Hello All, my first post, your expertise is requested for a new build.

[4406cuda]

Hello all, I am in the planning stage of building a structure on my property that is in a quiet residential neighborhood with the nearest neighbor about 20 feet away. This structure will be used for my hard rock band to rehearse and occasionally record demos. I have about $5000 to spend on materials. Please provide any help and suggestions.

I am planning on starting construction October 12th

There is any existing slab of concrete and would like the building to be about 25' by 25' or 25' by 20' on the outside

Below is what I believe will be roughly needed for a room with in a room design

80 sheets of 4'/8' 5/8" drywall ($9.00 each)
30 sheets of 4'/8' 1/2" soundboard (9.00 each)
3 5 gallon buckets of green glue or quietglue ($750) ($65 for applicator gun) Which one is better and/or cost-effective?
2 solid doors with hardware ($200)
Portable Air Conditioner ($500)
R-13 Insulation Batts ($800)
2x6 and 2x4 for staggered stud walls
Roofing Material
Carpeting and Pads
Electrical wiring and outlets

Thanks in advance for your help.

By the way, I am waiting for Rod's book to be delivered from Amazon.

 

[Chili]

Welcome to the site.

I don't have Rod's book, but I hear it is a bible of sorts. One thing I might suggest is to change the air conditioner. I would recommend, if it can fit in the budget, getting a split mini ductless type unit. A portable a/c unit or window unit will make a lot of noise and you will have to record around it. Also, a window unit will not provide any kind of sound isolation.

 

[jhbrandt]

+1

.. However, you WILL require fresh air ventilation. - For that you will need baffle boxes properly constructed. WAIT until you get Rod's book, read it, understand it, and design your studio.. BEFORE you start building. Honest. "Good studio building is 90% design and 10% construction." - Andre Vare's signature line... .and it is VERY true!

Have a look on my publications page for, "How to find out how much isolation you need", and "Sound-proofing; the Quest". I also have several calculators that you may find helpful.

Cheers,
John

 

[4406cuda]

Thank you John, I am looking forward to reading Rod's book and I will check out your publications. I assume now that the portable air conditioner that uses hoses for exhaust and intake will not provide enough ventilation?

 

[mjbphotos]

$5000 - where are you located and do you have a connection to get construction materials at cost? You've only left $1700 in your budget for studs + ceiling rafters + roof construction + outside wall sheathing + something over that (vinyl?) + electric work (note you will need a breaker box, not just outlets and wire) + trim.

You are figuring on $10/square foot total cost (lucky you have the concrete slab already) - that's less than 25% of typical construction cost these days. A building that size - do you have engineering plans and have a building permit (most towns charge 10% of total cost for that).

 

[4406cuda]

Hello Mike, thank you for your response. I am in Thousand Oaks, CA just North of Los Angeles. The prices I quoted are through Lowes for the drywall, soundboard, and insulation. I definitely need to keep the cost down and keep my neighbors happy.

Would stucco be the best way to go as far as cost and sound proofing for the exterior? I believe asphalt shingles and 1/2" plywood might be the best way to go for the roof.

I was under the impression up until last night, that I would not need a permit for a detached building if no one was going to be living in the structure. I have left a voice mail with the building and safety in my town. I do not have engineering plans drawn out. I am not sure what is the best way to provide plans are. I am hoping that will not be necessary for music room/home theater room.

Any suggestions on the design or materials to reach my goals of sound proofing and staying with in my budget is greatly appreciated.

 

[Chili]

I was under the impression up until last night, that I would not need a permit for a detached building if no one was going to be living in the structure.

You live in California, if there is even the slightest remote chance of someone getting hurt or an endanger animal might die, you need a permit.

When I built my studio in the garage, I was adding to the living space of the house. The room is only 10x10 and when I inquired about a permit, the inspectors were like, "Mayyyyyybe you don't need a permit". For insurance purposes, I got one. They inspected it several times throughout the build and the final inspector loved it.

So, speaking of insurance. If you build it without a permit and someone gets hurt, good luck with your search for a lawyer, because your insurance company won't touch that claim.

Any suggestions on the design or materials to reach my goals of sound proofing and staying with in my budget is greatly appreciated.

Mass is your friend. Double drywall should help a lot. Room within a room, which you know already. And seal up every little air leak in the drywall, ventilation, doorways, etc. Where ever air can move will be a sound leak.

I personally think it's a tall order to build a sound proof room in a tight neighborhood with a small budget. But I think you have the right idea so far and with a good DIY-sense, you might be able to do it.

 

[TimOBrien]

Yup, expect a very stern code enforcement officer's knock on the door....

Remember that fines can accrue and they can put a lien on your home until you settle up and do it right with the proper paperwork.