Builders Who Want to Offer Home-Theater Options Don't Need Lots of Space, Just Lots of Smarts.

AThis being an election year, we expect to hear a lot about "focus on family" from the political arena. But we will also be hearing it from the homebuilding arena. The focus on family-oriented living spaces is a priority again—and newly built homes are rapidly reflecting it.

The perfect example is the continued interest in home theater. These high-quality features have always been present in "upscale homes" throughout the country. But let's face it: The average home is between 1,800 and 2,500 square feet. And it's these homeowners that are spending tons of money at the movie theaters and concerts.

If you aren't a homebuilder that specializes in behemoth custom homes, don't fret. Theaters can be installed in average homes, in small spaces, and with modest budgets.

Home plans with basement foundations are the most obvious place for a media room or home theater, but you should be aware of building codes regarding emergency exits. Another highly recommended space is a first-floor "flex room" such as a guest room/study or a bonus room that has all of the necessary wiring, audio and video and can be easily transformed into a specific space for entertaining.

In addition to being able to offer home theater in modest-sized homes, a leading builder should be able to offer customers different option packages depending on their budgets. I work with thousands of homebuilders each year that want special areas in their average-sized homes that can host many different uses. But most importantly, these builders want a "selling edge" while increasing the market and resale value of those homes.

Home theater also doesn't have to be a break-the-bank item for homebuyers on a modest budget. Unfortunately, too few homebuilders and consumers seem to realize that both indoor and outdoor built-in speaker systems, media centers, and home theater can be included in their construction financing and monthly mortgage payment.

Home theater rooms also don't have to be large, just well-planned. Incorporate features that promote family unity—and thus, true home entertainment—and market them as such.

Coming Attractions One question immediately comes to mind when a builder is designing a home theater space, according to Scott Carlson, owner of Theatre Design Associates of Chicago: Is the theater space being prepared for a specific use and homeowner, or is it being specified into a home that will be sold later?

If the home theater has a specific user in mind, the process of designing and constructing the space should be considerably easier. The builder can get a handle on a family's lifestyle through a few specific questions and his job will be a lot easier while he decides on which direction to take the theater space. Points you should consider:

• Location, location, location. The proper placement of theater equipment is critical. It should be located together in an equipment rack or shelving unit that makes it easy to work on it or to expand the system. The equipment rack should be located in close proximity to the theater. Be advised that the rack location will get warm because of the heat generated by the electronic equipment. This heat needs to be transferred somewhere that will not affect the comfort of the room or the performance of the equipment. If a projector is being used that will also generate a great deal of heat, the builder should address that fact.
• Don't cut corners. The cabling of all electronic equipment should not be taken lightly or skimped upon. In most cases, cabling will take a signal that has a certain value and deliver it from one component to another and ultimately to its final destination (whether it be audio or video), maintaining as much of its original strength and integrity as possible.
• Plan with products in mind. When prewiring a theater room, it is best to know what equipment will be or could be used. You should plan on installing the best cable possible for the level of performance of the audio/video components. If the homebuyer has a moderate or small budget allocated for the home theater, then a mid-range cable product will do an adequate job carrying a signal for components in those budget parameters.
• Keep the noise down! An important consideration in home-theater design that is often overlooked is noise. Noise distraction can enter a theater from outside sources such as HVAC, plumbing, motor noises or footsteps on hard surfaces. Room framing can help reduce noise transfer. Some examples of this type of framing include staggered studs, oversized 2 x 6 studs (which allow for more insulation) and resilient channel. Two layers of sheetrock, good insulating and barrier materials can be used to help reduce noise levels.

A dedicated home theater is a special place in the home, offering a lifestyle and valued amenity to homeowners. Builders should allow space for such an amenity when possible, and should seek the advice of a professional design company in planning out the space. They can help plan the basics of good room design and help ensure that the finished product is personalized for the homeowner.

Stephanie Nelson is co-owner of Jonesboro, Ark.-based Nelson Design Group, LLC (NDG). Visit NDG at www.nelsondesigngroup.com. Contact NDG at 800-590-2423 or email info@nelsondesigngroup.com.