One of the most popular and effective ways to raise the value of an existing home is to finish the basement. It increases the overall square footage of your home. It also allows you to include some rooms that might've gotten left out during the original construction. One of the most popular types of rooms to add is a home theater. Here are a few tips from Jason at Audio Video Experts in Los Angeles that you should consider before you tackle this type of project.
Noise Transmission
A home theater in the basement can be great fun for the entire family. Here are a few things you should consider before beginning construction.
One of the first things you should keep in mind is that a theater room can get very loud. This isn't a problem if the whole family is downstairs watching a movie, but it can become quite a nuisance when some are upstairs while others are downstairs listening at loud volume levels.
Creating a barrier between the basement and the upper levels of the house is a crucial step in ensuring you and your spouse's sanity. The easiest way to accomplish this is with sound deadening materials. While insulation can be used for this, it won't provide the greatest amount of soundproofing. If fiberglass insulation is your only option then you'll want to choose one with the maximum R-value.
You'll also want install it in multiple layers. The first layer should be placed directly against the floorboards supporting the first level of the house. The second layer should be installed on top of the ceiling of the basement. It's important to leave an air gap between these two layers as that helps to reduce the transmission of low frequency noises such as gunshots and explosions.
An even more effective option is to use a product such as Dynamat. Refer to the manufacturers instructions in regards to the best way to install the product.
Is Flooding an Issue?
In many locations in the U.S. basements flood due to heavy rainfall. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding you need to take extra precautions that your theater room won't become submerged in water with the first heavy rainfall.
Using sump pumps and weeping systems can ensure that all rainwater is routed away from the foundation of your home and ensure that your theater stays dry.
Theater equipment is expensive and while your home owners insurance will cover it's replacement, it's a hassle to say the least.
DIY or Hire a Contractor?
For those that are technically inclined it can be fun to install your own theater system. But many of these components are best configured by professional installation teams. You will certainly pay more to have professionals do it for you, but in the end you will have a someone there to help support the system should anything go wrong.
Finishing a basement with a home theater room can be a great investment. Just be sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your money.
Noise Transmission
A home theater in the basement can be great fun for the entire family. Here are a few things you should consider before beginning construction.
One of the first things you should keep in mind is that a theater room can get very loud. This isn't a problem if the whole family is downstairs watching a movie, but it can become quite a nuisance when some are upstairs while others are downstairs listening at loud volume levels.
Creating a barrier between the basement and the upper levels of the house is a crucial step in ensuring you and your spouse's sanity. The easiest way to accomplish this is with sound deadening materials. While insulation can be used for this, it won't provide the greatest amount of soundproofing. If fiberglass insulation is your only option then you'll want to choose one with the maximum R-value.
You'll also want install it in multiple layers. The first layer should be placed directly against the floorboards supporting the first level of the house. The second layer should be installed on top of the ceiling of the basement. It's important to leave an air gap between these two layers as that helps to reduce the transmission of low frequency noises such as gunshots and explosions.
An even more effective option is to use a product such as Dynamat. Refer to the manufacturers instructions in regards to the best way to install the product.
Is Flooding an Issue?
In many locations in the U.S. basements flood due to heavy rainfall. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding you need to take extra precautions that your theater room won't become submerged in water with the first heavy rainfall.
Using sump pumps and weeping systems can ensure that all rainwater is routed away from the foundation of your home and ensure that your theater stays dry.
Theater equipment is expensive and while your home owners insurance will cover it's replacement, it's a hassle to say the least.
DIY or Hire a Contractor?
For those that are technically inclined it can be fun to install your own theater system. But many of these components are best configured by professional installation teams. You will certainly pay more to have professionals do it for you, but in the end you will have a someone there to help support the system should anything go wrong.
Finishing a basement with a home theater room can be a great investment. Just be sure to plan ahead to get the most out of your money.