Planning to buy a home in Ohio solely for Sim build space

[Seth3a]

Hey! I’m a new guy here from Ohio. So I’m partially kidding about the fact that I’m buying a home solely for sim build space. My fiancée and I are looking for more space in general, though, and we’re planning to buy a house in the next few months. I know most people here probably aren’t looking for home-buying advice, but if we were on one of those HGTV shows... i think space for a golf simulator might be my priority #1 (definitely top 3!). I’m likely here a bit early since i haven’t yet found my new home and do not have the space in my current home... but I have the money set aside and recently got the stamp of approval from my fiancée, so I’m just excited to get to planning! Wanted to get started with a couple preliminary questions...

1) for a total project budget of around $5-7k, it sounds like the Skytrak is a good sim option for mostly indoor use & assumed relatively limited amount of space...? Would you agree or recommend something different?

2) I’m hopefully optimistic that my new home has space in a basement (or if not the basement, then a garage). If my primary concern is just right-handed swinging, it seems like I’ll need about a 10ft by 10ft space (at a minimum), with a ceiling of 9ft+. As i get deeper into the home search, are there other considerations or things that i should be thinking about with regards to the space needed for this type of project? Would something like this be possible in an attic or would it be best in a basement or garage? How much do i need to take into account sound?

3) it seems like shipping is months delayed on at least some of the golf sim equipment I’ve been looking at. Depending on return policies, i probably should wait until i actually buy my new home and know for 100% sure that i have the space required...that said, i also don’t want to move-in and then have this project delayed by months because i didn’t plan ahead. How far in advance should i be planning / making purchases? Any advice timeline would be appreciated!

Thanks so much!

[Sixmudd]

Hey! I’m a new guy here from Ohio. So I’m partially kidding about the fact that I’m buying a home solely for sim build space. My fiancée and I are looking for more space in general, though, and we’re planning to buy a house in the next few months. I know most people here probably aren’t looking for home-buying advice, but if we were on one of those HGTV shows... i think space for a golf simulator might be my priority #1 (definitely top 3!). I’m likely here a bit early since i haven’t yet found my new home and do not have the space in my current home... but I have the money set aside and recently got the stamp of approval from my fiancée, so I’m just excited to get to planning! Wanted to get started with a couple preliminary questions...

1) for a total project budget of around $5-7k, it sounds like the Skytrak is a good sim option for mostly indoor use & assumed relatively limited amount of space...? Would you agree or recommend something different?

2) I’m hopefully optimistic that my new home has space in a basement (or if not the basement, then a garage). If my primary concern is just right-handed swinging, it seems like I’ll need about a 10ft by 10ft space (at a minimum), with a ceiling of 9ft+. As i get deeper into the home search, are there other considerations or things that i should be thinking about with regards to the space needed for this type of project? Would something like this be possible in an attic or would it be best in a basement or garage? How much do i need to take into account sound?

3) it seems like shipping is months delayed on at least some of the golf sim equipment I’ve been looking at. Depending on return policies, i probably should wait until i actually buy my new home and know for 100% sure that i have the space required...that said, i also don’t want to move-in and then have this project delayed by months because i didn’t plan ahead. How far in advance should i be planning / making purchases? Any advice timeline would be appreciated!

Thanks so much!

I think your going to need more then 10 ft in-depth. 10x10 is gonna be pretty tight but probably not impossible.

[Seth3a]

Makes sense & good to know - appreciate your feedback!

[3on3putt]

1.) 10x10 is awfully tight. Maybe doable if you're just hitting into a net without a projector and everything. But you should be thinking more in the ballpark of like 15x20.

2.) Skytrak is a great choice for limited space. The shipping delays are getting shorter all the time. I believe they are currently running only like a month out. You shouldn't run into any major delays with any other components. Probably best to wait until you know the exact dimensions of your space because that will determine screen size, enclosure size, projector throw distance and more.

[Seth3a]

Very helpful - thank you!

[Adam Prince]

The absolute minimum for any space i would possibly use is: 12' wide x 15' long x 9' high. ymmv. Good luck!

[Seth3a]

Good to know - thanks! Just to clarify... are you referring to the space needed for a Skytrak? Based on the limited research that i've done, it sounds like the Skytrak requires less space (depth) than say a Mevo+, due to where the device sits. Just want to make sure i'm understanding you correctly...

[3on3putt]

I think he's just referring to the minimum amount of space required to swing a club and hit a ball into a net or screen. I generally agree with those numbers. You are correct in that Skytrak does not require any minimum amount of space. If you can advance a golf ball forward, Skytrak will work. Mevo+ has certain requirements like it must be 8 feet behind the ball and then you need 10 feet between the ball and the screen or something like that.

[intrinsic]

My suggestion is to go with 10 ft minimum for ceilings. Or a vaulted ceiling. I have 9ft 8 inches and with shoes and hitting mat, I would end up losing some height.

[jpotas]

My Screen is 10' x 10'. The red laser dot from my Skytrak is 7 feet from my screen, and the screen is 18" from the back wall.

10' wide works but it is a little tight. My sim room is kind if odd shaped, the font half where I hit is 10' x 10', then it opens up to 12' wide. Overall length is 24' with a 10' ceiling.

If I built it again I would go 12' wide all the way, people freak out when you put them in a 10' wide area! But it is actually enough room and I am extremely comfortable swinging my driver. I am just over 6' tall.

If you go 10', remember you will need room behind you for clubs, possible table/desk for PC, possible beer fridge, etc. And go with no less than a 10' ceiling.

[Seth3a]

This is very helpful - really appreciate your feedback!

[Golfallday1983]

Hey! I’m a new guy here from Ohio. So I’m partially kidding about the fact that I’m buying a home solely for sim build space. My fiancée and I are looking for more space in general, though, and we’re planning to buy a house in the next few months. I know most people here probably aren’t looking for home-buying advice, but if we were on one of those HGTV shows... i think space for a golf simulator might be my priority #1 (definitely top 3!). I’m likely here a bit early since i haven’t yet found my new home and do not have the space in my current home... but I have the money set aside and recently got the stamp of approval from my fiancée, so I’m just excited to get to planning! Wanted to get started with a couple preliminary questions...

1) for a total project budget of around $5-7k, it sounds like the Skytrak is a good sim option for mostly indoor use & assumed relatively limited amount of space...? Would you agree or recommend something different?

2) I’m hopefully optimistic that my new home has space in a basement (or if not the basement, then a garage). If my primary concern is just right-handed swinging, it seems like I’ll need about a 10ft by 10ft space (at a minimum), with a ceiling of 9ft+. As i get deeper into the home search, are there other considerations or things that i should be thinking about with regards to the space needed for this type of project? Would something like this be possible in an attic or would it be best in a basement or garage? How much do i need to take into account sound?

3) it seems like shipping is months delayed on at least some of the golf sim equipment I’ve been looking at. Depending on return policies, i probably should wait until i actually buy my new home and know for 100% sure that i have the space required...that said, i also don’t want to move-in and then have this project delayed by months because i didn’t plan ahead. How far in advance should i be planning / making purchases? Any advice timeline would be appreciated!

Thanks so much!

First off grow some balls and tell fiancé what you want to do don’t ask lol or once your marrried your going to be so sad lolll jk but I find it amusing how most women run the mans life like they are his mother anyways thisbmay Be good for a different forum lol

1. forsure skytrak I can’t see a better set up for that price

2. I think you need a min of maybe 12 by 12.

3. why rush skytrak sold out until February and by then I’m sure inventory be fine and summer is around the corner. I paid retail for a used skytrak cuz I don’t want to wait but if your on a budget I’d say wait save the money and do it right

[Golfallday1983]

Also this full swing kit comes out this summer it looks interesting but requires more space

[Seth3a]

oh wow I wasn't familiar with this Full Swing kit - i'll have to look more into it... thanks!

[RAH5]

Just did this (not the home but the budget).

Agree with your approach. I would try to find space for a 10x10x10 enclosure though. I don’t have that option in our house but if I were looking new I would try to do so. Maybe get the enclosure from All Sports Systems.