"I can’t take my soundproof room to my new home." "It’s getting old, so I want to replace it with a new one."
In such cases, isn’t the biggest concern “how to dispose of it”?
Regular furniture could be put out as oversized trash, but soundproof rooms are not the same. They require professional work called “disassembly,” and just one choice in how you throw it away can results in a difference of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen.
"Will it be free if I disassemble it myself?" Many people think so, but there are hidden risks to injury and the law.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the exit strategy that soundproof room owners should know, from market rates for disassembly/disposal costs and the dangers of DIY to options for “letting go and receiving money” instead of “paying to throw away.”
Conclusion: “Not Recommended” - Reasons Why DIY Disassembly Is a Bad Idea#
To tell you the conclusion first, we do not recommend DIY disassembly by an amateur, even for small units of about 0.8 to 1.2 mats. There are three main reasons.
1. Unimaginable Weight and Danger#
Components of a soundproof room are made very heavy to increase soundproofing performance. For example, a 1.5-mat type soundproof room can have a total weight of 300kg to 400kg.
- A single wall panel weighs 30kg to 50kg: It’s difficult for even an adult male to support it alone.
- Risk of falling ceiling panels: When removing the ceiling, accidents where people can’t support it and it falls, leading to serious injury or damage to the floor, are frequent.
- Mandatory number of people: Even for professionals, it’s a job for at least two people. If amateurs do it, at least three adults are required.
2. Components Cannot Be Disposed of as Household Waste#
It’s not necessarily true that “if you disassemble and break it into pieces, you can put it out as non-burnable waste.”
- Insulation Materials (Glass Wool, etc.): Depending on the municipality, collection may not be possible, and it may be treated as industrial waste.
- Gypsum Board: Many municipalities do not collect it, as it is a “difficult-to-process item.”
- Wood and Metal: It needs to be cut below the specified size, but cutting soundproof panels is difficult without specialized tools.
Considering the effort of sorting these and bringing them to a processing facility yourself, plus the cost of a rental car, the cost benefit is surprisingly small.
3. Risk of Damaging the House#
During disassembly, a panel that loses its balance crashes into the wall, punching a hole in the rental wall… Such cases are not rare. The cost of restoration when moving out will skyrocket, and as a result, it will cost more than asking a professional.
To avoid such risks, don’t you think it’s cheaper to hire a specialist?
Market Rates When Hiring a Professional Specialist#
So, how much does it cost to ask a pro for “disassembly, removal, and disposal” altogether?
Estimate for Disassembly + Removal + Disposal Costs#
(*Case with an elevator and a standard removal route)
| Soundproof Room Size | Estimated Cost | Breakdown Image |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8 to 1.2 Mats | 50,000 - 80,000 JPY | 2 workers x half day + disposal fee |
| 1.5 to 2.0 Mats | 80,000 - 120,000 JPY | 2-3 workers x half day + disposal fee |
| 2.5 Mats and over | 120,000 JPY - | 3+ workers x 1 day + disposal fee |
Cases Where Additional Charges Apply#
Costs may be added in the following situations:
- Disassembly only: Even if you do the disposal yourself, labor costs (approx. 60-70% of the above) will be incurred.
- Air conditioner removal: Separately approx. 5,000 to 10,000 JPY.
- Stair work: If there is no elevator and removal is via stairs, an addition of several thousand yen per floor.
- Crane work: If it cannot be taken out through the entrance and must be taken out through a window (+20,000 JPY-).
3 Alternatives to Consider Before Throwing Away#
Paying for disposal should be a last resort. Since soundproof rooms have high asset value, consider the following methods first.
1. Sell to a Buyback Specialist (Recommendation: ★★★★★)#
The most recommended method is to ask a specialist buyback company.
- Benefit: Instead of paying for disposal, you get cash. Professionals also do the disassembly and removal.
- Conditions: If it’s made by a famous manufacturer like Yamaha (Avitecs) or Kawai (Nasal), there’s a high possibility it will fetch a price even if it’s old (up to about 10 years old).
- Note: Self-made rooms or one-of-a-kind custom-made items are often not eligible for buyback.
Even if they buy it, miscellaneous expenses such as “disassembly and transportation” for reselling are included in the buyback price. You should estimate an additional 50,000 yen or so for these expenses.
2. Sell via Online Auctions or Flea Markets (Recommendation: ★★★☆☆)#
Method of personal sales via Mercari or Yahoo Auctions!.
- Benefit: Possibility of selling higher than professional buyback.
- Downside: Arrangement of “disassembly, transportation, and reassembly” is the biggest hurdle. It’s for advanced users as there are many troubles (scratches, inability to assemble, etc.).
- *For details, see the separate article: “How to Sell Your Soundproof Room for a High Price? Appraisal Points and Precautions for Personal Sales”
3. Negotiate with the Rental Landlord (Recommendation: ★★☆☆☆)#
This is a “secret” method, but in the case of rental properties, there’s a move to negotiate with the landlord to “leave the soundproof room and move out.”
- Benefit: Effort of disassembly and disposal is zero.
- Benefit for the Landlord: They can recruit the next resident as a “property with a soundproof room” (leading to rent increases or measures against vacancies).
Especially if the property is “instrument-allowed,” it might be welcomed. However, since the obligation of restoration is basic, it’s just at a level where it’s worth trying to consult as a “long shot.”
Having a soundproof room would be a large “added value.” However, it’s unclear whether there is demand and customer pull just because information specifies a unit soundproof room in a particular room. Therefore, it’s a “long shot” consultation.
Summary: To Avoid Injury and Trouble#
Disposing of a soundproof room is a larger task than imagined.
- First, get an appraisal for “buyback.” If it’s made by a famous manufacturer, you don’t need to pay disposal fees. Contact a specialist.
- Ask if “pickup” is possible even if it doesn’t fetch a price. There are cases of “I’ll pick it up if it’s free.” In this case, disposal costs are zero.
- If you must dispose, go to a professional specialist. The expense of tens of thousands of yen is painful, but it’s not expensive if you think of it as an “insurance premium” against the risks of hurting your back or damaging the room.
Don’t underestimate it as “just disassembling a box.” Safety first, and choose a smart disposal method.