First Post - Studio Plans - Input Welcome!

Great site! I'm an audio engineer of over ten years, but have always worked out of other studios, or spare rooms within houses. I'm beginning construction on garage conversion studio next year, and have begun the planning stage. Unfortunately I only have a 10'X16' space to work with, with a 4' extension, but at least it'll be dedicated, sound proofed space. It's got 9' ceilings, and the entire garage is insulated. I'll be floating the floor, walls, and ceiling, and there is one door and no windows. Any ideas on how to improve the design or space would be greatly appreciated. Also, any thoughts on what I might (roughly) expect to spend on such a project would be great as well. Here's what I'm looking at so far...

you could get rid of the pole behind you if you turned it around like this cheers John

That's a great idea John! :D It makes putting a seating area behind me a bit tricky, but i think it solves more potential problems than it causes. I like it a lot! Anything else?

I assume that's the door behind you now??

Perhaps you could try this?? cheers john

Yes, I think that's the ticket. Plan C would allow me to arrange for a permanent seating area. Very Cool!

Hey John, Any thoughts on (roughly) what it will cost to construct this beast? Brand new home Electrical, lighting and cable drops already in place 1 door / no windows Floating the floor, walls and ceiling Thanks for your help, and for this site!

Is the wall between the studio and the garage already built or is this the area you have allowed yourself.? cheers John

The wall will be built. It gives me *just* enough space to park (and enter & exit) one car in the garage.

I know you have limited space to work with, but isn't 6'x6' kinda small for a drum room?

It's not actually a drum room, it's just the area where the drums will most likely be. Unfortunately, because of space limitations, I wont have any isolated rooms within the studio.

... although, I suppose I could split the room around where the baffle is currenlly set to go. I could put a door on the Left side, and a window in front of the mixing desk. Hmmm...

... although, I suppose I could split the room around where the baffle is currenlly set to go. I could put a door on the Left side, and a window in front of the mixing desk. Hmmm...

:D:D:D cheers John

Ok, so it looks like I'm going with setup "C" with no dividing wall, as the room may also be used for live rehearsals in the future. AND, Rather than building next summer, I get to start next month!!! :D Keeping the original plan in mind (see my first post), the question is.... Can I do this for $5,000? Whatta ya think? BigRedButton

Can I do this for $5,000?

IO don't see why not - I'd ask Steve Knightfly, he has a good handle on US building costs. cheers john

Thanks! Will do. jbj

Thanks for the help guys! I've actually decided to forgo the garage conversion plan at this time. The space has a few nice things going for it, but I feel it presents too many problems, and not enough space. At this time I'm re-working my current bonus room setup, and will most likely build a free standing space in my backyard next year, when I've got a bigger budget to work with. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions at that time, but I'll be sure to have a poke around once in a while! Thanks again!