View Full Version : When is the right time to contact a professional?


rabident
05-27-08, 07:16 PM
I’m going to have a new home built and a nice HT is a huge priority for me (pool is the wife’s priority). My land purchase just fell through, so we’re still at the very early stages. I was thinking maybe I should just build the house with a HT in mind and then pull a pro in later to make the room into a HT. - i.e. have the house built with an unfinished basement, great room, or a big rectangular bonus room over a 3 car garage.

The obvious answer is to pull in a pro from the very beginning. Have him work with the builder and design the theater from the ground up (whether it’s in the living room, or dedicated). The problem is the builders that are willing to work with a pro and build to his specifications are a lot more expensive than what I need for everything other than the HT.

So…

Plan A – I hit lotto next week, give Dennis a call, and he does a $1 million custom theater my $5 million all custom home. Big party. You’re all invited.

Plan B – Need some advice here. I’ve tried and failed at DIY when it comes to audio quality, so I definitely want to go with a pro this time around, but what’s the best path to maximize (what little :o) money I have?

Ted White
05-27-08, 07:54 PM
I'd still call Dennis and work something out. You are so right that getting this done early will save huge pain and $ later.

Cameron
05-27-08, 11:40 PM
Go sooner than later. Dennis can probably work something out with you. I don't know his current rates, but he was well worth it for my 1st go around.

Oh and thanks for the invite.

Don_Kellogg
05-28-08, 09:27 AM
Contact Dennis straight away you will save a lot in the long run. Mistakes add up fast.

Raymond Leggs
05-28-08, 04:52 PM
You know it's time to contact a professional, whenever you no longer know what you are doing. :D

Dennis Erskine
05-28-08, 05:50 PM
....ah, yes; but, that is assuming you know when you cross that line. :)

Cameron
05-28-08, 09:40 PM
Usually by the time you know it, you have to pay a professional to undo the stupid crap that you did. I have a story about drywall mudding that could bring tears to your eyes.

Ted White
05-28-08, 11:11 PM
Dennis had me rip out a 2x6 wall I had just completed. This was almost 10 years ago. Seems like just... 10 years ago...

Terry Montlick
05-29-08, 09:02 AM
I don't know how many times I've had to tell a client, "You should have called the Acoustic Doctor sooner."
:(

Regards,
Terry

LTD02
05-30-08, 06:05 PM
I don't know how many times I've had to tell a client, "You should have called the Acoustic Doctor sooner."
:(
Regards,
Terry

f_ing brilliant comment. see bayes theorem on conditional probability for the error in your logic.