Got space? An unused attic, or neglected basement perhaps? Why not build a home theater?
Creating a home theater is one of today’s most popular home improvement projects, but unlike many other home improvement projects that are more about aesthetics, building a home theater is a project everyone will use for years to come.
As with all home improvement projects, your home theater will only be as good as the planning and time you put into building it. It doesn’t need to have all the latest electronic toys, but it does need some basic equipment, as well as careful attention given to layout and design, to become a comfortable home entertainment center the whole family will enjoy.
Finding the right space for the home theater is the first step. A basement is ideal as this is one room where a lot of natural light is not ideal. An unused attic is also a great choice. Stand in the space and try to get a sense of how much sound from other areas of the house or outside may penetrate. Think about how close the home theater space will be to other living areas and how that will be for the rest of the household.
Once you have the space figured out then start thinking about layout and design. If you are planning to put a huge TV screen in there you will need enough space for both the system set-up, as well as enough room for viewers to not feel cramped. A basic home theater system usually involves a large TV, receiver, DVD system and multiple speakers. Other nice extras include a bar area and fridge for easy access to snacks and drinks.
Although you don’t need to have all your equipment needs figured out before you begin your project, you will need to have some sense of what size television you will be buying as it will help you determine the size of the space. As a general rule the best distance for viewing is about two and a half to three times the screen diagonal measurement.
For layout the room should ideally have as few doors and windows as possible and be a large square or rectangular space. Built-in wall shelves work great both for storing books and movies, as well as acting as another sound barrier. Good lighting and dimmer switches are a must to ensure you can find what you are looking for when you need it, and then soften the lighting when the show is on. And be sure to cover any windows with thick drapes to block light and help with acoustics.
Wood and carpeting are the most popular choices for home theaters. Carpet is great for muffling sound that may otherwise reverberate, as well as giving the room a more cozy appearance. If you choose hardwood, make sure to have a large rug to help absorb the sound.
Once you have your system needs and layout figured out you are ready to begin building. Call a remodeling contractor with experience in this area for a consultation. He or she will likely have some suggestions and ideas you hadn’t thought of.
Time spent in planning and preparation always means a smoother building period, meaning you may be able to have your dream of a home theater much quicker than you thought possible.
Now all you need is the popcorn….
Over
98% of consumers recommend our service to friends and family.
