New build with low ceilings

[borntofly1982]

Hi everyone! First off, thank you everyone for all the great input. I have read for over a month and I am still trying to figure things out! Any input would be valuable. My biggest hurdle is the ceiling height. My dimensions are below in the photo. It looks like 8 feet is the height I have to use for a Frame because of the ducting on the right... but I can create up to 9ft 8 inches for a swing by removing a small area of joist (approved by engineer) I was thinking of the carls place 16:9 one because of the height. https://www.carlofet.com/shop/golf-s...um+Golf+Impact
This would allow the 16:9 ratio and hopefully create an environment to watch movies as well. I should have just enough width.
My question is... with my ceiling being so low, do I have to use a floor mount projector? I will do that if necessary but I was hoping for a ceiling mount. I have plenty of depth I can use, but I would imagine you cant put a projector far back because it would show a shadow. Any recommendations for a 4K projector with these dimensions.. I have researched a ton of them and been on the projectorcentral.com website but I don't think I have figured out how best to use it. I can strike from anywhere.. but I have heard about 12 ft is best. Would you guys agree?

[enigmamatt]

For what it's worth, I am wrapping up a similar project. A couple of comments:
a) The span you're taking out must be relatively small since you only have to use 2 inch LVLs to open it. We took out an 88 inch section and had to use 4 inch LVLs to fill the gap. Make sure you're taking out enough! We went from 8'10 to 9'8''. Once I got sheetrock on ceiling and flooring in I have 9.5 feet which is great.
b) I have my projector ceiling mounted. Havent really used it yet but I don't anticipate any issues. I have an Optoma 760a from a few years ago. Have it positioned basically over hitting area about 2-3 feet in front me me. I'd really have to loft one to get it.

Good luck!

Matt

[borntofly1982]

Thank you Matt for the info. I am pretty new at this and might not know what you mean. I would love to take out 88in as well and go from 8'8 to 9'6"! Was that what an engineer said you could do? I still need one to come out and do the review. Good to know about the projector. With it being 2-3 feet in front of you, it doesn't interfere with your swing? Meaning the club hitting it? Thanks again! Since you had a similar set up... did you go with a 16:9 ratio as well? Would love to know any other details! Thanks in advance!
~Cody

[G-$]

enigmamatt, it is great to see pictures of your build! I have imagining doing the same exact thing in my space that is 9' high, hoping to make it closer to 9'8", which sounds like a little but will make a huge difference. A few questions for you: who did you get to help you...was it a structural engineer or architect or both? It looks like you had to move lots of ducts and things...what was the very rough ballpark cost of just retrofitting the ceiling if you don't mind me asking? My joists run in the opposite direction. I probably only need to take 8' out of 3 or so joists to create a swing area. I'm wondering if that makes it easier or harder of a project?

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[enigmamatt]

Sorry G-$ -- missed this. We hired a general contractor who worked with a structural engineer on it. It probably cost around $8k for everything associated with the raising of the ceiling, including engineer, moving of ducts / electrical / gas / sewer lines, etc. Good luck!

[enigmamatt]

Hey Cody -- I've included some pictures here of before / during / nearly complete. To answer your questions:
a) You'll see here how we took out the 88 inch span in width for the full length of the room. Those 4 inch LVLs run perpendicular to 2 14 inch LVLs that run the length of the room to support the load above. And yep -- it's what the engineer said we could do!
b) On the projector -- no. I would have to basically swing straight up and down the line to hit it with my club. If you were to offset it left a foot or so from where it is I would probably hit it.
c) I had to go with a 4:3 setup. The width of the space where the screen goes is only about 10 ft, so to maximize the height I went 4:3. Preston and the Par2Pro team were really helpful here.

Good luck!
Matt

[bkeddie]

Hope this isn't rude - but can you share the rough estimate for the cost of raising your ceiling? I have to do this to justify the sim. I'm contemplating lowering the basement floor perhaps in addition but that sounds mighty expensive.

[enigmamatt]

It was about half the cost of lowering the floor (we looked into both). It was part of our broader basement finish -- but probably somewhere in the $6-8k range. A big piece of the cost is what runs through the area where you want to raise the ceiling. We had to re-route a gas line, a sewage line, and ductwork. So there was a fair amount of effort to move all of that, which adds cost.

[mthunt]

Hey Cody -- I've included some pictures here of before / during / nearly complete. To answer your questions:
a) You'll see here how we took out the 88 inch span in width for the full length of the room. Those 4 inch LVLs run perpendicular to 2 14 inch LVLs that run the length of the room to support the load above. And yep -- it's what the engineer said we could do!
b) On the projector -- no. I would have to basically swing straight up and down the line to hit it with my club. If you were to offset it left a foot or so from where it is I would probably hit it.
c) I had to go with a 4:3 setup. The width of the space where the screen goes is only about 10 ft, so to maximize the height I went 4:3. Preston and the Par2Pro team were really helpful here.

Good luck!
Matt

That looks great.