All of the RATP contracts require the contractors to be insured, licensed, and bonded.

In the Construction Agreement, it states that you are responsible for moving furnishings and removing window coverings. If you need help moving furniture, please make arrangements with a friend, relative, or neighbor prior to construction. If the contractor arrives on the scheduled day, and you have failed to clear the work area sufficiently, your work could be delayed. We will hold a "How to Prepare Your Home for Construction Meeting" approximately 6 weeks prior to the start of construction.

The contractors will cover your floors with drops cloths; however these coverings will be removed at the end of each day. If you are worried about protection of furniture or electronic equipment, please cover these items during the time of construction. You should remove and protect any china, glassware, or valuables to avoid the risk of damage. We strongly recommend that you protect stereo equipment, televisions, computers, and any other electronics that may be sensitive to dust.

Construction in any home is extremely disruptive, and can, at times, get very messy. As part of the Acoustical Treatment Program, we try to take whatever measures necessary to minimize the disruption and mess. The contractors who will work in your home are required to keep all areas free and clear of debris, to use dropcloths, and to clean the work area at the end of each day. During what will seem to be a period of disorder, we will need your patience and cooperation for the project to be successful. Past experience has shown that the lasting result of a quieter home more than compensates for this short-term disruption.

Because so many factors play a key role in the succession of steps between design and construction (assembling an approved bid package, coordinating the bidding process, and manufacturing the materials), it is very difficult to estimate when construction will take place. We will begin to estimate a time frame for construction after you have signed the Construction Agreement.

The time period in which the contractors are allowed to be working on your home varies depending on several factors. You should plan on being under construction for a few weeks. Refer to Step 8: Construction.

All acoustical treatments are provided to you by Westfield-Barnes Airport; however there may be incidental costs to the homeowner including, but not limited to the following list:

• The homeowner is responsible for any costs associated with preparing your home for construction, including moving or storage of furniture and personal items.
• The homeowner is responsible for wallpapering and/or any finish interior painting on any modified wall, or ceiling, since this is not included in the Acoustical Treatment Program. Window and door trim will be reused whenever possible. If new wood trim is installed, it will be 1st coat paint or stain.
• The homeowner is responsible for any increased utility costs associated with any new mechanical work, which is installed as part of the Acoustical Treatment Program, such as an air cooling system.
• The homeowner is responsible to pay for any insect extermination necessary, such as termite or carpenter ant infestation, should it be determined that its presence affects the ability to complete the sound modifications.
• The homeowner is responsible for replacement or modification of decorative interior and exterior window treatments, shutters, awnings, etc. that do not fit newly installed windows. Also, keep in mind that although we install replacement windows, your blinds or shades may not fit in the new windows. Correcting this will be your responsibility, as it is not covered as a noise reduction item in the Program.
• Replacement of doors and windows will require the disabling and reinstallation of existing alarm systems. Homeowners are required to contact their alarm company to have the system removed prior to the start of construction and reinstalled once work has been completed.
• Homeowners may lose storage space in attics, closets and/or basements due to the installation of mechanical equipment and associated ductwork.
• It is the homeowner's responsibility to pay for any associated maintenance costs of newly installed or existing mechanical and electrical units.
• If there is a pre-existing condition or building code violation that must be repaired prior to construction, you will be notified in writing. The cost(s) of the required repairs are the responsibility of the Homeowner.
• Homeowners are responsible for any change in the home's assessed value for tax purposes or otherwise that result from the receipt of Acoustical Treatment modifications under the Westfield-Barnes Airport Acoustical Treatment Program.
• Homeowners are required to provide water and electricity to the Contractor for the sole purpose of performing the agreed upon acoustical treatment modifications covered under the Construction Agreement. Accordingly, the homeowners are responsible for any increase in utility bills for this period.

There is a non-monetary cost to you and the people living in the home. As mentioned in “What to Expect during Construction”, there will be disruption of your regular activities. Please treat this disruption as one of the costs to you in exchange for the benefits of the Acoustical Treatment Program.

We have numerous product samples at the Program office for homeowners to view. An appointment is not necessary, so please feel free to stop by the Program Office at your convenience.

DOORS

Click the image to see the various sample door selections

Acoustical Replacement Doors

Homeowners have the choice between a wood or metal prime door in a variety of styles. Replacement wood doors are painted or stained to the homeowner's preference and the metal doors are available in 12 colors. To see typical replacement door styles offered, click here.

External Storm Doors and Secondary Doors for Sliding Glass Doors

When deemed necessary, you may receive an external storm door with your new prime door. The options for improving the acoustical treatment properties of sliding glass doors are limited. Most of the time, a secondary door must be installed. Installing a secondary sliding glass door requires building a new frame positioned to mount the door approximately 2 to 3 inches away from the existing door. This dual-door assembly has proven successful in that it raises the STC rating by 5 to 7 dB.

WINDOWS

Click the image to see the various sample window selections

As part of the Acoustical Treatment package, the Program offers Combination Vinyl acoustical and non-acoustical windows. Acoustical Combination Vinyl windows are triple-pane windows configured in a dual-pane vinyl window and a single-pane aluminum storm window. Windows are available in white, beige or brown and with grille designs. Homeowners may choose from double-hung, slider, fixed or a variation of these styles. While the program has very specific requirements for the acoustical windows used in the program, appearance may vary depending upon the manufacturer.