In order to keep costs low, I've been doing all the research, picking my equipment, buying online/used, etc. and I've got pretty much everything I need -- JVC RS1 projector, Denon 4308 receiver, Stewart retractable screen, etc. A friend of mine is going to help me wire everything up.

The one thing that I really need outside help on is the media closet. I am moving all of my components to a closet in the back of the room so I can control everything via universal remote. I have a closet already, but I am going to remove all of the old shelves in there and I need someone to build in new slide-out shelves so I can put my components there. They'll have to cut out a bit of drywall, but otherwise it's essentially about building this set of shelves, installing, and finishing it, so it looks built-in. The dimensions are approx. 6'8" H x 5' W x 2' D. I asked not to have a back (I'll paint the back wall black so the wires won't be as visible) and to have the shelves stop about 1" before the wall so that I have space to run the wires/cables. Again, the shelves will also slide out for easier access to the cables. There will also be a center divider (about 3/4" thick) so there will be 4 shelves on each 2.5' side, plus 2 cabinet doors on the bottom for storage.

I got a bid for $3000 (incl. tax) to build and install this. The contractor said he was planning on using poplar plywood.

I have no idea about this stuff. Is this price reasonable? What questions should I ask?

2x what it should cost. I imagine the contractor is paying someone $1500, so he just doubled it for his cut.

Look into a MidAtlantic rack system.

You are not getting many responses but just another reference point. The Raw materials for a rack that you are describing would not be more than $200.

You might be better off buying a steel equipment rack that pulls forward as a unit for access instead of individual shelves.

This one is less than $700 plus the cost of shelves and face plates.(middle atlantic)

http://www.fullcompass.com/common/products/original/51547.jpg

Thanks for all of this feedback. I originally was planning on getting a rack and being done with it, but my wife insisted on having built-in shelves that look like furniture.

Good to know the price I was quoted was double what it should cost. I got a bid just for the cabinetry which was about $1500 or so, but that didn't include the installation. I've been trying to contact the carpenter's installer, but he never returns my calls. I guess the job is just too small... :mad:

Tell the wife to STFU and get back to makin' you a sammich in the kitchen!

Go with the rack!!!


Anyone feel free to PM me for marriage advice :)

Now, now... She's actually been very cool about letting me do all of this. This was pretty much her only request, so I'd like to accommodate her.

MA rack with a custom wood face?

Dla: some pics in this thread that might be useful to get your wife on board.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=788074&highlight=show

Yup -- I've seen that thread. I even showed them to my wife, and she didn't like any of them. We're getting built-in shelves. The question now is how to do it at a reasonable price and not get taken advantage of...

Not sure if it would be cheaper if the shelves are on pull out sliders vs the entire rack?

I'm sure a rack would be cheaper if that's what you're asking. I just went to a local furniture builder today to see about getting a quote. I'd have to install it myself (or hire a handyman) but depending on the quote I get, it may be cheaper than the contractor.

I can't believe someone in this slow of a construction market would attempt to get you for that much. There are plenty of out of work finish carpenters that can build something for you or alter one of those steel racks to have a wood face.

Go through a nice subdivision under construction and look for a finish carpenter, ask him how he's doing and see if he wants to build something for you. Guys who build things out of wood for a living typically like it and will like the unusual request.

Thanks. Incidentally, I got a bid from a furniture store to make a custom made set of shelves for me. It was roughly $1200. The only thing is that I'll have to hire someone to do the drywall and other installation work, but I should save at least $1000 this way.

Rack It!

yeh, my gf's parents place have about 3 racks, with roughly 150k of electronics in it. LOOKS DOPE!!!!!!