Professional Musician - Amateur Carpenter (TX)

Hi everyone, I've really enjoyed the forums here. This is my first post, and I figured I'd better go ahead and get started with the questions before I went into planning mode! My wife and I have purchased a new home here just outside of Houston, TX. I have plans to turn two adjacent rooms into a recording room and control room. Here are my concerns: - my construction attempts could void one of the various warranties on the house (or at least, in the part of the house the studio is built - I'll create a dangerous situation in my ignorance - Resale When I say amateur, I don't mean absolutely clueless. I've built several rooms (no electrical work though) and have helped out on random contract work with some of my construction friends (nothing too fancy though - stuff like building fences). Right on. I picked up Rod's book that everyone recommends. I'm afraid I'm only about 50 pages in at the moment. My main point here: "Is it worth forking out the money for contractors, or can me and a few amateurs get the job done?" I'd really appreciate your thoughts. We don't have a lot of money at the moment - purchasing the house has drained our savings, so it's something to consider. Thanks!!! ~Neal

Hi Neal, I'm going to speak from what I know as a Builder in Australia. Not sure what kind of warranties your house does have but unless you are altering structural components or wiring work you do should not void a warranty. Of course, do not take my word for this, just my opinion on your concern. Creating a dangerous situation - If you are not confident enough in your skills get proper contractors. If you know proper tradespeople, maybe they can come in and advise you, have a look at what you have done and advise accordingly. Resale - I presume any house with a studio is not going to appeal to everyone. So long as the people who buy it wont have to tear half the house down or spend a lot of money to change the studio into a more suitable room, It should not effect it that much. Again, only from my experience. of course, never try electricals if you have no idea especially in a highly massed and insulated wall. Hope this is some food for thought. Paul