View Full Version : Colrfnv theater


juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 10:30 AM
I have decided it is high time for me to start posting pictures of my DHT construction, so here we go. I have been working towards this for a long time, but other hobbies (cars, cars, cars!!!) have held me back financially. I am a true DIY kinda guy who doesn't ask for help, nor want it. Well, except for my poor, never-paid father. This makes for some interesting approaches to problem solving, so I have donned my Industrial Flame Suit in case there are any out there who are more intelligent than I. I am guessing that includes the vast majority of you.

Some things to mention. My house was built in 1932, so I am working with a preexisting structure. Even small things like HVAC and sump-pumps were retrofit items for this home, though before I moved in. The basement was completely bare when I moved in, so I was left to create a floor plan and build all walls, electrical, and plumbing. I wish I could say that I completely mapped it all out ahead of time, but that simply isn't the case. A lot of changes were implemented along the way, mostly due to changing needs and dealing with unforeseen obstacles.

Budget. Who here really has one? Some costs get cut, others expanded or even exploded. It really comes down to what you are able to expend on the current problem. If I had to add it all up, I would probably cry, but my escapades involving my Acura NSX take that prize. "Hobby" is just a word to condense the phrase, "wasted financial resources towards questionable personal interests". To be fair, I have kept costs under control by sourcing out so-called deals and doing all the work myself. Comparing the earlier work to the later work, it is almost comical to see how my skill level has progressed. Comments like, "My hired team of installers wouldn't have done it that well" now pop up. Maybe my friends should find better installers?

Time lapse. Man it is huge. I really didn't take a lot of pictures in the beginning. I really didn't think about it. My parents still say that nobody can appreciate the change from cinder block wall to finished basement without seeing the original layout, but so be it. It has taken me a long time to get to where I am, and I'm not even finished yet. But since I have started fully focusing my efforts, I am making progress every day. The end is near, and that is a good thing.

I will attempt to post as many pictures as possible, but am having a hard time finding a good host for them. Any ideas are welcome.

Please be patient as I'm new here and still getting used to posting on these forums. Thanks, and enjoy!

kjlewie
04-15-09, 10:48 AM
Try photobucket.com

Good luck.

shawnwalters
04-15-09, 11:20 AM
Welcome, now let's see some pics :)

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 04:30 PM
Here you can see where I have the rough wall up. I've pretty much made up my mind where things are going and now I'm committed via drywall. Up to this point in my life, drywall was an unknown skill. Now I'm semi-pro. ;)

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00507.jpg?t=1239827401

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 05:04 PM
Here is the stairwell down to my basement. Notice this is much later with a lot of finishing. My stairs will be one of the last surfaces that I finish due to wear and tear from construction.

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00073.jpg?t=1239829425

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 05:10 PM
This is how you are greeted once you come down my stairs. I have integrated a 55 gallon slat water tank into the walls and have given it a seamless appearance. I have always been a fan of structureless glass edges since I start looking into Frank Lloyd Wright. I guess this is my version of that.

Also, the marble floor has a heating element running under it. Take my advice: spend the money for a good heating mat. Mine was based off of budget and was a nightmare!

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00075.jpg?t=1239829533

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 05:13 PM
A bit better shot. Still under construction, so don't expect too much. Notice the bar? It hides the sump pump in the corner. I built it out of oak to fit the corner and surround my wine fridge. There will be much more work on this later!

I had better mention the pleather covered pleated door! My wifes 1st foray into upholstery at my request. It matches our leather couch and chair perfectly. She promises that she will never do that again!

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00081.jpg?t=1239829850

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 05:17 PM
When I started, the floor was designed to drain in the center. I had to even it out. Have you seen the cost of floor leveler lately??? I ended up really cheaping out and using a very diluted thin set mortar that I carried down 1 bucket at a time. I DO NOT SUGGEST THIS METHOD! They make the expensive stuff for a reason. :(

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00082.jpg?t=1239830067

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 05:19 PM
Closer shot of the bar-in-the-works. That black splotch to the lower right hand corner is my plasma waiting to be remounted above the fish tank!

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00083.jpg?t=1239830304

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 05:29 PM
So the plush door leads to the dedicated theater. You can see the equipment rack sitting ajar behind the door, and the ceiling rings for the Klipsch speakers that entertain the lounge area. If I could, I would change where I placed both the door and the equipment rack. Hindsight aside, all of my doors and windows in the basement have finished casings. That is, not a single trim piece surrounds a single opening. I like ultra modern looking finishes. I hope nobody plans on making changes!

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00070.jpg?t=1239830677

shawnwalters
04-15-09, 05:34 PM
I love that upholstered door!

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 08:06 PM
So here is where the theater will be built. Originally there was HVAC running right down the center of the room. We had to tear it all out and force the HVAC to run across the back, then up the sides of the room. I boxed in the new ducts with drywall.

The fish tank is a pass through window to the lounge, also finished in on this side.

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00064.jpg?t=1239840197
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00068.jpg?t=1239840242
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00060.jpg?t=1239840363
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00062.jpg?t=1239840400

juic-E-juice
04-15-09, 08:14 PM
So the logical choice here would be carpet. It would be nice and cozy while offering all of the sound deadlining property that is so needed in one of these rooms.


Yeah, about that....Because the fish tank access is in here, I am taking a different route. I don't like the idea of working with water above a permanent sponge. Besides, later in my build I plan to pull out a little acoustic surprise.

http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00089.jpg?t=1239840829
http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu82/juic-E-juice/DSC00091.jpg?t=1239840876