Newbie wants to create a project studio in garage

Hi, I feel like i've an unimaginable journey in front of me but am betting this is the best place to start :lol: I have a detached garage and am looking to convert half of it into a project studio (useable space 3.5m2). The garage is brick built with a wood and felt roof (slate tiles). As most of my work is done 'in the box', i don't have much equipment other then the mac, mixing desk (big volume control knob ;-), master keyboard etc. So am not looking to create a spectacular dream studio although Hans Zimmer's private studio would be most welcome !!! My main aim is to build a well insulated and as best as possible, a sound proofed room (in & out) which is comfortable to work in. Here's the hard part....where do i start ;-) I've downloaded googlesketch to get started with but where i will struggle is ideas for best materials, construction, build schedule. I'm fairly good at DIY although the electrical requirements will be carried out by a PartP qualified electrician (PartP UK building requirement). Any help and or suggestions where to start looking in this incredible database of knowledge is gratefully appreciated. Lastly, a big thanks to John Sayer for creating this forum and community :shot: Thanks in advance VMM

I guess firstly welcome, and you should read the sticky @ : viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3231 Then fill in the much missed information, budget, dimensions, etc.

Hi, Yes i will upload all the dimensions/budget etc. Am aiming to do a complete measure up this weekend. Will update on Sunday weather permitting. Thanks for the sticky link! Have a good weekend VMM EDIT: Just read the sticky and feel a little embarrassed :oops: Apologies for missing the Obvious :roll: Will adhere to the request guidelines from here on in!

Trust me, if it were not for people missing the stickies, we wouldn't have a way to get most threads moving along after the initial post ;)

Hi "VillageMusicMan", and welcome!

but am betting this is the best place to start

It sure is! No place better on the entire Internet for learning how to build a studio.

Here's the hard part....where do i start

Once good place to start is by determining how much isolation you actually need, based on real measurements with a sound level meter. You need to answer two questions: 1) How loud are you? 2) How quiet do you need to be?. The difference between those two numbers (in decibels) is how much isolation you need. Based on that, you can take a look at the relevant documentation, and find a construction method that gets you that number, and also fits your budget.

Any help and or suggestions where to start looking in this incredible database of knowledge is gratefully appreciated.

Well, with your isolation number and basic construction decided, you can then figure out if you need one room, two rooms, or more. But I think there's an error in your space measurement. You said "am looking to convert half of it into a project studio (useable space 3.5m2)" 3.5m2 is really small! That's hardly bigger than a broom closet! Maybe you meant 13.5m2, or hopefully even 23.5 m2? So anyway, when you have decided how many rooms you need, and what the purpose is for each, then you can start with the rough layout of each room, based on the more or less "standard" guidelines that you'll find on the forum, regarding symmetry, geometry, angles, etc. With that in place, you can then figure out what kind of treatment you will need, and where to put it. And last but not least, you can then figure out your HVAC system, electrical system, and technical wiring. With all that in place, you should then get a structural engineer to check it over (to make sure that you can build it safely in your garage), get your building permits as needed, and start hammering away merrily! That's the rough outline. :) - Stuart -

Hi,

You need to answer two questions: 1) How loud are you? 2) How quiet do you need to be?. The difference between those two numbers (in decibels) is how much isolation you need. Based on that, you can take a look at the relevant documentation, and find a construction method that gets you that number, and also fits your budget.

Not very loud. As it's mostly 'in the box', i monitor at fairly sociable levels. I have a pair of Genelec 030As but never really push them. As for how quiet? I'd like to reduce outside noise as much as possible.

Well, with your isolation number and basic construction decided, you can then figure out if you need one room, two rooms, or more. But I think there's an error in your space measurement. You said "am looking to convert half of it into a project studio (useable space 3.5m2)" 3.5m2 is really small! That's hardly bigger than a broom closet! Maybe you meant 13.5m2, or hopefully even 23.5 m2?

Sadly not :cry: The actual useable area would be 10.45 m2 (3.29W x 2.61H x 3.18L) which is enough for me. I only need one room to work in and record (guitars, vocals etc). The room i'm in presently is much larger but i only use about 10 m2. But i do have the luxury of storing lots of other gear in the room. Most of which i don't use :oops:

So anyway, when you have decided how many rooms you need, and what the purpose is for each, then you can start with the rough layout of each room, based on the more or less "standard" guidelines that you'll find on the forum, regarding symmetry, geometry, angles, etc. With that in place, you can then figure out what kind of treatment you will need, and where to put it. And last but not least, you can then figure out your HVAC system, electrical system, and technical wiring.

I have a basic idea of how i want to insulate/sound proof the room. Mostly using british gypsum products such as Gypsum Audio System, Soundbloc boards and Insulated plasterboards (w Celotex backing etc.) Wiring will be straight forward as i only need 4 filtered double plug sockets. I'll get a PartP electrician to do that bit (PartP Uk regulations). I've found a nice AC unit from xpleair WHP245, would like opinions on this if possible as well? I think it's more then enough for the 'Broom Closet' :D

With all that in place, you should then get a structural engineer to check it over (to make sure that you can build it safely in your garage), get your building permits as needed, and start hammering away merrily!

Thankfully building control and planning isn't required given the size of the project but i'm more then likely going to get a firm in to do the majority of the work. The key thing though is having the design and materials knowledge in place so i don't get hoodwinked by the ever increasing amount of so called 'Garage Converters' out there. Recently one quoted over £12,000 :? I'm getting some pics and provisional designs together and will post them ASAP. lastly, thank you for making a newbie feel very welcome ! VMM

Hi All, Have been off piste for awhile as i've taken on Howard Turner from Studio Wizard and Jeff Pank (Who was involved with Lou's Studio4 build) We start this Monday and if there's any interest and or benefit to other members, i'll be posting day by day pics (Est 3 week job). I can't wait :shot: Thanks VMM

definitely ! Post floor plans, diagrams, pictures, etc ... :)

Yes, if possible. I don't recall where it was or at what phase of the build it was but I recall a pretty expensive hic-cup, that could have been prevented had a few more eyeballs been looking over the shoulders, or more information during the process...it has been a while, so I cannot recall exactly the issue.