How Much Does a Noise Assessment Cost in the UK?

2026 price guide for the most common noise scopes: BS 4142 industrial, BS 5228 construction monitoring, ProPG residential planning, workplace noise dosimetry and HAVS — with worked examples.

A straight answer, not a sales call

Most acoustic consultancies won't put a price on a noise assessment before you've had a discovery call. We think that's rubbish — you need a rough budget to know whether to enquire at all. Here are typical 2026 figures for the most common noise scopes we run.

Each quote depends on the source, the receptor, the number of measurement positions, the survey duration, and whether you need design-stage prediction or post-installation verification. The figures below assume a single site, a standard survey duration and a full written report.

Travel within mainland UK is included in the quoted fee — no per-mile surprises. Instrumentation calibration certificates, met data and full traceability are included in every report.

Worked Examples

Indicative 2026 Survey Costs

All figures are typical fixed-fee quotes including travel, survey, analysis and report — before VAT.

BS 4142 single-source industrial / commercial

Around £1,500–£2,500 + VAT. Single fixed-plant source (HVAC, refrigeration, generator, commercial extract), one residential receptor, 24h baseline survey, full BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 assessment with character corrections and context.

BS 4142 multi-source industrial estate

Around £2,500–£4,500 + VAT. Multiple plant items or process operations, multiple receptors, source-by-source breakdown with combined rating, mitigation design.

ProPG Stage 1 residential noise risk

Around £1,800–£2,800 + VAT. ProPG Stage 1 risk-banding with 24h baseline survey, internal level prediction at typical facade, and report supporting the planning case.

ProPG Stage 2 full residential

Around £3,000–£5,500 + VAT. Full Stage 2 assessment, facade-by-facade prediction, glazing schedule, acoustic ventilation specification, garden amenity, AVO recommendations.

BS 5228 12-month construction noise scheme

Around £6,000–£9,000 + VAT / year. Single boundary location, Class 1 noise logger, met sensor, GSM telemetry, monthly compliance reports, TAP, exceedance investigation.

Combined BS 5228 + PM10 dust scheme

Around £8,000–£12,000 + VAT / year. Single boundary post supporting both noise and PM10 / PM2.5 dust monitor, shared met sensor and telemetry, single monthly report. ~25% cheaper than running two separate schemes.

Demolition-phase intensive (6–12 weeks)

Around £3,500–£5,500 + VAT. Two boundary locations, intensive monitoring through the highest-risk demolition phase, weekly reporting and same-day exceedance investigation.

Workplace noise dosimetry (4–8 workers)

Around £900–£1,300 + VAT. Personal dosimetry across a full shift plus static area measurements, written report with EAV / ELV assessment.

Combined noise + COSHH dust workplace survey

Around £1,400–£2,000 + VAT. Same visit covering Reg 5 (noise) and COSHH Reg 10 (dust) duties — typically 30–40% cheaper than two separate visits.

HAVS assessment (risk-assessment method)

Around £600–£1,000 + VAT. Tool inventory, exposure time per task, points exposure calculation, EAV / ELV evaluation.

HAVS with tool vibration measurement

Around £900–£1,500 + VAT. Direct vibration measurement per BS EN ISO 5349 where manufacturer data is missing or suspect.

Cost Drivers

What changes the price

The main things that move a noise assessment up or down the price scale.

Survey duration BS 4142 typically needs 24–48h minimum to capture representative background. Some sources (extract systems with variable operation) need longer to characterise.

Number of receptors / facades Each additional receptor or facade prediction adds measurement and analysis time. ProPG Stage 2 typically prices per facade.

Character corrections Tonality assessment (Joint Nordic Method 1/3-octave analysis) and impulsivity analysis add post-processing time.

Vibration alongside noise BS 5228-2 vibration monitoring usually adds about 30–50% to the cost of a BS 5228-1 noise-only scheme.

Combined with other ADO services Combining noise with air quality / dust / odour assessment from one consultancy saves 15–30% versus running multiple consultants.

Out-of-hours / nighttime Nighttime surveys (particularly for BS 4142 background) attract a modest unsociable-hours uplift but are essential for residential receptor work.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical noise assessment cost?

A typical single-source BS 4142 industrial assessment or ProPG Stage 1 residential assessment runs £1,500 to £2,800 plus VAT. BS 5228 construction noise monitoring is £6,000 to £9,000 per year for a single boundary location. Workplace noise dosimetry from £900. See worked examples above.

Is the instrumentation calibration included?

Yes. All Class 1 sound level meter calibration (UKAS-traceable annual lab calibration + field acoustic calibrator verification) is included in the quoted fee.

Do you charge for travel?

No. Travel within mainland Britain is included. Northern Ireland and the Highlands attract a small additional travel allowance — quoted up front.

Can I save money by combining noise with air quality / dust?

Yes. Combining the acoustic work with our air quality, dust and odour service from one consultancy saves typically 15–30% versus running multiple consultants — one project manager, one fixed fee, one coherent submission.

Are there framework rates for repeat clients?

Yes. For repeat clients (developers, contractors, multi-site companies) we offer framework pricing — typically 15–25% off the headline rates.