Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Atlanta, GA has watched over the years as the use of garage space has changed. Originally designed to house vehicles, the spaces began shifting to storage. Recently, many families have begun treating their garages as bonus rooms. They’re converting their garages into workshops, play rooms, guest rooms, and even home theater spaces.
Here’s a simple guide to help get you started creating your dream home-theater.
Design the dream
Before you get started, you need to map out the goals for your new dream home-theater. Are you creating a casual den-like space to watch football? Do you want a gathering area for hosting a movie viewing party? Or do you want an immersive theater experience to replace going to the movies?
Make your dream list, including all the different aspects:
- Flat-screen tv, or projector and screen
- Speakers – full surround sound, big woofers, etc.
- Lighting
- Seating – rows of fold-down theater seats, or plush recliners
- Fridge for drinks and snacks
- Flooring – carpet, wood, linoleum
- Color scheme
Make logistical plans
Check with your local government to see if there are any building permits required before you begin work. The last thing you want is to be in the midst of the project and have an inspector happen by and shut your work down. It’s rare, but it can happen.
You’re going to want to make plans regarding the capacity of your home systems for the addition. Make sure that your heating and air system can handle the increased demand on the extra space. Hire an electrician to inspect the electrical capacity in your garage. Have the electrician install any additional wiring or breakers that will be needed to power the new electronics and lighting you will be adding.
Clear the space
If you’ve been using your garage for storage, you’ll need to find a new home for those things. Consider using outbuildings, attic, or basement space. Once your items are relocated, clean up. Sweep, power wash, and get up any stains from spills over the years.
Convert the space
This brings us to the most labor-intensive stage of building your dream home-theater. It’s time to convert a space designed to house cars into one that can properly house both people and electronics and furniture.
Install vapor barriers to keep down moisture. Insulate the garage to keep temperatures manageable and power costs down. Seal up and cracks, holes, or gaps in the flooring, walls, and baseboards. Install heating and air ducts to connect your system to your new space. Run wiring to to the locations where you’ll need power. Finally, install your drywall and outlets.
You might consider a new overhead garage door model to better match your new theater space. Purchase a high-quality, well insulated garage door to help with heating costs as well as sound proofing. A door without windows will help you get a full black-out effect for your theater.
Build the theater
Ok, now that your garage is livable, it’s time to make the big transformation! Refer back to your dream plan and get working. Paint the walls with the colors you picked out. Install and hook up your theater audio and video systems. Lay in flooring and place the seating. Now it’s time to invite some friends and family for the big premiere!
There’s so many ways to utilize the extra space afforded by a garage. Whatever you decide, Neighborhood Garage Door Service of Atlanta, GA is here to help your with any of your needs! Our trained technicians can offer expert advice and service. Call us today and we’ll get you started!
