From first meeting to opening night
The short answer
What are the steps to building a custom home theater?
Meet and set goals, design the room with CinemaTech (drawings, sightlines, materials and 3D renderings), approve an itemized proposal, let your builder construct the shell while seating is made to order, then we install acoustics, technology and seating, calibrate everything and support it for years. Most dedicated cinemas take four to nine months.
- 1
Introductory meeting
Week 1We introduce the Design Services Program, review goals and timing, and explain how CinemaTech and our team coordinate with your architect, designer and builder.
- 2
Design consultation
Weeks 1 to 3A deeper session on how the room will be used, the look you want, seating needs and the technology you are considering. At your home, by video or at a showroom.
- 3
Drawings and technical review
Weeks 3 to 8CinemaTech develops floor plans, ceiling plans, wall elevations and sightline studies. We add speaker, projector, screen and equipment locations and review it all with you.
- 4
Materials and finishes
Alongside drawingsSeating upholstery, acoustic fabric, millwork, carpet and lighting are chosen together with you and your interior designer.
- 5
3D renderings
After concept approvalPhotorealistic renderings show the finished room so you can approve it with confidence.
- 6
Proposal and scope
After renderingsAn itemized proposal for seating, acoustics, materials, technology and installation, with a clear split between our scope and your builder's.
- 7
Construction by your builder
VariesFraming, isolation, risers, electrical and HVAC are built from the drawings. We visit at rough-in to confirm blocking, conduit and wiring.
- 8
Seating and materials in production
In parallelCinemaTech builds the seating to order after selections are final. Lead time depends on the model and upholstery.
- 9
Installation
2 to 4 weeks on siteAcoustic Room System and fabric walls, projector and screen, speakers, equipment rack, lighting and control, then seating.
- 10
Calibration and handover
Final daysPicture and sound are calibrated to the room. We program one-touch scenes and show your family how everything works.
- 11
Support
OngoingRemote monitoring, updates and service from Boston Automations, with a team that already knows your room.
Timing is typical for a dedicated cinema in an existing home. New construction follows the home's schedule.
Questions we hear often
Who manages the project?
We do, for everything inside the theater: design coordination with CinemaTech, technology, seating, acoustics, installation and calibration. Your builder manages the construction of the room from our drawings.
Do I need to be home for installation?
No. Most clients give us access and visit at milestones. We share progress photos and schedule the handover and training for when you can be there.
What happens if something stops working later?
Call us. Boston Automations supports the system after installation, and with remote monitoring we can often diagnose and fix problems without a visit.
Keep exploring
A conversation about your theater
Tell us about the room, the way your family watches, and the feeling you want when the lights go down. We will bring CinemaTech's design team, our engineers and a plan.
Or call us at (781) 333-8003