Permits, quotes and build order

Strategies for your space

• Low ceiling: see low-ceiling simulators.
• Shared garage: retractable screen, wall-mounted gear, mat on rollers. Leave a clear path for the car.
• Basement finish: build the bay during framing so outlets and the screen recess are part of the plan.
• Tight budget: spend on the launch monitor first; upgrade the screen, mat and projector later.
• Lefties and righties: center the mat with room each side, or put in two mat positions.
• Resale: keep the room convertible. A framed screen recess can become a media wall.

Permits

• New circuits or ceiling outlets usually need an electrical permit and inspection.
• Adding or moving framed walls, or finishing a basement, usually needs a building permit.
• Basement finishes bring egress, smoke-detector and ceiling-height rules.
• Rules vary by county, so check locally.

Common mistakes

• Measuring the ceiling without the golfer's actual driver swing.
• Mounting the projector where the golfer's shadow hits the screen.
• Buying a radar monitor for a room too short to place it.
• Leaving walls and ceiling near the screen unpadded.
• Leaving the software subscription out of the budget.

Build order for a built-in bay

1. Measure the room and the tallest golfer's swing.
2. Electrical rough-in: projector, PC, monitor and lighting outlets.
3. Framing: screen recess, projector soffit, side walls.
4. Drywall and paint. Dark, matte walls cut glare.
5. Flooring and turf; set or recess the mat.
6. Install the screen, padding and netting.
7. Mount the projector and align the image.
8. Install and calibrate the launch monitor; set up the PC and software.
9. Walk-through: test full swings with every club.

What a quote should include

• Site visit with measurements and a swing test
• Electrical work and permit
• Framing, drywall and paint
• Flooring, turf and mat install
• Screen and enclosure (supply, or install only)
• Projector mount and alignment
• Launch monitor, PC and software (supplied or owner-provided)
• Lighting and AV
• Cleanup and walk-through