How Much Does it Cost to Build a Game Room?

Average Cost to Build a Game Room

Game Room Cost by Type

How much your game room will cost depends in large part on the current state of the room you want to house your game room in.

Finished Room

The cost to transform a finished room into a game room is about $3,000. Building a game room in a finished room that’s already a part of your house is by far the cheapest option. You can turn a finished basement, guest bedroom, or secondary living area into a game room. All you have to do is swap out the decor and install whatever games and devices you like. As in any renovation, the amount of finishes, such as decor items and games introduced into the space (and their price tags) will ultimately dictate the end cost in creating your game room.

Unfinished Basement

The cost to finish a basement could run anywhere from $3,000 to $34,000. If you plan to build a game room in an unfinished basement, you’ll first have to finish the basement in order to make it into a functional, livable room. This includes adding insulation, electricity and plumbing, paint, and other decor.

Home Addition

Home additions typically cost $80 to $200 per square foot, depending on the type of addition and the labor and materials needed. If you’re planning on adding a small addition to your home for a game room, it could be expensive.

Garage

The average cost to convert a garage into a game room is $14,000. When converting a garage, you should keep in mind what elements you’ll need for your room that don’t already exist in the garage, including plumbing, electricity, and internet access.

Cost Factors

Some of the factors that influence the cost of a game room include the room type and any other equipment you’ll need to purchase.

Type of Room

Whether you’re starting with a finished room, unfinished basement, or plan to build a whole new addition is the major element that affects cost. Costs can range anywhere from $3,000 to $34,000 or more.

Furniture

You’ll also need to furnish your game room. This can include everything from accent furniture like chairs and tables to staples like a comfy couch or recliner. You’ll also want to consider purchasing accessories like rugs or carpets, lamps and other lighting fixtures, and decor.

Other Equipment

What equipment you want in your game room also affects cost. For instance, a new pool table costs around $2,000, while a new-flat screen TV could cost about $250 or more. What type of equipment you want to add to your game room depends on your and your family’s preferences but done right and instead of you having the urge to go  “somewhere fun,” you might find yourself entertaining guests instead. A couple ideas that might make your kids happy are installing a climbing wall above a padded floor, or hanging a thick rope from the ceiling for the kids to climb up or swing on.

DIY vs. Hire a Construction Pro

Whether or not you need to hire a professional depends on what type of room you’re starting with. For instance, if you’re starting from a finished room and just plan to redecorate, you could accomplish that project on your own. However, if you need to finish a room or add an addition, it’s best left in the hands of the pros to ensure that everything is done correctly. You should get in touch with a home remodeler near you to get started.

FAQs

What should I include in my game room?

While your game room design is entirely up to you, there are a few common elements that people tend to include in game rooms. These include pool tables, TVs, comfy couches, gaming consoles, and even extras like home bars and arcade games and a sound system.

How much does a home theater cost?

If you want your game room to include video games or movies, the cost of a home theater is about $1,000 to $10,000. This includes wiring, cable concealment, and other components like surround sound or projectors.

How much does it cost to soundproof a room?

Chances are your game room might get a little rowdy at times, so it’s a good idea to pay the extra cost to soundproof the room if possible. This can cost between $1,000 and $2,600 depending on the size of the room. “In certain circumstances, you might need to consult a sound engineer for optimum results,” says Ezra Laniado, owner of Landmark Construction & Development Group, Inc. in Los Angeles.