Help me pick a New House?

[GringoKC]

After only 1-1/2 years in a split-level home, I’ve decided that configuring it to include a reasonable recording studio + band rehearsal space is not worth the effort/expense, so I’m looking for something more appropriate. In fact, there’s a large ranch just 2 doors down with a full, unfinished basement that I may just buy. But I want to look around a little first.

Constaints: Currently I’m single again, and planning to stay that way for at least a few years. I will be buying in a suburban neighborhood, so sound-resistance will definitely be a requirement. But I'm prepared to have that installed after the purchase.

A basement studio in a ranch style house, while limited because of floor-to-ceiling height, helps much with attenuation, and therefore in keeping on a friendly basis with the neighbors. Access would probably be by narrow stairs, not good at all for lugging equipment in and out. Be a drag to move the B-3 into the basement, too, on several accounts. Thoughts?

Buying a property with a detached structure that could be soundproofed, say perhaps a 4-car garage, would have some advantages, but the second HVAC equipment would be expensive to buy, install and maintain. Other Pros / Cons I should consider with this idea?

Another option would be to Build… I could get a lot closer to what I wanted that way… but a custom-built house for a single (loud) musician might not be the easiest thing to re-sell.

[Todzilla]

I went from a basement based studio to a detached building. I will never ever go back. You may not have soundproofing issues as a single dude, but if it's ever a consideration, stand-alone is a godsend.

I got my builder to build a 16' X 23' cinderblock building with cathedral ceilings that arch up to 14'. Sweet.

The only drawback, again probably not an issue for you, is when sweety goes out for the night and I am listening for the wee one waking from slumber, I can't head out to the studio.

Maybe I should do a video monitoring setup