Am I eligibile?
To check a preliminary list of eligible homes, click here.
Is there any cost to me?
The basic costs for labor and materials to install sound insulation treatments are paid for by the Buffalo Niagara International Airport,
the New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. Possible expenses that could be incurred by homeowners include:
- Window dressings
- Security devices
- Deficiencies (pre-work) that would prevent the installation of sound insulation treatments, including electrical violations and major structural issues.
Back to top
I recently installed new windows and doors. Will the program
reimburse me for these improvements?
Unfortunately, improvements completed prior to participating in the program are not eligible for reimbursement.
Back to top
How much of a decrease in noise can I expect?
Our goal is to reduce interior noise levels by at least five decibels and below (45dB) altogether. This is a significant reduction when you realize a human ear can perceive a change in noise level as low as three decibels. Generally, the noisier your home is before construction, the easier it is to make a noticeable improvement.
Back to top
Will I have a chance to see the products before I decide to
participate?
Yes. You will be able to visit our Demonstration Home to see the actual acoustic treatment products planned for use in the program.
Back to top
Why do I have to sign an Avigation Easement to participate in
the program?
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority requires all program participants to sign an easement to promote land use compatibility for the properties surrounding the airport and to protect their interests for offering the program. The easement limits a participant's ability to initiate a lawsuit against the Authority for issues stemming from regular aircraft operations. In this way, the easement serves as a return on the Authority’s investment of the program's costs into the community.
Back to top
Can I select the contractor that will do the work on my home?
Although it is understandable that program participants would like to use contractors with whom they have an existing relationship or level of trust, homeowners are not allowed to select the contractor that will perform work on their home. As a federally funded program, contractors will be selected based on a competitive bid per construction phase. The lowest responsible bidder will be awarded the construction contract for each phase. For contractors to be eligible to work in the program, they must meet very extensive insurance and bonding requirements, and may also be asked to provide evidence of their ability to perform the work as required by the specifications.
Back to top
Can I select the product manufacturers?
The products used in the program must meet required performance specifications. Many products used (in particular, the windows and doors) must be tested against sited standards and must also come with warranties that meet program requirements for overall coverage and duration. As a federally funded project, homeowners are not allowed to select product manufacturers. Instead, we are obligated to allow the contractor to select the manufacturers and their products to use, provided that the products selected meet the required performance specifications.
Back to top
Can I change the style of my windows?
It is the program's policy to attempt to match existing window styles and operations. Homeowners will have the opportunity to select from a variety of colors and grid patterns.
Back to top
Can I pay the contractor to do additional work for me while he completes the sound insulation work?
Homeowners are not allowed to retain the contractor performing sound insulation work to do additional work while they are participating in the program. In the past, we have found that this prevents the contractor from adhering to the construction schedule, and that it can result in potential modifications to sound insulation work that can render the work or products less effective against noise.
Back to top
