New Backyard Build: Studio & Golf Sim

[ACgolfer]

Hi Everyone. I started building a backyard studio on January 19th that will house a new golf simulator, small office and entertainment area. I decided to build the structure myself, which is a big deal since I am not a builder or tradesperson. However, it has been going well so far. Below are pics of my build and planning diagram of the interior. The structure is 16'x28' with the side walls at 9' and the center of the ceiling being 11' (using scissor trusses). I am installing the following:

1. Uneekor QED with TGC 2019
2. 12x9 impact screen with 5' enclosure.
3. BenQ TH671ST projector.
4. Putting turf with impact/stance mat (not purchased yet but leaning towards T-line turf).

Looking ahead, I am asking most of the experienced sim builders here the following:

1. What potential mistakes might I encounter with this build? (with respect to the golf sim components)
2. Suggested lighting options. I am thinking of running 2 rows of pot lights on 2 different switches (in case there is too much light, I can turn off some of the lights).
3. Suggested wiring options. e.g. lighting, speakers, etc.
4. Any suggestions or options I should look into?

Thanks in advance!!

[pwade3]

ACgolfer Just checking in to see how things are progressing.

[ACgolfer]

Hey pwade3. It is going ok but slowly. This latest lockdown here in Ontario is just causing more delays. Plus, no golf - ridiculous. I have completed painting the walls and ceiling and installing shiplap on 1-wall. Looks pretty good.
Still waiting for locates so that I can dig a trench for the power line but that is delayed due to the lockdown. I will probably install the flooring and turf next. The double glass doors that I ordered in mid-January are finally scheduled to be installed on May 6th.

Another huge issue is that when I was going to buy a gaming computer (late December), a friend of mine said that his son builds gaming computers. So, wanting to support him, I ordered (and paid for) a computer. This was unfortunate, as once I ordered it, there was a global shortage on graphics cards. Here it is almost 4 months later and the graphics card is still on back order with no delivery date in sight. It looks like I will have my building and sim built but I won't be able to use it because I don't have a computer!

*Anyone on this forum have a good graphics card that I can buy? Or where I could obtain one? Looking online, people have taken advantage of the shortage and are selling cards for quadruple (or more) the price. I could actually buy a new computer for the price of the graphics card.

How are you making out with your plans pwade3?

[pwade3]

Hey, your doing great. That looks excellent so far. What is that on the wall? I really like that. That is a bummer about the computer. I decided at Christmas that I would go from a gaming laptop that was overheating all the time, to a PC. I decided to build one and it was starting to get hard to get parts at that time. I was able to get a 2080S card and it is excellent. Close to a 3060 performance. I want to upgrade to a 3090 at some time and have been watching availability but I see that it is impossible or is priced ridiculously. Hope that turns out for you.
I have had no progress other then having the 4 fir trees taken down and the stumps ground. I am still waiting on my designer to call me so I can get plans drawn up. Then I will have to source lumber which has tripled in price in the last year. I’m not in a rush as long as I get it done for this coming fall but getting tired of how everything is taking a lot longer then it should. I have no idea how long I will have to wait for a building permit.

[jasonreg]

That is going to be a great space!

[ACgolfer]

Update: So, after lengthy material delays and the difficulty in purchasing products due to the lockdown here in Ontario I have made some progress. The exterior is now fully complete (other than landscaping and a proper step), minisplit and electrical complete, turf and flooring installed and I just installed the enclosure plus drilled in 2 putting cups. Next is the installation of the projector and launch monitor.

Question: the enclosure is 5' and my hitting area is going to be close to 11' from the screen, I am worried about the ceiling - see pics. Is installing netting above the frame/enclosure to the ceiling enough? or should I be installing ceiling panels in the middle towards the hitting mat? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[SkeetShooter]

Random question since you are in Canada. How are the costs for your lumber and wood products right now. Here in the states, we went from roughly $9 for a sheet of OBS to over $50 right now where I am.

[ACgolfer]

The price of lumber skyrocketed here too. Fortunately, I purchased all the lumber for my build in mid-late January. 1-sheet of OSB is about $60 here.

[SkeetShooter]

Wow. That's insane. So it really is a mill issue not just a supply issue. A lot of my contracting buddies keep saying that Canada isn't supplying as much timber as they did pre-Covid and that is the "main" issue. I told them that if the mills are not operating, it doesn't matter how much supply of wood there is.

Typical conspiracy theory crap from people... Looking really good by the way!

[JNewman1909]

Wow, this looks amazing, what a great job for someone who is not 'on the tools' for a living. Congrats.

[ACgolfer]

Thanks JNewman1909. Pretty satisfied on how it has turned out so far. Truth is, I wish it was bigger.

[JNewman1909]

ACgolfer I think the desire for more space is universal... like a workshop or shed. The truth is though, if it was bigger you would just fill it with more stuff haha

[pwade3]

Looks fantastic, what a great job. You mention above that you wish it was bigger? How much bigger? I am building 16 x 30. I have excavated the area, but waiting on permit. I can go a bit bigger, but not much.

[ACgolfer]

Thanks pwade3. My structure is 16 x 28 (outside dimensions). The inside finished width is ~ 15'4", which when swinging a driver from center is pretty close to the side walls on the follow-thru. The finished length is ~27'4", which is fine if the room was only for the sim but my wife has taken over the other half and now there is a desk, elliptical machine, yoga mats, etc (office/workout area). My space for seating, bar, fridge, etc. is virtually gone! But this is the trade-off for my wife allowing me to build this studio in the first place. With that being said, it would have been nice to have the inside width measure 18' with the length to measure more like 34'+. So, depending on what you want to achieve, you may want to go bigger. Good luck!

[chrisward3]

Great updates! Looks like you’re making good progress!

we move in end-month and have everything ready to install as soon as we unpack!

[ACgolfer]

Thanks Chris. Good luck with the move and sim build!

[pwade3]

Is that wire at the bottom of you building? I’m looking for a solution to keep rodents out from under the building.

[ACgolfer]

Yes, it is a galvanized welded wire mesh. Definitely install some type of barrier if you are not installing a concrete slab base. If you recall, I ended up using helical piles because I couldn't get any concrete companies to quote back in December/January. I would have preferred a concrete foundation.

[pwade3]

Need your help. Your rigid board insulation for the floors. What R rating were you required to have and did you have to tape the seams where the foam board meets the floor joist and did you have to put anything under the floor joist for a vapor barrier? Hope your enjoying your sim. Looks great.

[ACgolfer]

I used a rigid foam board insulation. 4x8x2" sheets. R-5 per inch of thickness. The insulation boards are moisture-resistant and act as a vapor barrier, so I did not install a vapor barrier. There was not a requirement for the R rating. Here is a link to the insulation that I used: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/owe...dge/1000155124

I installed wood tabs between the joists to hold the insulation in place (I created a jig so that the tabs were exactly 2" in depth so that the insulation would be flush with the top of the joist). I did not use tape - just cut the insulation to size so that it fit snug. I have been so busy with work and outdoor golf that I have only used the sim a few times. I'll post some pics.

[pwade3]

Hmm. Do you notice any issue with cold floor? Reason I ask is I applied for a permit to build a shed as if I wanted anything else like a studio I would have to build it on stilts because we live by the ocean and the permit process would become very difficult. So I applied to do this as a bare shed, but I am installing the rigid foam boards doubled up to get me to R24. Our code says R28 but we live in a much milder climate then where you are. I’m about a 1/4 of the way through but doubling them up is a lot of work. My sheets are 4x8x3. Now I’m wondering if I should just put a single sheet in to save money and time. I’m surprised you were not required to have a specific R rating for the floor.

[ACgolfer]

pwade3 - I am surprised that you are required to have an insulated floor for a shed? Since my structure was only finished a little while ago, I haven't had a winter in my unit to experience the coldness of the floor. I think 6" thick (2-sheets) insulation is overkill but I guess you should check with the building department. I think a single sheet would suffice but you should check.

[ACgolfer]

A few pics. There is a pic of the tabs I installed for the insulation pwade3.

[jasonreg]

That is an awesome looking space!

[ACgolfer]

Thanks Jason! It turned out pretty good. The only item left is to build a frame around the breaker box and figure out the bar and seating...

[pwade3]

ACgolfer my permit does not actually require any insulation as its supposed to be just a shed, but our building code for above ground floor with unheated space under is R28. My insulation doubled up with get me to R24. Its a lot of work, but I am going to make it a efficient as possible. I’m sure its overkill and yours will be just fine, but thought I might as well.
On another note, your wood siding on the inside. Is that just cedar planks over the drywall? Looks very nice.

[ACgolfer]

Looking good! My shiplap wall looks great but they aren’t boards. I used 4x8 sheets that I bought from Home Depot/Lowe’s. The sheets are only 1/4” thick, installed with adhesive and nails. Today I’m putting together a racing cockpit so that I’ll have a racing sim too. Goodluck on your build!

[ACgolfer]

Update: Landscaping outside and the addition of a racing sim. I think it will be a fun winter!