Sound Reasoning

In a wood frame condo building there is one major situation that  doesn't usually occur in concrete structures. Noise. In the days of carpeting laid everywhere in units, noise disturbance was little to complain about. Any group living facility deals with noise of some sort. Party noise, after hours noise and outside noise among others, can be dealt with in forming bylaw rules. These days in wood-framed buildings, the hard floor fashion creates a whole new problem. Where I live in a five story complex, noise was early on, one of the most talked-about matters. The phrase "like a herd of elephants" was rather commonly heard, however, softly. To the credit of the fine folk I live with here, the noise factor is very much alleviated when those downstairs work with their neighbors upstairs to eliminate most of the sounds of footsteps. Woofers and tweeters on stereo systems are another thing but that, too, can be negotiated between neighbors. In most cases, the common-sense rule is: if you can hear it, it's too loud. But footsteps being what they are, make for quite another situation. One of my neighbors solved it by putting a new pair of slippers outside the upper resident's door with a note inviting a meeting of the two over tea to discuss solutions. The situation was fixed peaceably. Most people living over others have the courtesy to use soft heeled shoes or slippers as a considerate gesture. Going barefoot does not work. Barefoot heels have a tendency to act as "thumpers" with every step. Besides, those using bare feet, are not doing their heels justice either. No one wants a plantar fascia to deal with on walking hard surfaces barefoot.  The one matter that must be faced, is that those living in community buildings, own their living space whether they rent it or not. It's their living space and they must have the freedom to enjoy it. But there is also cooperation necessary in community living places such as apartment condominiums. When you are in a multi-resident wood-frame structure, there is little entire privacy. It's best to think about that before moving into one. The people who find group living most difficult, often are those who owned their own homes originally. All noises were ones they made under their own roof. In a building like the one I am in, I know when my upper neighbor rises and goes to work or bed or out on the deck. I know their bathroom habits in the fan and flush systems, their cooking times due to the stove fans. I know many of their goings in and out from the door closing sounds. They are not loud people; they are simply living their natural lives and I appreciate their kind consideration in that they, evidently, use soft shoes because I really cannot hear the thoughtful folk walking about. I do not hear their music or the barking of their dog or loud voices. I am one of the lucky condo dwellers.