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Welcome to the quieter home program.
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5 seconds
You’ve been assigned a group and a program coordinator and you’re now on the path to a quieter home. In this video, we’ll cover eligibility,
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14 seconds
policies, treatments, and the eight-step process so you know what to expect.
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19 seconds
Since 2001, the Quieter Home program has sound insulated more than 6,000 homes.
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26 seconds
According to FAA standards, homes in the 65 del contour area are considered affected by aircraft noise. This map
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shows the contour with completed homes highlighted in purple. The program is funded by the San Diego County Regional
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43 seconds
Airport Authority through FAA grants supported by ticket taxes from travelers. Because this funding comes
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from the FAA, we must follow specific policies when treating your home.
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Each homeowner is placed into a group with a shared timeline. The process typically takes one and a half to two years depending on FAA grant funding.
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1 minute, 7 seconds
Please keep in mind schedules are tentative. Let’s review the eight-step process.
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1 minute, 14 seconds
A key difference with this program is that the airport authority manages both the contractor and the work itself. We
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1 minute, 22 seconds
serve as your advocates, ensuring everything meets industry standards and follows your plan. All deed owners must
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sign two documents, the homeowner participation agreement and the navigation easement, free notary
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1 minute, 38 seconds
services are available. You are completing step one, the homeowner meeting. Step two is your assessment.
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1 minute, 47 seconds
Once you sign the required documents, we’ll schedule this visit.
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1 minute, 52 seconds
A design team of six to eight experts will measure, photograph, and document your home to design treatments that
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1 minute, 59 seconds
reduce aircraft noise. Photos and video are only for program use. Assessments last 1 to two hours and include a
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2 minutes, 8 seconds
representative from the airport authority. You are now moving into step three, acoustical testing.
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In this step, our engineers confirm whether the average interior noise levels in your home are 45 dB or higher
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with all doors and windows closed. This test is required by the FAA and is the only way to measure the effectiveness of
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2 minutes, 32 seconds
the treatments we provide. Here’s what to expect. Two to three acoustical engineers along with your program
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2 minutes, 39 seconds
coordinator will visit your home. One engineer will set up loudspeakers outside while another moves through your
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2 minutes, 46 seconds
rooms with a microphone. The session lasts about an hour. The speakers are loud, so we recommend relocating pets
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2 minutes, 54 seconds
and children. If your home averages 45 dB or greater, you’ll move on to step four. Homes below this level may still qualify for limited treatments.
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3 minutes, 7 seconds
Step four is the design review meeting.
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3 minutes, 10 seconds
This is where you will review your treatment plan and decide whether to proceed. You’ll receive a design packet about a week before your meeting held
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3 minutes, 19 seconds
either virtually or in our office with your coordinator and an architect. The architect will review your treatments
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3 minutes, 27 seconds
options like door styles and hardware and any code compliance pre-work. Treatments may include acoustic windows,
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3 minutes, 35 seconds
doors, and ventilation systems. Not all treatments apply to every home and upgrades are not available since the
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3 minutes, 43 seconds
program is grant-f funded. Because this program uses federal funds, all products must meet by American requirements. Only a few vendors make these products,
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3 minutes, 55 seconds
limiting options. If your home is historic, windows and doors must match original style and materials. For
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4 minutes, 4 seconds
non-historic homes, acoustic windows reduce noise by at least 5 dB. They have thicker frames, low E coating, and are
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4 minutes, 13 seconds
available in white or tan. Historic homes require windows and doors that match original style while meeting
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4 minutes, 21 seconds
standards. A wood sash with thicker glass may be installed while keeping the original frame. Additional window types
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4 minutes, 29 seconds
such as skylights, garden windows, and fixed glass may also be treated.
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4 minutes, 35 seconds
Acoustic doors come in wood, steel, or fiberglass.
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4 minutes, 40 seconds
Color choice may depend on HOA. Locks include knob or lever in four finishes.
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4 minutes, 48 seconds
Glass options include clear, obscured, or with grids.
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4 minutes, 53 seconds
Sliding doors may also be replaced with acoustic vinyl models. Ventilation options include standalone AC, energy
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recovery ventilation, or waving mechanical treatments.
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Each provides fresh air with equipment in attics or crawl spaces and controls inside.
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5 minutes, 14 seconds
Before construction, inspectors may require pre-work items. These can be small like outlet covers or larger like
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5 minutes, 22 seconds
an electrical panel upgrade. This is your last chance to approve or withdraw without obligation.
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5 minutes, 30 seconds
After approval, plans go to the city,
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then to public bid. Step five is the contractor measurement walk. The contractor takes precise measurements,
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reviews the scope with the design team,
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5 minutes, 43 seconds
and tests for lead or asbestous in work areas. The program covers abatement and
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5 minutes, 49 seconds
painting if needed. All pre-work must be done before this appointment.
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5 minutes, 55 seconds
Products are customuilt and take four to 6 months to manufacture.
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6 minutes
Once the contractor provides the schedule, your coordinator will share your construction dates.
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6 minutes, 7 seconds
Step six is the preconstruction walkthrough.
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6 minutes, 11 seconds
The team will show you what needs to be done, such as moving furniture, covering items, removing blinds, and securing
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6 minutes, 18 seconds
pets. During construction, there will be dust, so cover your furniture with plastic. Security systems must be removed and reinstalled by you.
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6 minutes, 30 seconds
Curtains, shutters, and blinds must be removed if they are inside the window frame.
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If your home is a rental, please include your tenant in this meeting as they will be expected to prepare the home. A checklist will be provided.
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Step seven is construction.
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On day one, the inspector checks that your home is prepared.
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If your home is not prepared, the contractor will not be responsible for damages.
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Construction takes 10 to 30 business days, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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A lock box may be used if you cannot be home.
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Inspectors will ensure work meets standards and your design. Any window removed will be secured that same day.
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Your house will always be left weathertight and secure.
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Step eight is the post construction walk through. The team will explain how to use and maintain your new products and
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give you a warranty packet. Maintaining treatments and handling warranty claims are your responsibility.
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7 minutes, 46 seconds
We will also ask you to complete a short survey which helps us improve the program. Some homes may require post
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7 minutes, 53 seconds
acoustical testing. Finally, months later, you will receive a letter from the county assessor.
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8 minutes
Although your home will not be reassessed for higher taxes, you must complete and return the form.
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Instructions are included with your warranty packet.
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8 minutes, 11 seconds
That was a lot of information, and we encourage you to revisit this video on our website anytime. If you have
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specific questions, your coordinator will answer them during your assessment appointment. On behalf of our team of
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nearly 30 people, thank you for learning about the quieter home program.
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We are proud to serve you and look forward to working with you and your family.
