Hi all,
I’m planning a big project and would love some advice, cost ideas, and things to consider from anyone who’s been through this.
The plan:
Complications:
Spec I’m leaning toward:
Questions for the community:
I’m planning a big project and would love some advice, cost ideas, and things to consider from anyone who’s been through this.
The plan:
- Knock through a single garage (4.84m × 2.99m) into the living room (4.84m × 3.3m).
- This creates one big room: approx. 4.84m × 6.3m (around 30.5m²).
- Convert the space into a dedicated home cinema with a 7.2.4 Atmos setup and a 150″ acoustically-transparent fixed frame screen.
- Aim is almost no compromise: good sound isolation, proper acoustics, high-end AV gear, laser projector, recliner seating, controlled lighting.
Complications:
- The boiler isn’t on the knock-through wall, but some heating pipes are — so they’ll need rerouting. Might swap to a heat pump to get rid of the boiler from the garage.
- Wall may be load-bearing, so expecting RSJ + structural engineer involvement.
- Garage conversion requires full insulation, damp-proofing, heating, and compliance with regs.
- Want excellent acoustic treatment and ventilation/cooling that doesn’t add noise.
Spec I’m leaning toward:
- 7.2.4 Atmos layout (separate amplification, high-end speakers, dual subs).
- 150″ AT screen with 4K laser projector (ceiling mounted, hush box if needed).
- Soundproofed structure: resilient bars, Green Glue, MLV, acoustic door.
- Lighting: dimmable circuits, ambient LED, blackout blinds.
- Seating: 3–4 cinema recliners, possibly tiered.
- Star-ceiling / fabric wall panels for both aesthetics and acoustics.
Questions for the community:
- Has anyone here done a garage+living room knock-through for a cinema? Any pitfalls to watch for?
- Realistic cost ranges for structural + conversion + cinema fit-out?
- What would you consider the biggest bang-for-buck items (and biggest money pits)?
- How would you balance spend between projector/screen vs. speakers vs. room treatment?
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