my first haunt

**blee** · 04-01-2010,05:35 AM

When I was a kid I used to beg my parents to have a haunted house in the backyard for Halloween and they said no. Well I found this forum, I still want to, and this might be the year. My parents said to show them my plans. I dont have any yet. But I'm thinking the theme could be an abandoned hospital/asylum.

As far as tools go, we have a whole lot of wood, a ton of white paint (house paint, about 30 cans wtf) hammers, nails, tools, etc.

Here is my yard for reference. Its really big, which is good. Oh, please ignore how bad the yard is, we know, we havent done any backyard tending in over 10 years because we never use the yard. Its a jungle out there.

left

right

middle

do you all have any help or suggestions for my first haunt?

**jdubbya** · 04-01-2010,05:52 AM

Nice space to work with. How many TOT's do you get each year?
You mention building with wood. Are you thinking of making structures? A maze? Do you have the skills/help to do this? I'm asking because if your parents are involved in the final decision, it might be best to start with a workable realisitc plan. Maybe ask them how far they'll let you go and what kind of help you can expect from them. What ideas did you have for the asylum theme? Maybe that would help someone give you suggestions.
Welcome to the forum!

**ReaperRick** · 04-01-2010,05:58 AM

Ok I'm not going to try to explain everything but here are some of my suggestions. 1. Pick your theme (abandoned hospital/asylum) 2. figure out the lay out of where you want things to be and where the trick or treaters will enter and exit. 3. Figure out what props you already have and what props you want. 4. How much money are you willing to spend. 5. Check the this forum for great ideas and to ask for specific help. 6. Have fun.

**hallorenescene** · 04-01-2010,07:15 AM

your yard doesn't look like a jungle to me. looks very doable. just as a suggestion you could start by just building a facade for this year. just the front of the building. then check out haverghast assylum haunt. he does an assylum and you should be able to get ideas from there

**darkmaster** · 04-01-2010,07:32 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum,

Congratulations on your adventure. Your plans sound very good and the possibilities are endless. One of the main things you need to discuss with your parents is the fact of insurance. This is a hot topic right now. Find out what their thoughts are and how they think this will work out. I wouldn't like to see your dreams or your parent's go down the drain.

I am currently getting quotes on coverage. Everyone had mentioned this in the past, but I was always reluctant. Now, I realize that this is a needed item when the public will be entering yours or anyones property.

I don't want to discourage you or anyone from pursuing their dreams. I too have some great ideas, I have been working on these for 6 years. The ideas get better and better. This year may be the last year when I find out what the cost will be.

Good luck with your haunt and your great ideas.

**ezekiel** · 04-01-2010,08:02 AM

ReaperRick gave you some good starting direction. Also the idea for a facade from hallorenescene is great especially for a first time haunter.

Regardless of what you decide to build you need to make sure you address where you are going to store it until the next season. Don't automatically assume your parents will let you store it in their garage or in the attic. Make sure you thoroughly explain your builds and discuss storage needs with your parents before you begin.

This forum has a wealth of information and there are plenty of members who have done hospital / asylum themes. I'm sure a quick search should reveal plenty of information.

When I first became interested in haunting I came across the Shadow Valley website. Many of the props and builds are beyond my ability and resources but there are some great images of their asylum haunt that may spark your creativity if your stuck .... Shallow Valley

Also, when you start building or even begin designing your haunt make sure you document your progress, possibly with a blog here ... at any rate ... good luck!

**hallorenescene** · 04-01-2010,09:53 AM

eze has a very good point. know how everything breaks down and storage possibilities. i always draw up a floor plan of space and what i want and where. keep things doable. when kids give suggestions they are cool, but i don't have the money, time and skill for their suggestions. dark is right on insurance. and one of my BIGGEST factors are safety. make sure noone is going to get hurt. no tripping, lit enough to not run into things and such. your parents should have knowledge of everything you are doing. no surprises. if you are doing something you don't want them to know about, then i would say you are doing something you should not be doing. if your parents say no to this haunt, then respect their wishes and maybe next year. good luck and keep us posted