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Looking to build a room, but

So our approximately 2200 square foot basement is unfinished and I would like to build an audio room. My primary goal would be 2 channel audio oriented for the best possible sound, but I am sure I would want to watch movies with the kids as well, etc.

I know of Rives, etc. and figured I would contact them, but what I have noticed is that there are an aweful lot of support beams in the basement (from floor to ceiling). More than I have noticed in other houses we have lived in (maybe I am just paying attention now). Anyway, I am fearful that I would not have to make a very small room to exclude having these support beams in it or, alternatively, a larger room with the support beams in it. Has anyone encountered this and if so did it make a big difference in what "could have been possible" if the supports weren't there.
bigsam2
4 responses Add your response
meiwan
399 posts
 
Common problem. Support beams are usually 8 feet or so apart.

Best bet its to go for a bigger room, but include 2 support beams, making the room just smaller than 4 beams wide. You can recess your equipment between the 2 centre beams (built in), if you like, or place the listening sofa/chair between the beams.

You might want to finish the beams to prevent ringing.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Depends where they are..they might help also by breaking stuff up. I am nearly finished with my Rives project...so far everything is helping that he recommended...

I am sure you can treat 'em somehow...good luck, let us know what you do
markpao
519 posts
 
Some good ideas above.
Those are actually support columns you are speaking of. You can actually have your contractor remove some (or all) of those columns by installing structural beams such as LVL's, steel I beams or steel flitch plates in place of your existing header beams. A more structural beam would allow those annoying columns to be spread out farther. Sometimes the entire span of your room with the correct sized beam.
Please be sure you get an engineers report for all this work and that it conforms to your state and local building codes. And, not sure what state you live in, but most will require a building permit to convert the basement into habitable living space.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Don't over look the silencing of the furnace if you have forced air and the unit is in the basement. Most likely you will need to put it on a vibration proof platform/springs and silence all the walls and duct work that will be in the new room. The 'noise floor' will be the biggest challenge. Many years ago I did a media room in the basement and it took a year to tweak it to 'silence'. Tip: make the down stairs entrance to the room an exterior heavy duty door. They have generally have great seals, especially if you install the floor plates that come with the door. Also consider a raised floor if you have any dampness or water issues. If so, make sure you have flood insurance.
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