Remodeling
Success 101

Q: How difficult is it to move a wall to enlarge a room?

A: That depends. If the wall is non-structural (meaning it is not vital to the home's stability), moving it slightly is usually an easy undertaking. However, if moving the wall affects the size or location of a door or window opening or some other feature in that room or an adjacent space, the alteration is usually more difficult, time-consuming, and costly. It may often be necessary for a structural engineer to be involved both to determine whether a wall is structural and if so, what measures should be taken when removing it.

The concept of a "media room," as a space specifically devoted to house theater and audio systems, is relatively recent. Such rooms, designed for greater viewing comfort together with acoustic separation from the rest of the house, quickly became popular remodeling projects in existing homes.

Now, professional remodeling contractors are responding to the evolution of media technology with new "media room" features. These new, sophisticated spaces incorporate multiple, flat-panel plasma or LCD television screens (called "displays" in the trades) for watching broadcast television, surfing the Internet, and playing video games. Also included -- by client demand -- are surround-sound audio, multi-port outlets and docks that enable a variety of consumer electronics, and multipurpose furnishings and built-ins that suit both card and electronic game players.

Yes, the media room has become the game room, again driven by homebuyer demand and a host of new (mostly electronic) toys. Whether improving an existing room or, more likely, adding to the home's footprint, remodelers are educating their buyers about the lifestyle advantages of including such a project and the value it adds to their property.

Consider some of the special features that a true Game Room encompasses, all of which are easily accommodated in a remodeling project:

• Acoustics. Sound transmission in or out of a game room can be disruptive. Remodelers can incorporate products that block or deaden sound through the walls, floors, and ceilings. Special membranes and laminated drywall and plywood panels meet the need without adding a lot of extra cost, rendering the Game Room almost a separate acoustical zone within the house.

• Light and shading. Everyone enjoys natural light ... except when there's a movie playing. Windows are a must to maintain flexible use of the room when the house is sold. The home's exterior appearance must be considered, as well. To create the optimal movie-watching experience, remodelers turn to motorized screens and draperies that smoothly draw across the windows. Controlled by remote devices or wall-mounted panels, such screens retract into the wall when not in use or disappear into a subtle housing to retain the room's overall aesthetic design.

• Multiple displays. One screen is not enough in the modern Game Room. Though remodelers usually leave the purchase of consumer electronics up to the homebuyers after the project is finished, high-tech game rooms must be designed and wired to accommodate several displays and multiple signals. These may include satellite, wireless and wired Internet, cable, personal computers, and (don't forget!) electricity.

• Seating, storage, and snacks. Like its media room predecessor, the new Game Room is a gathering place for family and guests, often engaged in multiple activities at the same time. Space for several zones of comfortable seating is very popular, as is built-in cabinet storage for all of the game players, audio and video equipment, and other components. Small kitchen set-ups, complete with sink, under-counter appliances, and counter work space, provide family and guests with additional convenience in this self-contained haven.

Media rooms are among the new wave of distinct, specialized areas within today's homes. The "Game Room" reflects the development of high-tech consumer electronics and the consumers' desire to maximize enjoyment of these new toys. Professional remodelers are equipped to suggest ways to create space for a Game Room and to deliver an amenity that satisfies every goal.

Warm regards,

info@highcraft.net
www.highcraft.net

c. 2007 All rights reserved.

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