Project Overview
This Jamesburg couple were serious movie enthusiasts who dreamed of a true home theater experience — not just a big TV in the living room. Their 900 sq ft basement was completely unfinished and had moisture issues that needed to be resolved first.
Phase 1: Moisture Mitigation
Before any finishing work, we addressed the basement’s moisture problems:
Waterproofing System
- Interior French drain along perimeter
- Sump pump with battery backup
- Vapor barrier on walls
- Dehumidifier with automatic drain
Results
After a 30-day monitoring period with humidity loggers, the basement maintained 45-50% relative humidity even during rain events. Green light to proceed.
Phase 2: Layout Design
We divided the 900 sq ft into three zones:
Home Theater (350 sq ft)
- Dedicated room with solid walls (not open to rest of basement)
- 120” projector screen
- 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos speaker layout
- Tiered seating for 8 people
- Complete light control
Game Room (400 sq ft)
- Open area adjacent to theater
- Space for pool table (with proper clearance)
- Dart board area with toe line
- Pub-height table and chairs
- 65” TV for casual viewing/gaming
Wet Bar (150 sq ft)
- Full bar counter with seating for 5
- Under-counter beverage refrigerator
- Bar sink with running water
- Glass-front cabinets for display
- Pendant lighting
Home Theater Technical Details
Acoustic Treatment
This wasn’t just a room with a big screen — it was engineered for sound:
- Walls built with sound clips and double drywall
- Acoustic panels at first reflection points
- Bass traps in corners
- Solid-core door with acoustic seals
- No HVAC registers in theater room (supply through transfer duct)
Projection System
- 4K laser projector ceiling-mounted
- Motorized screen drops from ceiling
- All wiring concealed in walls
- Equipment rack in adjacent closet
Seating Platform
- Raised rear row (12” higher)
- Carpeted riser with LED step lighting
- Power recline seats with USB charging
Electrical & Technology
| System | Details |
|---|---|
| Theater Circuits | 2x 20-amp dedicated |
| Bar Area | 20-amp with GFCI |
| General Lighting | LED recessed throughout |
| Network | Cat6 drops to all zones |
| Smart Control | Lutron RadioRA for lighting |
Finishes
Flooring
- Theater: Luxury carpet tile (replaceable)
- Game Room: Luxury vinyl plank (durable)
- Bar Area: Same LVP with rubber mats behind bar
Walls
- Theater: Dark gray with acoustic panels
- Game Room: Light gray
- Bar: Shiplap accent wall behind bar
Timeline
- Weeks 1-2: Waterproofing system installation
- Week 3: Framing and rough electrical
- Week 4: HVAC, plumbing rough-in
- Week 5: Insulation, drywall
- Week 6: Taping, finishing, painting
- Week 7: Flooring, trim
- Week 8: Fixtures, bar, theater install
- Week 9: Final details, calibration
Result
The couple now hosts “movie night” every Friday with friends. The theater room rivals commercial experiences — some say it’s better because the bar is right outside. The game room has become the default hangout spot for their teenagers and friends.
Their home value increased significantly with this finished square footage — the appraiser specifically noted the quality of the theater room construction.