Across Utah, single-family homes are becoming more expensive. One common solution to combat rising home costs is to build homes on smaller lots — in other words, packing people closer together.

After a long day's work and commute, many people want to come home to a quiet, serene environment. Even though walls and doors block out many noises of the outside world, it's hard to shut out sound when people live so close to each other.

Fortunately, whether you are trying to sleep, listen to some music or just enjoy the silence there are steps you can take to shut out the world. From rearranging furniture to adding noise-reducing windows, here are some things to consider.

Short-term fixes

In some cases, the solution to a noise problem might be as simple as wearing some earplugs or getting a white noise machine. If it's just a party going on upstairs or a couple of houses down from you, earplugs are probably the best, easiest and most cost-efficient solution. Waiting for the problem to work itself out might be possible, but if your neighbors like to have a good time more nights than not, you might want to consider other solutions.

Pay attention to windows

A major culprit for noise leaking into the home is your windows. By their very nature, they're supposed to be a thin barrier between your home and the outside world.

Homeowners in a position to replace their windows should look at products specifically designed to keep noise out and keep calm inside. For example, the Serenity Series by AMSCO Windows are made with three layers of different glass to help keep the noise out. Not only that, but they'll save you money on energy efficiency costs.

Plug leaks

Sound travels much like air or water through a home. Look for and plug any leaks to ensure your home is free of unwanted noise — and wasted energy. Especially if you live in an apartment or housing with shared walls, look for gaps where air and light may come through. If you see light, sound can also come in.

Try plugging these sound leaks with expanding sealer foam for walls, or double-sided insulation tape for windows. Insulation strips on interior doors can also greatly reduce sound in the home.

Redecorate

If new windows or alterations aren't in the budget for you (or go against your lease,) perhaps you can use this as a reason to spruce up a bit. Design experts at Elle Design suggest adding panels to your walls, rugs on the floor and heavy drapes on walls and around windows to discreetly soundproof your rooms. Move your bookcases to exterior walls to reduce sound and boost insulation.

3 essentials other than cost to consider when buying windows

Cost may be the first thing you think about when looking at options, but there are other things you should take into consideration when selecting what will likely be a long-term component of your home.

Add a layer to your walls

Whether it’s adding drywall or insulation, increasing the layers between your home’s interior and exterior can do a lot to reduce noise pollution. Of course, you’ll also get the added benefit of increasing your home’s energy efficiency while you’re at it. Add an extra layer of drywall to your home office or the nursery to ensure silence during work hours or naptime. Tax credits are also available for certain insulation improvements, so it’s a win-win.

If adding drywall isn't an option for your living space, try adding acoustic panels or foam panels for extra soundproofing. Depending on how thick the panel is will determine how much sound it actually blocks out.

Pay attention to doors

It seems counterintuitive, but your exterior doors also can be a large culprit for the loud noise sneaking in. Most homes are built with hollow core doors to lower cost, but your exterior doors should have solid cores to reduce noise. While there is a difference in price, you can have a quieter, more energy-efficient home with more solid doors. Also, consider upgrading to an insulated garage door for added noise cushioning.

If you're ready for a trustworthy and long-lasting solution to the noise filling your home, check out AMSCO Windows for an easy, elegant solution.

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