Looking to possibly add an out building studio. Advice?

  • Thread starter Thread starter donontheweb
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donontheweb

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Hey all,

The Mrs. and I are looking to buy a house but this time around we're wanting either a full basement for my recording studio or to add an out building. I was thinking that one of those pre-fabed sheds would do and just have it finished and maybe add a small ac/heat unit to it. I have no idea if this is doable.

Anyone here ever do something liek this and if so, how did it turn out and how much did it run ya?
 
Basement sounds a lot easier - and easier to cool and heat. well cool anyway :) easier to secure too
 
Unless you live out in the country (as I do) the out building is typically not a good idea if you have the option of a basement. Unless you have concrete walls you will not be able to prevent the low end (bass drum and bass gtr) from resonating in your neighbor's living room or bedroom. Then again, if you have concrete walls then you might as well be in a basement. Right? The sound won't get out but you will have issues because of the hard reflective surfaces. That's just how it is. Think of the basement as the shell of another building. All you have to do is finish it inside. My 1200 sqft studio cost about $10K to build the shell about 7 years ago. We did all the interior work including electrical and saved a bundle. If I had a basement that $10K could have gone into equipment. Something to think about. And like arcadeko mentioned above, security is much easier with a "stealthy" studio.

Even though I am in the country I have had a neighbor complain from 1/4 mile away and call the sheriff dept. The deputy showed up and asked me to turn down the stereo. Yes sir Officer Dangle, right away.
 
To stop sound getting in and out you need mass, if you have a space that already has thick walls build it there. A standard prefab shed will offer almost no sound isolation. You will need to build an extra stud wall with thick panels on the inside (including the ceiling) and fill the cavities with high density insulation. Also cover the windows and build a sound proof door.

With the basement you may get away with covering the windows (if there are any) and sound proofing the ceiling.

Alan.
 
donontheweb said:
Hey all,

The Mrs. and I are looking to buy a house but this time around we're wanting either a full basement for my recording studio or to add an out building. I was thinking that one of those pre-fabed sheds would do and just have it finished and maybe add a small ac/heat unit to it. I have no idea if this is doable.

Anyone here ever do something liek this and if so, how did it turn out and how much did it run ya?
Click to expand...

Don, You've already received a bunch of great advice... Basement! - Usually more cost effective as long as the ceiling is not too low. O_o

More good information on my publications page - including calculators to help with the layout. ;)

Cheers,
John
 
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