[techlogik]

Conceptual diagrams added for both spaces...click below:

Conceptual Diagram


I am looking to add a second story on the back of my house. As part of that, I am looking to dedicate a 11'x22' space to a HT.


Of course, I want it to have the look and feel of a real theatre, wall coverings, lighting, seating the usual, of course on a budget. The space to work with is 700sq ft.


I live in Tampa, FL if anyone cares.


So, I know pretty much want I want, but many details I just don't have knowledge about regarding the construction, materials etc....for constructing.


My builder will frame and finish the room anyway I want and hasn't done a home theatre, and thinks it would be fun. He just wants the specs, and away they will go with framing, electrical, insulating etc...they don't care, just tell them what to do on the design and they will do it.


I am kind of stuck on the details parts.


I want to throw about a 110" screen if possible, looking at a rear DLP projector, something like InFocus 72xx.

Elevated seating, with possibly 6 total seats in 2 rows. Nice architectural details etc...


I could probably do it myself if I had a source for materials like wall coverings...but I think I really need a little guidance.


Anyway, anyone in Tampa, or know some installers that are reasonable for design, sources of materials, or anyone willing to volunteer any info much appreciated.


At this point I guess the design/style, speaker placement, wiring (big one) to accomodate my needs along with what this is going to cost me!!!


Any input appreciated...I've always like this forum, the best on the web in my opinion for AVS talk.


Thanks any help...I know this is probably another one of those...oh no, what do I do or how do I go about this HT post..

 

[bpape]

First, I'd stay away from 11x22. You really don't want even multiples like that.


Second, if you can get some extra ceiling height, go for it!


Third, make sure you run conduit to the equipment rack, to the speaker locations, to the projector location, etc.


Fourth, make sure he uses ductboard to build the HVAC ducting. Specify large diffusors for the outlet/inlet to reduce noise.


Fifth, decide what you want the room to be (should be first!). What kind of furniture do you want - dedicated theater style seats? Recliners? Couches? What is your willingness based on budget to trade asthetics for performance?


I assume you meant FRONT projection for 110" screen 110" is doable but is a big screen to fill. In a 11' wide room, that doesn't leave a lot of room to the sides for speakers without having them pretty close to the corners.


If you are concerned about sound transfer to/from the rest of the house, there are some other things to consider. If you want full blown plans for him, I'd recommend contacting a professional designer. Dennis Erskine is on this forum and will provide you with whatever services you request from him up to and including blueprints.


Just be careful with the contractor. Being 'fun' can turn into a nightmare very quickly. He has to understand that when you spec something a certain way, it has to be that way. They are not used to doing things like double drywall, gluing drywall, caulking joints, not using the straightest path for HVAC runs, 'buttering' electrical boxes, etc. Changes that seem perfectly normal and innocuous to them can have detrimental effects on your room and it's performance.


Also, make sure you get the responsibilities down in writing. Read some of the horror stories about drywallers cutting behind the wall wiring, etc. I'm not saying anything particular about your guy. Just beware and get it laid out in advance in writing.


Cost - who knows! There are still a lot of unanswered questions. Over and above basic construction costs, if you include equipment it could be 4 figures or 6 figures.


Welcome to the forum and the madness!

 

[Deckman37]

Some helpful advice that I didn't follow: Engage the services of a qualified HT designer. There are many; some very goods one's can be found frequenting this forum.

 

[techlogik]

Yes, all good points and things I just don't know about.


Getting an experienced person and blueprinting it to specs is probably the best way to go...then the contractor can build it that way.


I know 11x22 might not be the perfect size...but I am kind of stuck with that dimension. The actual addition is about 32x22.


20x22 is one part for office space etc...I don't think I could get the wife to take the 11x22 space and give me the 20x22 space for the HT...would be nice...but I am pushing it already on this concept.


The screen size I think you are right, probably 100" would be good, plus if the room was built out some off the back wall, it would be more like 11x18 etc...


The way the stairs would have to run would split the space 70/30 percent. I am basically doing what the original builder offered as an optional after the fact. So the only way to get space is the 11x22. Their might be another option, but I guess I need a designer and engineer maybe that can provide some options.


Thanks....any more input appreciated by anyone..or references for people and contact info appreciated.


It is alot harder than it appears to find qualified reasonable people with experience...that's true in alot of fields.


Thanks

 

[Gig103]

tech acoustically it is not that 11x22 is "not perfect" it is really bad. You may even consider shortening the room to about 18ft.

http://www.hometheaterbuilder.com/issue/OptRmDim.htm


That is one of the many links available (i have more at home but that one I was able to Google).

 

[techlogik]

Size is easy to fix...just pad out the front where the screen is, or make a different type of entry in the rear to take more room up to shorten it.


My big problem at this point is finding a good contractor/builder who can do the addition.


Surprising how hard it is to find several who you can get quotes from and feel comfortable.


The guy I spoke with several months ago is now teamed up with another builder who handles the sales and has more experience and access to more sub-contractors at better rates.


He is kind of a project manager/foreman now working with this other company who is supposed to have a good reputation.


Any ideas where to find builders is the local area?!?! Ridiculous sounding I know...but again, finding an experienced one who you can trust and has credentials isn't so easy I am finding out.


I am reading alot more and finding more posts..should have done that first I guess before asking more questions.


Thanks for taking the time to reply to my questions.

 

[bpape]

Definitely shorten the room a little bit. It can make a nice place for treatments, an equipment closet, a place to store boxes, whatever.


In my experience, I have over the years found that the best way to find someone you are comfortable with is via word of mouth. I would suggest going to one or more shops that do HT work. See who they use, get references, and talk with people that have actually used them.


Sometimes it is the smaller guys that aren't doing 'production building' that will do the best job for you even though the cost may be a bit more.

 

[poolboyclay]

I highly recommend you get in touch with Dennis Erskine at designcinema.com.


Clay

 

[chimiler]

Not to take away from Techlogiks question, but are standing waves an issue with rooms which have open entry ways or irregular shaped ceilings? For example, my room is 14 x 17-6 with a 5 entry on the side wall, a 10 entry on the back wall and the 7-6 ceiling has a 5 wide 10 drop that runs the length (see attached). How the heck do you figure that out? Notably it is not ideal, but it is a living space and not truly dedicated -- a situation many are in.

 

[pete6737]

Everything that bpape(second post) said, and...Don't forget about dedicated HVAC up there. A lot of heat will be generated up there. The best investment I made when building my house was to add a second unit for the upstairs bonus room which became the HT(Jax, FL). Plan well to prevent sound transmission into rest of the house especially the office. Maybe you can build the equipment closet into some of the office space. There's a lot of money at stake in your project, so plan accordingly.

Good luck, Pete


My not quite finished do it myself home theater, via low rez webtv.
http://community-2.webtv.net/Pete6737/OurNewHome/

 

[techlogik]

Yes, the entire 700sq ft gets its own handling/compressor for HVAC..that is without question.


The other option I have, and I am trying to convince my wife, is to use the other space in the upstairs.


It would be 18' in Length by 14' wide 10ft. ceiling.


The first row would maybe be only 1.3 viewing distance and the 2nd row would be right against the back wall, but the width is much nicer to have, 2 rows of 4 would be easy to do with 2 feet on each side approximately, except the rear, maybe a 3 seat row due to a rear entrance and doorway off on one side.


I will post a couple of concepts I am working on in Visio, maybe you guys will chime in..hope to have it up by tomorrow the image.


Thanks

 

[techlogik]

As promised, here is the conceptual designs for each of the spaces I have available.


One is 14'x18' the other is 22'x11'4"


Any feedback on these layouts and any other ideas I forgot or didn't mention on the Notes are greatly appreciated.


The room sizes are dictating my screen size as I have learned.



Thanks


Click Below....

Conceptual Diagrams

 

[Tweakophyte]

Quick math... the 22 is almost a perfect mutliple of the 11'4. That is supposed to be bad for room modes. The 10' height also suites the 18x14 room.


I wonder if you'd consider shortening the long room (so your wife is happy) so the portion that is under the kids room is minimized. You could use the 3-4' for storage of some kind. That would give you 11'x18x10.


I think most of the experts here would teach you how to isolate the kids room from the theater. It just takes time and money.

 

[techlogik]

Quote:

Originally posted by Tweakophyte Quick math... the 22 is almost a perfect mutliple of the 11'4. That is supposed to be bad for room modes. The 10' height also suites the 18x14 room. I wonder if you'd consider shortening the long room (so your wife is happy) so the portion that is under the kids room is minimized. You could use the 3-4' for storage of some kind. That would give you 11'x18x10. I think most of the experts here would teach you how to isolate the kids room from the theater. It just takes time and money.

Yes, I think I show the space incorrectly.


The intension was to maybe put equipment and storage on that back wall to shorten the length...I will fix that..thanks.


Keep it coming guys.


Thanks

 

[bpape]

Tough decisions. Wider is nicer but seats right against a wall are nasty. The additional height is something to consider. I'd kill for extra ceiling height.

 

[techlogik]

Quote:

Originally posted by bpape Tough decisions. Wider is nicer but seats right against a wall are nasty. The additional height is something to consider. I'd kill for extra ceiling height.

Maybe it doesn't show on my diagram, we have 10ft. ceilings, 2nd floor would be the same.

 

[pete6737]

On my second floor HT, I made the mistake of using double 3/4" flooring, but not using something like acoustiblok between layers. The second layer did not do much for preventing sound transmission, luckily, it's only a garage below it. If your Kid's room is below, take extra steps to prevent sound transmission, otherwise, you won't be able to watch movies when they go to bed! Good luck, Pete