Commonly Asked Questions

How long does the program take?
Approximately 18 to 24 months from initial selection through construction completion.

Who pays for the program?
The Federal Aviation Administration and the Monterey Peninsula Airport cover the costs associated with the soundproofing work, including materials and labor. Any costs related to changes in window dressings or mountings due to adjustments in window sizes will be your responsibility since the FAA does not cover these costs.

Will the program cost me anything?
All acoustical improvements are covered by the program. However, if you have pre-existing conditions which interfere with the program scope, these conditions must be rectified prior to construction and are your responsibility to repair (Ex: code landings, removal of through window AC’s, termite damage at window openings, etc.).

Can I choose my own Contractor?
No. Contractors are pre-qualified by the Airport and the contract is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

Do I have to be present during field and construction visits?
Yes. The Program Team and Contractors may need to ask you questions and may need your help. If you cannot be present, you must arrange to have someone representing you. No work will be done unless you or a representative are present.

Can work be done during evenings and weekends?
No. All visits and construction will be done on weekdays, during normal business hours.

May I choose some of the improvements to my residence and not others?
No. In order to attain optimal noise reduction, all improvements proposed by the Program Team must be completed.

Can I choose different window and door styles?
The program will be offering you certain products which have been approved. Within each approved product, there are some selection options.

Can I choose the window color that I want?
The program offers white, bronze or almond. I recently replaced my windows.

Will the program reimburse me?
No. Improvements by the property owner prior to participating in the Soundproofing Program are not reimbursable.

Who will move my furniture and remove my window coverings?
You are responsible for moving furniture away from the windows and doors. The Contractor is required to remove and reinstall standard blinds and shades as required to install the replacement windows. This may involve trimming shades or replacing shade or blind hardware. Typically, blinds cannot be trimmed. Owners are advised of potential problems or limitations with reinstallation of existing blinds/shades by the Architect at the construction pre-walk. Should you purchase new blinds or shades prior to the final inspection, the Contractor is required to install these in lieu of the original blinds/shades. Other window treatments, such as draperies, curtains, or custom coverings are to be removed by the owner prior to construction.

Who will remove my security grilles?
The Contractor will remove and reinstall the security grilles. Only grilles that comply with all current codes for emergency exiting will be reinstalled.

Who will disconnect and reconnect my alarm system? You will be responsible for disconnecting your security alarm system prior to construction and reinstalling it after construction is complete.

Where do my pets go during construction?
It is your responsibility to remove pets from your property during construction. If this is not possible, the pets will have to be confined to an area that is not under construction.

Do the new products that are installed have warranties? Yes. The various products have different warranties. The Contractor also provides a one-year workmanship warranty. You will receive all warranty documents when construction is complete. I currently have a mail slot in my front door.

Will the Contractor make a mail slot in my new door?
No. A mail slot cannot be made in the new door since the slot is a noise path. The program will relocate a surface mounted exterior mailbox.

Can I have a peephole in my front door?
Yes.

Once I make my Product selections, can I change my mind?
Changes in color for window and door products can be made up to the construction pre-walk. Window material and door style selections can be changed up until the project has gone to bid.

Will the construction in my residence be disruptive?
Construction in any residence is disruptive, and can, at times, be messy. As part of the program, we try to take whatever measures are necessary to minimize the disruption and mess. The Contractors who will work in your residence are required to keep all areas free and clear of debris, to use drop cloths, and to clean the work area at the end of each day. Products and trash will not be stored on-site.

What is the Sound Insulation Agreement?
The Sound Insulation Agreement is a contract between you and the Airport. It identifies each parties responsibilities and describes acoustical treatments that are to be performed on your property.

What is the Avigation Easement?
The Avigation Easement is a document you sign in exchange for acoustical treatments. The easement acknowledges that the airport generates noise above and around your home. If you have questions or concerns about the easement, you should contact your legal counsel.

If I have specific questions during construction, do I talk to the Contractor directly?
No. There will be a Program Representative on-site, who is trained in acoustical construction and quality control. The Program Representative will perform a daily inspection on each property while it is under construction. The Representative will be at your residence to document progress and ensure conformity with the construction documents. If you have any concerns about construction, please speak with the on-site Program Representative or contact the Program Office.

If I have other work I would like the contractor to perform can I pay them myself to complete the other work?
Work outside the scope of the Program is highly discouraged due to the pace of the Contractors schedule and the commitment the Contractor has to close each property in a timely fashion.