3 Reasons and Ways to Create Your Home Theater

by Ann Hayward 08/07/2022

Home theaters are a great way to enjoy your favorite films while kicking back and relaxing either solo or with those you love. The advantage doesn’t stop at movies or binge-worthy television, though. Imagine sitting in your home theater, the big game is about to come on and you have a plethora of snacks garnering the tables next to you, your household and your guests enjoying the pre-Bowl banter of the commentators while everyone gets hyped up. Now imagine those same loved ones enjoying an in-home version of an arcade, but on the big screen, the effects whirring around you as you and yours play late into the night on your favorite console or PC projection.

While home theaters may seem like another expensive upgrade, they have a host of uses that could add value to your home and your home lifestyle. Plus, not all setups are outside of reach.

Here are a few key reasons to invest in a home theater.

Customization

When you come across the term “home theater,” you probably think giant room with a large projector and at least one row of seating. However, they don’t have to follow that diagram. Home theaters could be just as effective with a large 70-inch television screen, blackout curtains and a few well-placed speakers. Want something a little different? Try several smaller screens lining the wall, or forget the screens all together and use a projector against a blank white or off-white wall. Home theaters are easily customizable and can meet even the most niche entertainment requirements.

Resale Value

Home upgrades should be carefully considered before entering the endeavors. Researching things like fair market value, resale value in the area and what the normal upgrades or additions are for your area are fantastic ideas for understanding whether a home theater is worth the investment. However, they often are.

Once you’ve established whether a full home theater will help you gain a better ROI, you’re more than ready to start. For areas that are rich with upgrades similar to a full home theater remodel, a home theater may be considered the norm, which could increase your ROI if you have one that matches and slightly exceeds those around you. Be careful not to overdo the upgrades, however. Too many customizations could cause the opposite effect.

Gatherings

Movie theaters bring crowds for miles; and while you may not have a house full of people to the same capacity of a movie theater, your home theater is an excellent way to set up an ideal hangout location for you and yours. There are several types of layouts for home theaters that could fit your lifestyle, depending on the primary focus for your theater.

If you plan to entertain for sports events, try several small tables around the seating areas to ensure folks have enough space to place their snack plates or platters. Want to get that big theatrical sound at home? You could try seating in the round with speakers attached to various points of the room, including behind your seating style of choice.

Home theaters are excellent speaking points. With the level of customizations available for them, they’re also a great option to increase your home’s value and give you a cozy hangout location.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]