Hey everyone,

I purchased my first home about 2 years ago and have finally completed enough renovation projects upstairs that I can direct my attention to finishing the basement and incorporating a dedicated home theater room. I have started yet another build progress thread to track this project of mine and I will try to remember to take pics along the way. I have been researching on this site for a little while now and have already begun the build. I will be doing all of the work myself with the help of a few family members with the exception of carpet and drywall mud. Let me start with some before pics:

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20061112_0002_1.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20061112_0003_1.jpg

Not a huge basement, but not a bad start for my first place. I have attached a PDF of the the overall layout of the basement. Don't poke too much fun at the rough CAD floorplans, I'm an Engineer not an Architect...

I started this build by relocating a few utilities. The first order of business was to relocate the 1" Gas main that ran along the entire length of the house. I moved it in between the steel beam and the HVAC supply duct. I also had to move the water meter and a few of the supply and return ducts. I have been working on the side for my father's HVAC business for about 10 years so I did not have a problem with any of this and luckily did not have to outsource the work.

Gas line gone:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080918_0025.jpg

Supply and returns redone using a product called Thermopan and lots of metal tape. The thermopan was used to relocate the return jumper which used to run along side of the supply. It now piggybacks the supply. Notice the supply lead was also tied into that mess:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0038.jpg

The water meter used to run parallel with the wall, it was relocated so that I could frame out the left side of the stage:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0034.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080918_0027.jpg

Sewer Main and Cleanout framed out on the right side of the stage:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0035.jpg

I then removed the lower portion of wall at the bottom of the steps; this really opened things up:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080918_0026.jpg

I then went to town with the rest of the framing, this will be the future bar area:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0030.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0031.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0029.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0037.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081006_0047.jpg


Screen wall:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0032.jpg

Future recessed media cabinet location
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0033.jpg

I built the soffit for the I beam out a little farther in order to house the projector in a recessed shelf. Got that idea from a thread on here, I can’t remember which one.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20080928_0036.jpg

I then started to build the stage
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081006_0044.jpg

...

Installed a 100 amp sub-panel with 20 spots. This should be enough for just about anything. I am currently about 90% complete with the wiring. I have installed all the outlets, switches and lighting (including 4 spots for wall sconces in the theater, 17 recessed cans, and 3 pendant lights for above the bar.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081006_0046.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081118_0050.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081118_0053.jpg
Installed a few step lights also
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081128_0057.jpg


I also picked up my first piece of equipment, a Panamax M5100 at 50% off from Tweeter. I have also finished building my equipment rack with adjustable shelving
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081118_0052.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081128_0061.jpg

I built an 8” riser covered with ¾” OSB, I forgot to snap any pictures before we layed the plywood though.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081128_0059.jpg

Another great deal (I think) I came across was these 24”x77”x1” panels from Tweeter. They are closing and I got them right off the walls of their theater room for $50 a panel. I only picked up 8 of them; I should have probably bought 2 more.
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081128_0063.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081128_0068.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%20Finishing%20Pics/20081128_0060.jpg

Equipment:

Speakers - Klipsch
(2) RF-62 towers
(1) RC-62 Center
(4) 5650W in-wall surrounds
(1) RW-12d sub
Receiver:
Yamaha RX-V863

I have not decided on a projector yet but I know I want a 110” screen. Not to get this thread off topic, but it is a toss up between the Epson 6500, Panny 3000, or the HW10 Sony. I am leaning more towards the Epson to be honest. I will also be using FIOS HDTV, a Sony Blu ray player and newly purchased Xbox 360 elite.

That is all the progress I have made so far. I will keep the thread updated as I make more progress. A few more cat5e and RG6 runs and I will be ready to drywall. I also need to get a crack repaired in the foundation that is leaking a little bit of water. I actually have a waterproofing company coming by tomorrow morning to do an injection.

Please give me any suggestions and comments you guys have. This is my first build and I can only learn so much by reading through countless threads.

Thanks,

Jon

Don't be so hard on yourself about the plans...at least you've taken the time to think things through! I look forward to seeing your progress.

Looking good. Was the wall around the stairs (removed) load bearing?

Hi Jon,
Nice. Only thing I'd comment on is your seating distances and placement. You seem an awfully long way from a 110" screen (ideal viewing distance being between 2 and 4 times screen height). Having the rear seats against the back wall is (acoustically) not ideal either.
Look forward to your progress.

The wall removed was not load bearing. I pretty much knew before hand but I had a friend who is a structural engineer come by anyway and take a look.

I agree about the seating being a little too far. That is the only thing I didn't like about the plans. On paper the numbers say its too far but when I sit down there on the platform it looks like it will be ok.

Jon

Well, I've finished all the framing and stuffed all the walls and ceilings with insulation. The basement foundation people came out and injected a crack that I had and the Brinks guys installed their system last week. Now I can finally begin to drywall.

I just carried 44 8' sheets and 16 12' sheets into the basement this morning. Thank god my brother in law volunteered to help with that.

I have off all next week so I hope to get some work done. Taking Tuesday off to do some snowboarding though. I will post more pictures of my progress later this week.

Jon

Hey guys, its been a while and I am long overdue for an update. I haven't posted in a long time but I quickly view the boards just about every night to see whats going on. I have made slow but steady progress on my basement bar/theater.

I finished the drywall earlier this year. Here are a few pics :

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2002-01-2009/20090131_0086.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2002-01-2009/20090131_0091.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2002-01-2009/20090131_0088.jpg

Bar Area:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2002-01-2009/20090131_0095.jpg

I have made a little more progress since then. I am waiting on carpet and countertops for the bar to be installed hopefully within the next few weeks. After that comes the fun part and I can start ordering some equipment.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1398.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1399.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1400.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1401.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1402.jpg

I know the white ceiling and trim paint probably makes some of you twitch. I will wait and see how bad it is, but I just love the look of clean white trim on the blue walls.

Here are a few pics of the rest of the basement for those interested including a few shots of the bar area and future foosball table.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1388.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1390.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1392.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1394.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u103/LightninSVT/Basement%2007-27-2009/IMG_1396.jpg

Jon,

I really like the color scheme in both areas. The panels you got from Twitter go great with the blue. What have you chosen for the carpet?

Sure is going to be a fun place to hang out.

Dale

Wow, great looking space you have there. I love the blue color! What about painting the trim a nice flat black? That seems like it would darken the area but still really make that blue look crisp?

Congrats on the great space and I look forward to seeing the finished product.

LightninSVT,

What color/fabric are on your acoustic panels? I'm going to be going with a very similar blue for my walls and I like the look of the panel color in your room.

-Steve

Jon, your build really looks good. It sounds like you did the work yourself - you did a great job.

Yes, all the work was done myself with the exception of the drywall mud and the soon to be installed carpet and countertop. For the carpet I think I am going with a fawn beige color from Shaw, I may darken it up a little though. Do you think I should carpet the stage black?

The panels are gray and blue, I will try to remember to snap a picture close up. It's actually a cool pattern but from 5-10 ft away they just look blue. The color of the blue walls is called Motor City Blue. I originally painted it in Flat enamel but it showed EVERYTHING. I mean if i touched it, the paint would have marks on it and trying to wipe it off would just make it worse. I eventually repainted it in Satin and I'm pretty happy with it so far.

I am thinking of going with the Berkline 13175's for seating. I want to do a row of 4 in the back and 3 in the front. I can't decide between black or brown. Does anyone have any pictures of these? Roman has a great deal on these now, I was thinking of stopping by his warehouse in NJ to check them out.

Jon

This look great!!! Good Job!!!

I am thinking of going with the Berkline 13175's for seating. I want to do a row of 4 in the back and 3 in the front. I can't decide between black or brown. Does anyone have any pictures of these? Roman has a great deal on these now, I was thinking of stopping by his warehouse in NJ to check them out.

Jon


Here is a pic of my 13175's just after I installed them... see my thread for more...

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/s4.jpg


Great job so far!