OK, so the basement project is officially started.
Rich came over yesterday and helped me layout the basement which renewed my enthusiasm to have the sound room... It's a big project but I can see how it can actually get finished now.
First steps will be to get some Drylok and apply it to all the walls.
http://www.ugl.com/drylokMasonry/masonryWaterproofer/latex.phpAfter that's done, I'm putting in a subfloor that floats and allows air to move underneath. There are 2 good-looking products out there that must be special ordered from the pro desks of Lowe's or HD...
1- DRICore
http://www.dricore.com/en/eIndex.aspx2- DeltaFL
http://deltafl.com/DRICore appears to be easier for me to install and handle... it comes in 2' squares that lock together. Delta comes in rolls and you just lay normal 4x8 sheets of plywood on top. Sounds easy enough but I think I can handle the 2x2 interlock concept better.
Either can be installed after or before framing the walls... I think I should do the whole floor prior to framing... but I'm going to ask my builder/contractor what he thinks also... since he'll be physically putting up the walls.
After that is HVAC.. then walls. Rich is helping me with the proportions of the room... should be around 15' wide by 8.5' H by 27' long. I've used the room calculator but Rich is actually helping figure out what it all means and how to get the most out of the room with a good balance of diffusion and absorption. My goal is that the system should sound like there are no walls and not dead... but not ringy, overly 'lively' or whatnot...
After that is electrical... that's where the fun REALLY starts... I'm getting a subpanel and a new service line from the street... and the panel will only be about 20' from the transformer... and the outlets for the gear will only be about 5-10' from the panel...
The rest of the basement is getting sheetrock and will be finished first.. I need a real office asap. There will be a full bath, fridge, popcorn maker, some storage, bedroom, and server room in the basement also... It will essentially be a finished 3rd floor of the house. I'm looking forward to all that also. But the sound room is the main room... oh, that will be sweet.
Thanks to Rich for his willingness to help and enthusiasm. We're hoping this will be a fun and useable place for comparisons.
More to come...