You have had dreams for your Michigan basement for years, and now you have decided it’s time to move forward. Forget about the normal storage and workshop basements, your home needs a proper theater. But what do you need to consider to build out a successful basement home theater? The following list will ensure you enjoy your theater and also reap the most return on it when you sell your home.
Thinking About the Basement Home Theater Build Out
Before getting ahead of yourself, you want to be sure to consider the actual design of the room. This goes beyond simply erecting some walls and adding a television and some chairs.
Your Acoustics Matter
One of the most important aspects of a basement theater are the acoustics, or how the sound bounces around the room. If all you have are flat walls and a ceiling then you will have a lot of echo.
To improve your acoustics, you will want to build in some angles like a layered ceiling. Also consider adding in sound insulation in the walls and ceiling. This will keep the sound in your basement theater and dampen its intrusion on the rest of your house.
Where Will Things Go?
Before starting construction, you should plan where you want things to go. Where will the screen be, and where will the video and audio controls be located? Where will you put the entryway, and will there be a proper door?
All of this is important for the full design of your theater and making it work. This will be important for laying the infrastructure of the room, including where the electrical will be run. It is better to run your electrical to where you will need it rather than make the room work around the electrical.
The same goes for HVAC ventilation, you want to plan for how this will flow into the room. You want to be sure you have heat and cooling when needed to ensure the movie going experience is optimal. But that also means you do not want to put vents where they blow right onto your audience.
What Materials Will You Use?
You should also plan for what materials you will use to construct your theater. One of the common problems in basements is moisture which leads to mold and mildew. You want to be sure you use premium materials that is resistant to this problem to ensure you will enjoy your basement home theater for years. This includes your stud materials, your wall material, and your paint.
How Will You Handle Lighting?
Theater lighting is extremely important for both comfort and safety. Sure, you want the room dark when it is time for the premier to begin. However, you need proper lighting for cleaning, people coming in and out, and setting up the event. The only question is how you will handle the light. Will you use sconces, recessed lighting, or corner lamps? All of these will work, but sconces and recessed lighting will draw a greater return on your investment.
Making Your Theater Work
Now that you have considered the construction of your home theater, now it is time to have some fun setting it up.
No Bad Seat In The House
For a good home theater, you will want to think through each seat and ensure everyone will have a good view. Not only do you want to ensure you have comfortable chairs, but that each one is in a good position. You can use a wrap around sofa if you enjoy being really close. Many Michigan homeowners are appreciating the use of risers to create stadium-like seating.
Making The Movie Experience
Do not spare an expense on the audio and visual component of your basement home theater. For your audio, you can use surround sound speakers that mount to the wall, or go on corner stands. Another option is to use recessed speakers that mount right into your ceiling. If you install recessed speakers, it creates less work for the person who will purchase your home.
For the video, consider whether you want to use a large flat-screen television or a projector. If you use a projector, you can easily mount it in a layered ceiling so there is little visible evidence of it. Also consider whether you will use a permanent screen, or a retractable one, so you can build in the power if needed.
Whatever options you choose, be sure you run the AV cables in the walls. This keeps the room clutter free and safe for all who visit.
Don’t Forget Concessions
One of the things people look forward to going to see a movie in the theater is the popcorn and concessions. Consider adding a kitchenette in the basement to prepare snacks for your family and guests to enjoy. To add a little extra flare, install a glass case at the kitchenette bar to display boxed or bagged snacks.
What’s a Home Theater Without an Arcade?
Finally, to add a little extra entertainment, considering adding an arcade to the atmosphere as well. You can get a retro arcade game and put it outside the home theater room. You can also set up a game system just outside to provide some additional entertainment. Regardless of what kind of arcade you set up, it will bring just a little more enjoyment to your space.
