These days, a home theater is one of the most popular trends in the nation.  Homeowners are opting to save a bundle on the cost of theater tickets by bringing the fascinating world of cinema into their own homes in a big way.

Quality Counts

When it comes to creating a home theater, the choice is yours when it comes to the level of quality that you want to deliver.  A home theater can include something as basic as a television and DVD system or it can include a projection screen with surround sound and, for the family who really wants the authentic experience, actual theater-style seating.

Money Matters

Building a home theater isn’t cheap, which is why it’s important to set a realistic budget before getting started.  Unless you are an expert at installation, hiring a professional to install your home theater may be a wise idea.  This means that you will not only be considering the cost of the theater itself, but also the labor necessary to get the job done.

Comparison Shopping

If you decide to hire a professional installation crew, make sure that you shop around and compare rates.  In many cases, you will save a bundle of money by purchasing the materials yourself.  This includes the television or projection screen, seating and sound systems.  This way, all that’s needed is someone to install the items and make sure that the wiring is correct.

You may be wondering why it’s important to consider purchasing the essentials yourself.  Unless you have full control over the accessories for your home theater, you will not know whether or not your contractor is charging you the actual cost for materials.  By purchasing everything yourself, you can also shop sales and take advantage of some great deals offered by retailers.

Sign Here, Please...

Once you have chosen the company to install your home theater, make sure that you get everything in writing.  This includes the cost of labor, the completion time, payment schedules, deposits, etc.  If you have an oral agreement, transfer it onto paper and get it signed before proceeding with the project.

Don’t Forget The Popcorn

No theater experience would be complete without the popcorn, so don’t forget to include a popcorn machine in your theater room.  These portable units are sold as tabletop appliances that can create your favorite style of buttery popcorn in minutes.  Most home theaters feature a small snack counter packed full of goodies, which makes the design even more authentic.