You do not have to be a professional musician to have a music studio in your home. There are plenty of people who simply love to play, possibly even record their own music. Having said that, it can be intrusive to other people in the home when you are playing especially when you get the urge to play at 3 a.m. If you love music and love playing music, why not add a small studio room into the design of your custom-built home?
Location, Location, Location
This all goes to the point we made above about not wanting to have the music permeate the entire home or leak out into the neighbor’s home. So, pick an isolated spot where you can “quietly” play.
Room Dimensions, Construction, and Treatment
In addition to picking an isolated space, the room should be constructed for both better sound and soundproofed. Square rooms are not ideal for music because the shape can lead to uneven distribution of the sound. You want a room that has an “odd” shape for the best acoustics, and this is something with which your architect can help.
Once the shape is decided upon, here are a few other ideas to improve the sound and keep the sound in the room:
- Double-wall construction
- Specialized doors for studios
- Acoustic seals
- Bass traps
- Diffusers
- Absorption panels
Flooring
Carpets will absorb sounds, which is why many home studios feature them, but the fact that they absorb the sound is not ideal for a real studio. If you build the room properly, this should not be a concern, so consider hardwood or laminate flooring. If need be, you can use area rugs to reduce sound in very specific areas.
Ventilation
One person in a room is no big deal, but if you plan on having friends over for a jam session, all those bodies and equipment add heat, so ensure the room is adequately ventilated. You can have duct silencers installed to reduce the noise level escaping from the ventilation system.
Electrical Needs and Storage
If you have ever seen a music studio, you know they have a significant amount of equipment, all of it needing power. This is something you will want to discuss extensively with your contractor to ensure the proper wiring is completed with dedicated circuits for your equipment.
If you are going so far as to build your own studio, you are likely going to spend a lot of money on equipment, so you should also be investing in the proper storage to keep the equipment safe. I would highly recommend checking out other home studios as well as consulting with builders who are experienced in creating home studios. This person does not necessarily have to be your home builder, as they can be brought in to consult on the project to ensure the studio is done the right way.
Comfort and Lighting
When you play, you want to be comfortable, so invest in ergonomic chairs and desks that can elevate to a stand-up position as well as a seated position. Monitors should all be installed at eye level. For lighting, the mood set by lighting can inspire, so invest in mood lighting, maybe some extra windows, and heavy drapes to cover them when needed.
A home studio is a major undertaking, so you may need some extra help, which is where Better Build Now comes in. Our residential construction project managers can help guide you through the process and ensure you have the right people in place to construct your dream studio. For more information on our services, click here.