Add a Media Room to New Construction? (Houston: custom home, movies)

[Mamiamjo]

What are your thoughts about the option of adding a Media Room to a new construction house? I'd especially like to hear from anyone that has added one, or considered adding one, but didn't.

Some related information..

• cost of build out with carpet, light and prewiring is about $7K
• 13x15 dimensions
• Most of the homes in the subdivision with this floor plan have the media room option added
• House also has a good sized Game Room (14x21) and I'm thinking of putting a pool table in the game room and then using the media room for movies & TV

Questions:

• Is the cost ($7K) in line/reasonable compared to other homes in Houston area?
• What would be the approx. cost to add it later?
• Would it hurt my resale value to Not add the MR?
• What else should I consider?

Thanks!

[979Texan]

My thoughts are that this doesn't belong in the Houston forum

[Mamiamjo]

Originally Posted by 979Texan

My thoughts are that this doesn't belong in the Houston forum

Sorry, building the home in Houston, thought the market may have some bearing on the viewpoint and my decision. Moderator can move the thread as they see fit

[marksmu]

Ive got a media room...I dont currently use it as a media room though. I have a custom home and we designed the media room to be a media room once my kids are old enough to play upstairs unattended. Right now at 2 & 4 I want to keep them downstairs where I can keep an eye on them - thus the media room downstairs right off the kitchen.

I like it - its a good feature. Cost wise 7K for that room is only $36/ft that seems exceptionally cheap. My media room is 16x15 and is a great size. I can tell you this for sure. You cant come close to building it in the future for $7K....Not even remotely close.

If its a feature you think you would like, $7K seems like nothing at all. Somewhat of a no-brainer, especially if most of the other homes in your area have it. Its never a good thing to be the outlier.

[texsn95]

Originally Posted by 979Texan

My thoughts are that this doesn't belong in the Houston forum

Gee, don't be such a Debbie Downer.

Yes for 7k do it no doubt.

[ToyYot]

Originally Posted by marksmu

If its a feature you think you would like, $7K seems like nothing at all. Somewhat of a no-brainer, especially if most of the other homes in your area have it. Its never a good thing to be the outlier.

Personally, I don't want a media room but for resale I would consider adding one under your circumstances for that price.

[FabulousE]

I would add the media room if I were you. We will be moving into our house soon and we can't wait to use ours. We plan to use it for family movies night and parties.

[Hangster]

I would add it. It would cost more to do it afterwards and you could possibly void any warranty you have from the builder if doing it afterward requires any structural changes.

[diggity101]

I'm guessing this room is part of the standard floor plan as an extra room and the $7K option is to deck it out as a media room with additional lighting and structured wiring. In other words, you are not getting additional square footage, just a different finish on the room.

Is that the case?

[Mamiamjo]

Originally Posted by diggity101

I'm guessing this room is part of the standard floor plan as an extra room and the $7K option is to deck it out as a media room with additional lighting and structured wiring. In other words, you are not getting additional square footage, just a different finish on the room.

Is that the case?

Actually, it would be attic space if not converted to a Media Room so we do get the extra square footage. The builder is charging $6,500 for finishing, lighting and providing electric, cable outlet etc. Its about $450 for carpeting and I think $150 for the surround pre-wiring.