create window plugs out of 1" or 2" soundproofing mats that are placed over the windows around the frame.  However this is a lot like boarding up a wind and there will be no light from the window. 

The walls in a room are also a major source of concern when it comes to noise. Noise can easily travel through thin drywall so what can you do with “thin walls”?   Soundproofing your walls can be done in a few different ways. Some of the things to consider are:

• Adding Drywall: Adding more layers of drywall to a wall can improve sound resistance. The thicker the drywall, the better. Simply apply silicone caulking to the stud side of the wall. Attach the drywall with screws or nails. Then apply a second layer of caulking and another sheet of drywall. Just adding drywall won’t be enough, the silicone is the key.
• Adding Insulation: You can also add insulation to your walls to help improve sound absorption. If you are moving into a newly built home, apply fiberglass insulation to the wall before both sides of drywall have been put up. The thicker the insulation, the better sound absorption you will have. If your walls have already been built, you can cut holes in the drywall between the wall studs. You can then blow in foam or paper insulation, which will deaden sound.
• Adding Wall Coverings: If you don’t want to go inside your walls, you can apply wall covering material with soundproofing capabilities on the outside of your walls. These can be painted to suit any décor. Simply tack the material to the top of the wall and along the baseboards.

If possible try to use absorbent materials, such as carpeting, furniture, or draperies in each room.  These materials help dampen sound waves, and absorb sound.
Entrance ways can also be a source of noise problems. Try to install solid-core doors throughout your house, or keep doors to your rooms closed. This will reduce the amount of sound that travels from room to room. While all the options may help, however, remember that most of the sound is probably coming from the windows and it may be possible to reduce the noise by 90% by just replacing your windows with soundproof windows.