If you’re ready to build the home theater room of your dreams, it’s smart to begin with a budget. After all, there’s nothing worse than your exciting upgrade plans leading to unexpectedly high prices.
While the cost of a home theater can vary significantly, there are some basic elements you can plan for in your budget. Before starting your home theater renovation process, consider the costs of the following key components:
Screen & viewing device
The focal point of your home theater will be your screen. For this, you have the choice of getting a large TV or using a projector and screen.
If you decide to go with a TV, there are many factors to consider, including screen size, resolution and extra features. Smart TVs are incredibly useful for home theaters, but can cost significantly more.
Projectors also range in price and quality, but allow you the option to DIY a viewing screen. Using matte finish paint or sturdy cloth, you create a budget-friendly surface for your movie watching experience.
A projector also grants you a more authentic movie theater picture quality. For those who want a true movie theater experience at home, a projector and screen might be the best option.
Sound system
When building a movie room, most of your budget will likely go to your sound system. To achieve perfect movie theater surround sound, you can buy surround sound speaker sets, or make your own with individual speakers.
With individual speakers, you have more options to stay within your budget. However, expert audiophiles suggest using speakers of the same brand to ensure perfect sound matching for the entire room.
Whether you opt for a speaker set or individual speakers, consider the potential costs of installation. Mounting speakers to walls or ceilings might require professional assistance, and complex electrical wiring should always be handled by a licensed electrician.
There are other factors to consider when gathering home theater ideas, such as lighting, acoustics and theater seating. However, budgeting carefully for the primary components of a home theater such as viewing screen and sound system will help you build the movie theater of your dreams without breaking the bank.
About the Author
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.
