Hi all-- I'm not sure this is a design dilemma, per se, but it's a dilemma nevertheless. I just purchased a top floor condo in a converted 1898 row house. Thinking I'd be free of neighbor noise, I've since learned that I won't be. Argh. Lucky (?) for me, I hate the current flooring (looks plastic; feels flimsy) and have the chance to rip it up and put in new floors and soundproof (I hope)

I realize that I have both "impact" and "airborne" noise issues. Unfortunately, I won't be able to rip out my downstairs neighbors drywalled ceiling to sound insulate it so I'm stuck working from above (my floors) down. Would be a horrible and expensive way of introducing myself.

There is much on the web about the best materials, etc-- e.g., mass loaded vinyl, Quiet Rock. I'm not having as much luck finding contractors with experience doing it, or people with experience having had it done.

Please empower me with your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

Thanks mucho!