It seems like most people here either go fully deluxe or DIY.
Hi there, I can't give you any recommendations for local help. But, I've seen several folks on this forum utilize Erskine Design Services to help develop a plan. See this thread for details. Seems like you could work with them to develop a detailed plan and then take that to a contractor or subcontractors to do the work that you don't want to mess with.It seems like most people here either go fully deluxe or DIY.
My first thought was maybe, then I saw your signature and put your full name together. Yep!Hi there, I can't give you any recommendations for local help. But, I've seen several folks on this forum utilize Erskine Design Services to help develop a plan. See this thread for details. Seems like you could work with them to develop a detailed plan and then take that to a contractor or subcontractors to do the work that you don't want to mess with.
ps. Do I know you in real life? Cool, if so!
On construction cost, I was hoping for something in the range of $35k, not including furniture or equipment. I'm not expecting $30k premium acoustic treatments or ornate millwork everywhere. I'm still hoping for something fairly nice, though, with cool lighting, baffle wall, rack, stage, riser, cost-effective acoustic treatments, etc.What's the construction budget? You mention 6 figures.. can we get 5 figures to play with??
You have awesome dimensions for a totally kick-a theater.. Would be a shame to not do it up right.
Tim
I do have some time, just not tons. What is involved in GC'ing it? I at least know what that stands for, but I've never done that before. My gut says that this is the right approach, but I'd appreciate any advice!I understand you don't have time to do the work.. if you have time to GC it (and hold your contractor's hand for a while) I think a great theater is completely within your budget.
Get a nice set of construction plans and a good set of treatment plans.
Erskine Group will produce a basic set of plans for $900, but I understand it uses Quest panels.. I do believe Nyal and bpape at GIK will create an acoustic plan using common building materials.
The trick is making sure your contractor follows the plans. Not sure if Big owns a cowboy hat.
Tim
For much of the construction, it should be stuff that you can readily see if you stay on top of the daily progress. For example, did they fill the stage with sand and then cover with two layers of plywood with green glue between them per the plan? In my experience, a lot of subcontractors will say "sure, no problem" without really understanding that you actually really do want them to exactly follow your plans.When you say to make sure that the contractor follows the plans, are we talking about stuff that I would see just by paying attention? Or are we talking about specific building tricks & techniques that only people with hi-end theater expertise would know?
My main concerns are avoiding costly mistakes that experienced people would know (like layout or how to build a stage, as Chad described), an acoustic plan, and interior design.I know Nyal has helped a few people here in Houston. And you're right, Big didn't want to bring his tools to Texas but did at least tell me he'd surpervise the job if I didn't trust a GC. I was just lucky when I found someone that had just finished his room and he was willing to help me. I guess it depends on how much input you want to provide and what you'd prefer to hire out.
What about Bjorns?
I honestly don't know what all they do. I was just trying to think of companies closer to you.My main concerns are avoiding costly mistakes that experienced people would know (like layout or how to build a stage, as Chad described), an acoustic plan, and interior design.
I haven't contacted Bjorns. Are they just an installer, or do they do nice rooms? There are plenty of local installers.
Have you decided what path you're going to take? Did you find an installer?My main concerns are avoiding costly mistakes that experienced people would know (like layout or how to build a stage, as Chad described), an acoustic plan, and interior design.
I haven't contacted Bjorns. Are they just an installer, or do they do nice rooms? There are plenty of local installers.
I got started some with Shawn @ Erskine, then I got busy with work.Have you decided what path you're going to take? Did you find an installer?
There is a lot of new building work taking place around our end of Austin. If you know anyone in these areas I'm sure they could even ask a few teams for estimates if you wanted to save some money. If they have drawings I'm not sure where they could go wrong with a single room that already has walls and ac. Most of us manage to to do the work ourselves (with the exception of the electrics - I've done it before but I had an electrician check everything and connect the zones to the mains) so I can't believe many professionals would struggle.I got started some with Shawn @ Erskine, then I got busy with work.
I've also heard great things about Nyal.
These are all just designers, though. No movement on finding a building contractor.
I'm not there yet, but yeah, that's the idea, once I have the plans.There is a lot of new building work taking place around our end of Austin. If you know anyone in these areas I'm sure they could even ask a few teams for estimates if you wanted to save some money. If they have drawings I'm not sure where they could go wrong with a single room that already has walls and ac. Most of us manage to to do the work ourselves (with the exception of the electrics - I've done it before but I had an electrician check everything and connect the zones to the mains) so I can't believe many professionals would struggle.
You've got a big head start over most people in that the room has already been built.
The time bit is the issue. With all due respect to the professionals I think most people are capable of building there own if they don't have the money to pay someone else to do it. A professional might do it better (if you find a good one who takes pride in their work), and a lot faster, but thanks to the professionals that come online and share their experience, we all have access to the knowledge that we need to complete a job like this. Obviously you should also have some tools.I'm not there yet, but yeah, that's the idea, once I have the plans.
I wish I had the time and skills to do it myself, but that ain't happening anytime soon. :\