Basement finishing, Contractor ?

[Halon]

So as I mentioned a couple months ago in the House Project thread, we have an unfinished theater room in our basement that we're looking at finishing up in the semi-near future. We went back to our original builder, and their quote shocked us. So looking at getting some additional quotes. Anyone have any recommendations? Not looking for millionaire remodelers, but also not looking for Uncle Frank who is really good at changing light bulbs. Just looking for someone who does decent work at a fair price.

Any recommendations?

Here's my post explaining what it is we're thinking of doing at the moment. Basically unfinished theater room, taking the current wall separating the theater room from the rest of the living area, and making it a half wall with a bar/counter top for some hi top bar stools to go up against it. So we'd need framing and sheetrock and taping, electrical ran (outlets, lighting). Paint walls, knock-down ceiling, oak trim. Also some sort of theater 'expert' to come in and help plan the layout for projector, screen, speakers, equipment rack, etc.

http://mitsustyle.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=682

[JET]

While I am not a theater expert, I am pretty up to speed on HT stuff right now as I am building my theater downstairs too and have done a lot of research. If you want to talk about a system I can give you some recommendations.

Looking at your layout I am not sure that is going to work. The seating at the top of the picture is not going to be able to see the screen very well. Any idea what size of screen you want? The throw length will matter depending on the screen size and projector. If you want to meet over a beer sometime and go over some stuff I could do that.

[Halon]

I dont know what size, but id say maybe 100" or so?

Yeah if you wanna come check it out over a berf, i have a fridge full of em! I still need to see your trailer winch setup too.

Also if possible, we'd like to try and use our existing stereo reciever/speakers if possible. Dont want to buy new stuff where we dont absolutely need to.

[A//// Guy]

If anything, id do a raised floor for a second set of seating behind a main couch and have the far wall be the projector wall. I think that room is too narrow for a projector screen on the left wall, depends on the throw, like Jet said. But it may work.

Dont really need an expert for any home theater stuff. Just need a good receiver, projector, set of speakers and a sub. Wiring run for all, and any other dvd, bluray players etc.

For gear, you can reuse stuff you have, you can always upgrade later. As far as the projector, just go with something that has good reviews online. Ive found a couple im interested in on Newegg and also amazon, lots of reviews on there.

You could always do some of the work yourself for the construction, you are handy. Running electrical is easy, plumbing for the bar is easy, so is sheetrock. Taping is a pain in the butt, you could always hire someone for that part.

[JET]

^ This is basically what I am doing. I am running all my own HT wiring and installing my drop down screen. I am having someone else do the sheet rock. I already had an electrician run the 115v wiring.

I could come over and check the place out and give you some recommendations. Good HT projectors run from $700 - $3,500. 4k resolution stuff is out there and should be mainstream in a year or 2. I might go less expensive now and upgrade again in the future. Most of your current stuff should work now, speakers might be something to look at though, especially ceiling and wall mounted stuff.

[Halon]

Yeah I definitely thought about doing some of the work myself. I just have a time issue now a days. I'm lucky if I can even get 30min a day to do 'stuff'. Maybe I can just be my own contractor and just find some framers and have them do their part. Then find an electrician and have him do his part, and so on. Part of me would like to just be able to hand someone the project though who already just knows what to do and just say "Go" and they just get it done.

[JET]

Sounds like you need a HT wiring party some weekend

[BriK]

The guy we have do all the work on our house (he did the fireplace and mudroom I've posted in the House Projects thread) does a wide range of projects from installing a front door (he's done that for us too) to full $200,000 renovations. We use him because he's reasonably priced but he has a great attention to detail, and he's always worked toward our "style" and our preferences as opposed to just doing what he likes. We've recommended him several times so he's now also done my in-laws basement, and my sister in-law's boss' basement.

I believe he's done several theatre rooms-- he's mentioned how he's even angled the drywall to help reflect sound-- so I'm sure he'll have some ideas for you. I believe he's a one-man operation but he works pretty quickly and he's usually open to you helping out or taking on part of the project to help manage time and cost.

On top of it all, he's somewhat of a car guy but his dad is a HUGE car guy-- owns something like 16 really nice cars, and loves him some horsepower. Get him going on it and you'll hear all about it.

I'll PM you his info.

[Halon]

Sweet thanks man.

[Murlo26]

My dad is a general contractor as well who has 4-6 guys that work directly for him (mostly carpenters). If you wanted I am sure he could give you a quote sometime. He obviously doesn't specialize in theatre though, he does new homes, restoration and remodeling, been in the business for like 30 years so hes not a side job kind of guy.

The guy Brik is recommending will probably be cheaper if its a one man shop, but you never know.

PM me if you want and I can get you in contact with him.

Timbercraft remodeling is his business:

http://www.timbercraftremodeling.com/