My comment regarding the ESA and changes refer to regulation changes. Obviously, this is information I got in passing so don't quote me. For the most part the changes deal with situations where a permit is not obtained (when DIY), or the electrician is not licensed. The fines can be quite hefty as I understand it. This is not the same as the city's building bylaws and such, it has more to do with who is allowed to do electrical work.

But the electrical code is changed too... For example, if you have a bedroom you now require arc fault circuit interrupter instead of a standard breaker and 20 amp circuits in the kitchen. Of course, these changes have been in place since 2006 since the code is only updated every 4 years (bulletins not withstanding). In terms of my home theater, the electrical code is changing faster than my theater.... now I'm depressed :(

Cheers,
Kaoru

Since my thread is about to roll over to the next page, it's time for an update. Things have progressed but stayed the same... How's that for irony. My last update mentioned that I finished the HT bathroom's subfloor and some honey-do's over the two weeks I was off. Basically, that wasn't my vacation but a way to kill some of my banked overtime hours. I officially went on vacation last week of June for 4 weeks. Only about one week of my vacation was devoted to the HT so I tried to work on some of the honeydo's.

But the honey-do's were centered around the requirement of a few days of no rain. Well, that didn't turn out since rain seemed to be the Mother Nature's choice this summer. So no staining the deck, no BBQ/pool lights, no chaulking around the windows, no sand/paint wood columns in the front veranda, or no painting the garage/front door. Instead, I worked on the HT bathroom. I got the tile in and grouted, fully painted, wainscotting/bead-board in, vanity/toilet in and connected, hooked up electrical for in-floor heating, and finally trim-out is nearing completion. My wife loves the bathroom especially the toasty warm tile. With that approval, I'm now officially allowed to hire an electrician and a drywall contractor to finish outside the bathroom... READ: the home theater since it's outside... ;)

Soon as I complete the trim out (just minor stuff), I'll post some before and after photos.

Cheers,
Kaoru

Finally finishing triming out the bathroom for the HT. This took a bit of time since it was the team of me, myself, and I doing it from start to finish. That includes all plumbing and some of the electrical. Here's the before picture just after framing and plumbing/electrical rough-in.
http://www.sculptscience.com/roller/HTBlog/resource/HT-bathroom-framing.jpg

The next picture is of the heating mat going in after the drywall was done. That was a pain given the amount of self-leveling compound I used, then Ditra/motar, then tile. The shower got Kerdi for waterproofing as well. This picture was taken for warranty purposes (if the mat fails, I will get refunded for materials). The chances of that happening is all most nil.
http://www.sculptscience.com/roller/HTBlog/resource/HT-bathroom-heatmat.jpg

Finally, the trim out with all the fixture's installed, I just have the tile accents around the shower enclosure left and once over with a coat of semi-gloss on the wainscotting/doors.
http://www.sculptscience.com/roller/HTBlog/resource/HT-bathroom-trimout.jpg

Now onto the theater itself...

Cheers,
Kaoru

I did post a reply to a posted question regarding HT seating, what is my seating, and what not. But the posts are gone so I assume that my reply (which had an innocent link) and original post have been deleted without notice (or I'm going nuts)... My assumption is that the posts were deleted because of the link I provided to a vendor that might have be misconstrued as an endorsement; which it wasn't (just my truthful experience in getting HT seating). In either case, PM me if you have a specific product question, where to buy, need a link, etc. Of course, if it was just a hiccup in the server then it is still a good rule to follow.

Cheers,
Kaoru

It appears to have been move to here (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=92163).

Yes the move was me. Normally I leave a redirect but I may have been asleep at the switch. I figured the HT seating was a good thread for the 'Where can I buy' forum.

Well, not for losing these posts anyway because it wouldn't be the first time that I wrote a post (usually with some effort/detail) and it went MIA somehow (which I have rewrite). Of course, it's usually something that I've done (i.e. forget to submit the post ;) ) or it being scrubbed by my workplace (I peruse the forums during my lunch break which is ok but my workplace is security concious; part of what I do).

Cheers,
Kaoru

Well, it's been awhile since I provided an update. After a busy summer/fall, I finally got to put my attention to the home theater. First and foremost, I cleaned out all the junk I've collected over the years. It was unbelievable how much software, hardware, and other computer related paraphernalia I've collected over the years. I was tossing out 3 whole computers (monitors and all), 5 cases/MBs, 4 injet/laser printers, and all manner of software including things like PC DOS 3.0, Windows 3.11, OS/2 Warp... Boy! How things have changed...

The rest of the mess was all the wood, etc. I collected when framing the basement. That ended up in the garage to be reused or meet its end. Now I have a fairly clear basement, a blank canvas so to speak... Now for the real update... My wife has given me the go ahead to finish the basement. Her words were "It would really be nice to have the basement done for Christmas, and if we have to pay for it then so be it... get it done." With that said, I arranged the financing to the tune of $21,000. This is for the "entire basement" unfortunately, but hopefully I can do this on a budget.

To begin things, I got a quote for the electrical for the full basement including HT, $3990 with taxes and permits included. That's for the HT, rec room, kitchen, office, closets, etc.; were I supply the fixtures, pot lights, etc. The work will occur on November 25th & 26th with trim-out afterwards.

Prior to the electrical, I have to finish the framing in the kitchen, a pantry/closet, furring strips and some ceiling boxes, etc. So I expect about $500 in wood for this. Plumbing (for the kitchen) is almost complete so not much needed there. HRV is also a work in progress but I have most of the materials. Then I have insulation, vapour barrier, and misc. material, so that will be about $2000. I'll be getting a quote for drywall but I'm guessing that it will be arround $5000 or less for material and labour ($2500 material + $2500 labour).

That leaves $10,000 for flooring, trim, doors, and paint. Then there's cabinets, countertops, stove/microwave, stove fan/hood, glass for shower. Hopefully, I can squeeze it all in without going over too much.

I'll be posting before/after pics of the construction so keep eye out. Also, if you have a experiences in finishing your basement (aka putting in flooring, drywall, etc. and how much it cost), please feel free and post it.

Cheers,
Ed

Looking forward to the pics! :D

First time I have ever seen a pedestal sink with a cabinet built on it...

Well, the "Done for Christmas" effort is underway and this post is an update of sorts. Actually, it really a "To Do" list for myself so you may find some of the items very specific; I write it so I don't forget in the rush to finish. On the other side of things I do provide my budget; think of it as a case study for someone thinking of finishing their basement. Note that the budget list items I have to buy, and not the things I already have/bought. On to my "To Do" list:

-> Framing
I've completed all the framing necessary for the electrician to complete his work. This included re-framing the kitchen/bar by replacing the crap 2x3's 24" OC with 2x4's 16" OC. Also framed the pantry/freezer closet and finished all the neo-angle corners save one. What framing remains is:
- The box around the I-beam pole in the kitchen.
- Neo-angle in the hallway (saved that one to do the cold air return).
- The kitchen/bar top frame and above soffit (if I go with that idea).
- Frame the monitor hood/ceiling and rack box.
- Put in some missing studs in the rec room.
- Frame a minor stud wall (to isolate the HT) in the cold/wine room.
- Ceiling furring strips for dining room/entrance, hallway, pantry, rec room, and HT.

-> Plumbing, HVAC, and Vacum
I have to finish the hot & cold pipes to the kitchen; the pipes are already roughed in. Then I have to extend the central vacum piping to the kitchen for a sweep fixture (goes under the cabinet in kick plate). Also, put in the kitchen heat vent (pre-existing saddle off trunk), dining room vent (requires saddle off trunk), and kitchen's over-the-range microwave/convection oven exhaust vent. Both the bathroom's and kitchen's exhaust has to drilled (through brick). Finally, put in the kitchen/dining room/hallway cold air return. Finish the HT heat vent. I've already put in the cold air returns in the theater and rec room with the theater return being covered with sound absorbing material. Lastly, put in the fan exhaust in equipment closet to the cold air return trunk; though I could exhaust into the rec room since the fan I bought is 200 CFM at only 2.0 scones (i.e. it's very quiet).

Once the electrical done, insulation is the next major task.

Materials:
X - Lumber - 500.00
2 - bags of 16" OC Pink Insulation R12 WD ($31.47 ea) - 62.94
3 - bags of 24" OC Pink Insulation R12 WD ($39 ea*) - 117.00
31 - bags of 16" OC Roxul S&S R12 WD ($32.97 ea) - 1022.07
1 - vapour barrier, 6 mil. & tuck tape - 100.00
1 - tar paper/tyvek wrap - 100.00
4 - tubes of PL Premium- 50.00
2 - boxes, 3" screws - 28.98
1 - box, 4" screws - 15.00
1 - measuring tape - 10.00
X - vacum piping, fittings - 50.00
X - HVAC materials -200.00
--------
$2255.99

-> Electrical, rough-in on Nov. 25th/26th. Wiring to finish is to replace the upstairs speaker wire with in-wall rated wire. Also, reroute my gas fireplace switch connection/wire up into the joists. Do all the data/cable/telephone wiring. Finally, put in the outlet/inlet for the projector/sub to the equip. closet (got to get the inlet hardware or come up with a solution).

Materials:
- octagon work boxes
- metal work boxes
- metal work boxes, 2 gang
- metal work boxes, 3 gang
1 - old-work boxes
2 - 4" IC pot lights
1 - silent bathroom fan - 193.00
3 - over-bar drop light fixtures
2 - blue plastic IC shields
- vapour barrier shields
- cat 5 connections - 100.00
-------
500.00

-> Drywall
To be hanged, taped, and mudded; represents the point where when done I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Materials:
51 - 4x8' 1/2" drywall ($11.17 ea) - 569.67
17 - 4x10' 1/2" drywall ($14.17 ea) - 240.89
25 - 4x12' 1/2" drywall ($16.77 ea) - 419.25
1 - box, corner bead 8' 25 pcs 1 1/4" bead ($39.99 ea) - 39.99
3 - corner bead 130 deg 1 1/4" bead ($2.69 ea) - 8.07
2 - 500' drywall tape - 8.78
8 - 23 kg dust control drywall compound ($21.97 ea) - 175.76
3 - days, drywall lift rental ($37 per day) - 111.00
--------
1573.41

-> Prime, paint, & ceiling texture; intend to use a sprayer.

Materials:
5 - 2 gallon Behr drywall primer ($23.00 ea) - 115.00
8 - gallons, Behr egg shell paint ($31.00 ea) - 248.00
2 - 20 kg ceiling texture ($16.27 ea) - 32.54
1 - day, texture sprayer ($55 per day) - 55.00
1 - day, paint sprayer ($79 per day) - 79.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------
529.54

-> Flooring
Was looking at engineered hardwood but the price is steep. Now I'm looking at going with Delta-FL underlayment, foam underlay, and laminate flooring; hopefully it will be cheaper and faster to put in. Carpet for the HT installed. Tile for the kitchen. The below assumes engineered...

Materials:
700 - sq ft, engineered hardwood ($115.00 box/20 sq ft) - 4025.00
700 - sq ft, underlay ($.69 sq ft) - 483.00
300 - sq ft, carpet installed (inc. tax) for HT - 1600.00
108 - sq ft, granite tile ($30.00 box/20 sq ft) - 240.00
1 - 8' in-floot heating pad & control - 200.00
2 - bags, no modified thinset - 50.00
--------
6598.00

-> Trim-out and doors; won't happen until December 15th when my doors are due to arrive at Home Depot.

Materials:
226 - linear ft, FB baseboard ($.58/ft) - 131.08
27 - 7' FB casing ($2.59 ea) - 69.93
1 - 8' 1x4 primed trim board ($10.00 ea*) - 10.00
1 - Masonite FF 32" 2 panel arch top solid ($161.00 ea)
1 - Masonite FF 28" 2 panel arch top solid
1 - Masonite FF 18" 2 panel arch top hollow ($95.00 ea)
3 - Masonite FF 32" 2 panel arch top hollow ($101.00 ea) - 610.31
36 - sq ft, granite tile ($30.00 box/20 sq ft) - 60.00
-------
881.32

-> Cabinets and counter tops.

Materials:
1 - PC1884 pantry cabinet -300.00
5 - D1830 doors - 250.00
1 - D1849 doors - 90.00
1 - W3015 wall bridging cabinet -105.00
2 - D1515 doors - 100.00
1 - APEP2479 end panel - 300.00
1 - W1530 wall cabinet - 107.00
1 - D1530 doors - 40.00
1 - DB15 drawer base - 199.00
1 - D1830 drawer panels - 120.00
4 - ABEP2430 - 300.00
1 - B18 base cabinet - 169.00
1 - W1830 wall cabinet - 107.00
1 - B36 base cabinet - 270.00
1 - B24 base cabinet - 207.00
2 - D1230 doors - 90.00
2 - ATK496 96" toe kick - 100.00
4 - AF330 filler - 40.00
1 - countertop - 300.00
--------
3194.00

TOTAL MATERIAL (inc. 13%): $17343.45
ELECTRICAL: $ 3990.00
-----------------
TOTAL $21333.45

So that is the total (estimated) budget for my build. Of course, I have to add the below to finish and make the space functional. Obviously I already have the HT equipment, seating, and some furniture.

Appliances:
Stove, stainless - $855.00
Overhead microwave/fan hood - $799.00
Dishwasher, stainless - $500.00
Wine cooler - $448.00
--------------------------
TOTAL (inc. tax) $2940.26

Total joy at the end of your project, Priceless!!! :)

I want so much your project to be done that I'm about to start a KAORU Fund!

I'm sure you'll enjoy the reward of your room at the end.

First, make it a BIG project (more than a home theater) with big appeal to the wife (unless that appeals to her). Saying things like "Wouldn't it be nice if we had a spot to get away from the kids?" or "We could enterain friends down here?" helps to grease the wheels. Next, invite the in-laws to stay for Christmas (her in-laws that is) or some other family where appearances are of the most importance to her. Then mix in the notion that having the basement done would be so nice for Christmas... Voila! Instant approval to spend $21,000 (she capped me at that) on the basement/HT.

Warning: Realize that you ACTUALLY have to get it done BY CHRISTMAS, not for the faint of heart. In my case, my Mom/Dad is coming for Christmas on December 19th so that is deadline my wife will enforce... I forsee alot of sore muscles in the coming days.

Note: Though my budget is capped at $21000, being around Christmas my wife is thrilled that she is getting a new stove, fridge, OTR microwave/convection oven, and dishwasher for Christmas. Of course I'm not telling her that these gifts are not coming out of the budget... Mum the word on that!

Ohh! Don't forget to play up the fact that this will be your ONLY Christmas gift! The video games (like Resistance 2 and SOCOM) and blue-ray movies (like the 007 collection) will be for the kids! ;)

Cheers,
Ed.

Given your background in computers and anyone else on this thread schooled in computers and hometheater integration... I have a question or 2

I am blasting thru my basment over the next 3 weeks or so... and wiring next week... my equipment is in a different location than the Theater....about 25 feet or so away...

Can I connect a new laptop (which I am buying soon) in the AV area to my receiver and have it run to my projector and get myself some blue-tooth keyboard and mouse - that way I will have control and sound in the Theater.

Or should I run an S-Video or something down the wall to beside the couch to an outlet on the wall that I plug into (video only ) unless I run a headphone jack connection from that same outlet over to the receiver?

Bottom line is I like to play online alot - its my business... so how to integrate this into the system for not a huge outlay?

Thanks in advance....

I'm rooting you on for Christmas GO GO!

theconcertaholic

Given your background in computers and anyone else on this thread schooled in computers and hometheater integration... I have a question or 2

I am blasting thru my basment over the next 3 weeks or so... and wiring next week... my equipment is in a different location than the Theater....about 25 feet or so away...
Blasting!? Your going to kick up some dust! :) (My home town does surface mining; blasts 12 noon every day)
Can I connect a new laptop (which I am buying soon) in the AV area to my receiver and have it run to my projector and get myself some blue-tooth keyboard and mouse - that way I will have control and sound in the Theater.

Or should I run an S-Video or something down the wall to beside the couch to an outlet on the wall that I plug into (video only ) unless I run a headphone jack connection from that same outlet over to the receiver?

Bottom line is I like to play online alot - its my business... so how to integrate this into the system for not a huge outlay?

Thanks in advance....

I'm rooting you on for Christmas GO GO!

theconcertaholic

Well, you can do it both ways but using a laptop via S-Video does not work well in terms of resolution. If the laptop can do HDMI/DVI and your receiver does switch HDMI then that's the route to go...

However, if you play online a lot my suggestion is to put in a dedicated HTPC. You can build a Windows based HTPC for arround $500 with Asus MB/HDMI integrated video, Intel dual core (2.6 GHz; cheap), 2 GB DDR2, 1 TB (yep, TerraByte for $119.00), basic case, and DVD burner. Add some more money for BlueRay drive and a HTPC case. That's what I did for my bedroom HTPC though I added a IR/MCE keyboard/mouse/remote and hacked the drivers to work with Windows XP.

If you want the laptop then you could run a VGA/DVI/audio cables to your seat; it's only 25' but the cables will cost you as much as the HTPC.

Cheers,
Kaoru

I promised some pictures of my effort to build a basement and HT by Christmas. It's going to be tight since the amount of the work is a definite challenge for myself. The one thing I've contracted out is the electrical work which begins tomorrow. SO here is the before pics...

The below pic is of the HT with some of the chairs removed. That's to facilitate putting power into the riser. Notice the cold air return coming out of the projector mount; it's covered with sound absorbing material. Also, on the riser is the 200 cfm 2 scones twin blower fan for the equipment closet. As you can tell I'm still working on the HVAC...
http://www.sculptscience.com/HT-Pics/IMG_0404.JPG

The next two pics is the entrance, dining area, bar & kitchen[ette]... I took the pictures from the pantry/freezer room.
http://www.sculptscience.com/HT-Pics/IMG_0400.JPG

Notice the new 2x4 16" OC framing for the kitchen cabinets, OTR microwave/convection oven, and bar shelves.
http://www.sculptscience.com/HT-Pics/IMG_0401.JPG

The final pic is of the entrance to the HT with the equipment closet on the right.
http://www.sculptscience.com/HT-Pics/IMG_0395.JPG

Cheers,
Kaoru

Seeing every thing on paper does not help when you try to estimate how much work it will be. Seeing all the material certainly provides a reality check...

The delivery took up an entire flat bed trailer. I nearly sh*t a brick when I saw it since it was only me, myself, and I. Snow coming, how/where was I going to put it in short order? Luck was on my side. Normally, the delivery is only curb side but the driver saw that I had an old computer, printer, and solid wood desk. He just moved to Ottawa and he cut me a deal, he put my drywall in my garage for the stuff! Works for me since I trying to get rid of it anyway. It took some time and careful forklift maneuvers to get it in there.
http://www.sculptscience.com/HT-Pics/IMG_0399.JPG

Four pallets of insulation stuffed in behind the drywall; I have no room left in my two car garage.
http://www.sculptscience.com/HT-Pics/IMG_0398.JPG

I think I got my self into trouble when I committed myself to completing the basement by Christmas...

Cheers,
Kaoru

Holy Cow.

Did u tell your wife Xmas 2009?

Sweet Jeezus, I'm scared just looking at the photos!! :o

I wish you much strength and perseverance. I can see it looking very, very cool when it's all done... :p

Stop posting and start building. ;) Only 31 days left.