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With home theaters as luxurious as the cinema palaces of the 20th century, homeowners can enjoy an "evening out" without leaving their homes.
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Homeowners are discovering that the best place to enjoy a night out is right in their own homes—specifically, in their media room, which many times can surpass the local theater for comfort and entertainment. These rooms aren’t done on the cheap, either; many reach six-figure totals.
Dan Brown, director of sales at Dallas-based McCollum & Associates, cites three key factors for why his remodeling company has seen such growth in these projects:
- Empty-nesters are converting unused bedrooms or attic space into entertainment rooms so they can stay home rather than fight crowds.
- Parents and grandparents desire such spaces so their children’s friends will visit their home, allowing the adults to see their children more often and know where they are.
- And the technology and delivery systems, via high-definition cable, satellite and direct-mailed DVDs, are helping homeowners realize they can stay home and receive a higher-quality presentation than theaters often provide.
McCollum works on two types of these rooms: game/media rooms, with pool tables and other recreational equipment, and the more common type home theaters, which may include theater seating and other theater-like amenities.
The low-down on high technology
Equipment typically consists of a 110- or 120-inch TV screen with a ceiling-mounted high-definition projector. The sound system most often uses seven speakers and subwoofer placed strategically around the room. McCollum works closely with Dallas Extreme Audio & Visual Installations LLC, a local audio-visual company, to create the best system.
Lighting systems are the toughest sell for these rooms, but clients often say they appreciate these systems most of all, says Brandon Haggard of Dallas Extreme. A typical system centers on three banks of recessed ceiling fixtures, allowing the screen at the room’s front to remain dark while other areas are lit.
Brandon says that the kind of lighting depends on what's on the screen. Movies, for instance, require total darkness; sporting events, during which people may move in and out of the room, often have lights on at the rear of the room. Dimmable wall sconces sometimes supplement the overhead lighting, adding elegance and more control. All of the lighting, as well as other electronic equipment, typically is controlled through a handheld touchscreen remote.
Location, location, location
Dan warns that square rooms don’t offer good acoustical control; the ideal space is rectangular, typically 16 by 20 feet or so. Within that space, though, seating varies according to customer preference. "People will be sitting there for several hours," Dan notes. Chair width varies as customers balance size versus the number of seats they want in a row. Eight to 10 chairs typically are used in a home-theater setting. Often they recline fully and include drink holders and pockets for remotes.
The remodeler must work closely with the electronics expert as well as the electricians and trim carpenters, Dan stresses. "Clients want a comfortable room that fits with the rest of the home’s décor. And you have to know the precise locations for speakers in paneling, as well as switches, thermostats and lighting. There are a lot of requirements, and the equipment has to fit in aesthetically and functionally."
In addition to these basics, many customers also request refreshment centers, typically in a vestibule at the room’s rear. These centers include popcorn makers, refrigerators and possibly a sink. With all these amenities, costs for a home theater range upwards of $75,000 to $100,000 in his market. "There’s not a lot of corner-cutting for these clients," he says. "They have a vision of what the room should look like."
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