Pros and Cons of a Home Movie Theater

Are you thinking about adding a home movie theater? Here are seven pros of cons of building a movie theater in your home. 

Any home renovation or addition will be a large investment, money and time wise. If you have been dreaming of a home cinematic experience then ensure you understand all the ins and outs of the process. 

Everyone loves a movie night, but imagine the comfort of your own home instead of a communal experience of a commercial cinema. Similarly to a home gym or office, the convenience of a private home theater can't be beat. At the same time, there are many aspects to consider including the room size, type and quality of equipment, materials, labor, and decor. 

Depending on the state of the room, the cost and labor it takes to build the theater will vary. Many homeowners build theaters in the basement to minimize sound, however you can also soundproof the room for a reasonable price. 

Whether you are an avid movie watcher or you're simply sick of communal theaters, a home movie room is an amazing addition. The best way to decipher if a home addition is worth it is to consider how often you'll use the space and how much home value it will add. Before any big decisions, consider these pros and cons. 

Here are the pros and cons of a home movie theater. 

1. Pro: Customizable Space

The main reason most homeowners want a home movie theater is due to the customizable options. This applies to decor and the use of space. In addition to using the space as a movie theater, many double the space as a gaming room. 

If you're a parent who works from home and needs a space for the kids to play, a soundproofed room is a great option. This way, the kids have plenty of things to do from home, and you can have some peace and quiet to finish up work. 

While most homeowners opt for a room that resembles the average movie theater, it all depends on your personal preferences. Whether you want soundproofing, low lighting, recliners, or a projector. It is all up to you.

Many homeowners choose a theme for theater rooms. If you're stuck on the decor part, there are many helpful apps for homeowners to use to design rooms. You can find decor or theme inspiration that fits your personal style. 

2. Pro: Increased Home Value

The exact amount of increased home value will depend on the quality of the theater and the value of your home. According to Homes & Gardens, the return on investment of a home theater is generally 65%. This means if you spend $20,000 on a home theater, it can add around $13,000 to the value of your home. 

The best way to decipher how much value a theater would add is to speak with your real estate agent before building. Additionally, the added value is only worth it if you know you'll use the space often. The worst thing to do is build a specialized room for your house and not use it. 

While a home theater adds value, keep in mind that it only appeals to a select group of people. However, a soundproofed room can have several different uses. For example, a buyer could be looking for a home with a room to play music, meditate, relax, or work from home. 

According to HomeLight, to maximize the value of a home theater, keep up with the latest and greatest technology, including a quality TV or projector. Also, include the components with the sale, like the audio and video components. Finally, avoid any irreversible renovations to reduce the risk of alienating a segment of buyers. This means outfitting the room for different uses, like a bedroom, office, or playroom. 

3. Pro: Enhanced Entertainment

Going to the movie theater is meant to be a fun and convenient experience. But with a home theater, you can enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and other media forms from the comfort of your own space. With movie theater seating, ambient lighting, and a large screen, you won't even notice you're at home. 

Not only can you enjoy the space, but visiting friends or family can be a part of it as well. Imagine all the fun nights you can host for friends or your children. All while staying at home. 

The best part of home movie nights is choosing the film or show you're watching. You can decide what to watch and when, all while enjoying the experience of being in a real movie theater. 

4. Con: Initial Costs

Home movie theaters have many moving parts depending on what you want. Most of the equipment, furnishings, and installation will come at a high cost. 

According to Angi's List, the cost to install a home theater will vary between $10,000 and $60,000. The exact cost highly depends on the extent of the remodel. 

The most expensive equipment needed for a home theater includes the projector or TV, sound system, seating, and lighting. All of these costs will vary greatly, but installing the equipment on your own will save you a lot of extra cash. However, unless you're trained, it is recommended to at least consult with a professional. 

5. Con: Theater Maintenance

Similarly to regular home maintenance, maintaining your home theater includes climate control, power management, and preventive maintenance. 

Climate control includes proper ventilation. Unless the room is unfinished, it most likely already has ventilation. Keep in mind that soundproofing can negatively impact ventilation in a home. Be careful not to block airflow by accidentally sealing up spaces that are necessary for air circulation. 

Power management applies to balancing the electricity, reducing noise, and protecting the components from power outages. This refers to the process of controlling the electrical power in the system. To achieve this, use a surge protector or power conditioner to protect the electrical devices from power surges. 

Finally, preventative maintenance includes cleaning speakers, subwoofers, or the space itself. Just like you clean the whole home, don't skip out on your theater. 

6. Con: Social Isolation

If you enjoy movie theaters because it gets you out of the house, then you should rethink the idea of a home theater. Having hobbies is excellent, but not as much when it comes to social interactions. 

No matter how much your theater resembles a commercial movie theater, it won't feel exactly the same. For many moviegoers, the joys include the shared experience with friends, family, and even strangers. A home theater will limit this communal experience. However, it does allow for intimate gatherings with close friends and family members. 

While deciding if a home theater is worth the investment, consider your favorite parts of movie nights. Do you enjoy the shared experience? The comfortable seats? There are details you can add to the room, such as surround sound, theater seats, and even a popcorn machine. However, you sadly cannot replicate the fellow movie enthusiasts you see at the theaters. 

7. Is a Home Movie Theater Worth It?

Investing in a home theater is an exciting adventure. However, like any home improvement, you should focus on the return on investment and the amount of time you'll spend in the space. 

A local real estate agent will help you to understand better the current and future market conditions, including how much a theater will add to your home value. If you know you'll move soon, then increased home value should be a top priority. On the other hand, if you plan on staying in this home for a long time then consider how often you'll use the movie room. 

Make sure to contact one of our agents. They are some of the most trusted and hardworking agents in Raleigh. Consider your budget, available space, and personal preferences. These factors are essential when deciding if a home movie theater is right for you. 

FAQs: Home Movie Theater Pros and Cons

Here are some commonly asked questions about a home movie theater. 

Is it better to watch movies at home or in theaters?

Most prefer commercial theaters for the immersive expereince, however a home movie theater will give you that in the comfort of your own home. Whether it is better to watch movies at home or in theaters is a personal decision, but a home theater is the best of both worlds. 

Does a home theater add value to a home?

Yes, a home theater is a large up-front investment, but it is worth the work. A home theater installed by a professional builder will increase the additional value. 

Can you use a TV for a home theater?

You can use any sort of TV or projector to watch movies in a home theater. It all depends on your personal preferences and room size. Both create a great viewing experience, however if you opt for a TV, we recommend it be between 65 and 80 inches. 

How many speakers should a home theater have?

The standard recommendation is that a home theater should have at least five speakers. A surround sound system can be worth it, but it is also expensive. If you aren't ready to invest in one, then a couple of speakers around the room can do the job. 

How big should a home theater room be?

A home theater can be whatever size you want or need. According to HGTV, the ideal size for a home theater room is 20 feet long and 13 feet wide. This create the ideal space for a cozy and comfortable movie room. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine everything you need to know about the pros and cons of a home movie theater. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• HGTV
• Homes & Gardens
• HomeLight
• Angi's List

Home Movie Theater Pros and Cons - The Bottom Line

If you value the comfort of your own home and movie nights, a home theater might be a great investment. However, if you prefer the social aspects of a commercial theater, then this might not be the right choice. 

Keep in mind that almost every movie is available on streaming services, but not the newest movies. If you enjoy being one of the first to see the newest movies, it will be difficult to get them on at home. 

Whether you are building a home from scratch or considering the addition for fun, consider where you want the room to be. Many homeowners install home theaters in a finished basement or attic. This way you can keep the sound minimized while keeping it in the house. 

If you are on the search for your next home, Raleigh, NC, is one of the fastest growing areas in the country, with many homes with finished basements to choose from. Feel free to contact one of our trustworthy real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. Buying a home can be overwhelming, but a trusted agent can walk you through the entire process.