I think we’d all agree that technology in the home isn’t going anywhere right?
Actually, it is one of the fastest growing industries in the world right now. Over the next 10 years you will see household items, appliances and even your home itself becoming more and more connected.
Wiring will become one of the top things people ask about when purchasing a home. What kind of wire? Is there extra wires run? Is there a proper wiring diagram? Is this home futureproofed?
Here are the top 10 things you should know about prewire before you build or renovate:
1. No, We’re Not Talking About The Electrical!
We are not referring to high voltage electrical. With this you need what you need and little more. We are talking about low voltage stuff like Ethernet, CAT6, HDMI, and speaker wires. Even Fiber-optic cable is being put into many homes. These things will be running the bulk of your home over the next few wires, we may even see lighting trend in this direction eventually.
2. Just Because You Don’t Need It Now… Doesn’t Mean You Don’t Need It
Whether or not you’re into speakers through out the home, lightening fast internet in every corner of the property, or having total control over everything in your home, there are a couple things to remember.
Firstly, that could (and probably will) change. A couple years ago nobody over the age of 30 cared about smart phones or what they could do, social media, or the latest tech. Now Granny’s on Facebook on the newest iPhone chatting to all of here friends about her new SONOS system.
Second is that you will most definitely not be the last to own your home. Think of your resale value. Younger Gen X’ers and older Millennials are taking control of the buying power. When you sell your home it is highly likely that it will be to someone who REALLY cares about tech.
3. The Quality Of Cable Matters
Everyone has heard the saying “you get what you pay for” right? Well when it comes to wire quality of wire you put into your home this could not be more true.
If you want your wiring to stand the test of time, and to work well, you will use quality wiring. The cheap stuff comes with many problems such as poor picture/audio quality, feedback, intermittently cutting out, or simply not working after a few years.
4. Include A Layout Diagram At The Design Phase
Planning is everything, low voltage prewire is something that should be though about during the design phase, not the constriction phase.
All too often we have people calling in frantic because it is almost time to insulate or drywall and the only now are thinking about the low voltage prewire. Building and renovating is stressful enough with out adding to the challenges you already face.
5. There Is No Such Thing As Too Much Wire!
When it comes to low voltage you simply cannot have too much wire. As long as it is cleanly done, properly laid out, and completely documented more wire will do nothing except for futureproof your home.
A really great Automation/AV company will offer an unlimited package which essentially allows you to have as much as you want, completely hidden and documented, until you have a need to use it.
6. Wiring A Finished Home Can Be Costly
Wiring as an afterthought will not only cost you more money, but is a much more invasive procedure, and definitely limits your options.
If you are simply looking to add some tech to a finished home it is best to find a company with a specialist install team that is expert in running cables through finished spaces, and also handles any patch work after the fact.
7. Find Someone Who Will Be There For You Later
If a company cannot provide you with supply and install of the tech finishes (speakers, TV’s, cameras, audio equipment, smart home devices etc.), and service all of your needs long term, they have no business wiring your home.
To many cooks spoil the soup, right? The more hands involved, the more chance that errors are made or something is missed. It also makes for a lot of frustration in the future if something is not working, or needs servicing.
8. Low Voltage and High Voltage DO NOT Get Along
Low voltage wires require minimum distances between their placement and high voltage wires. Wires run too close to, or in the same conduits, as high voltage wires will not work correctly and will not look, sound, or send signal as well.
9. It’s Up To You!
Many builder’s and architect’s will not yet have someone for this type of trade, and will not include it in their regular design process. More are adding this as part of their regular service every day, but often it is still left to the home owner to bring this up to their builder or design team. BRING IT UP!
10. ONLY TRUST THE PROS!
You wouldn’t have the plumber frame the home would you? Do you want the framers doing the electrical? Only professional AV/ Automation companies are experts at designing, laying out, and installing your wires. Electricians are expert at what they do but they usually do not now a ton about proper lay out and finishes for a homes technology needs.
Also look out for single man, fly-by-night operations. This industry is severely under regulated and extremely popular right now. This means there are a ton of small companies or one man shows out there trying to get their piece of the pie. The problem here is they often do not have the knowledge required, they tend to cut a lot of corners, and may not be around later to service you or to fix any problems.
Whether you’re a homeowner, building or renovating, that is wanting to futureproof your home or just to enjoy it as much as possible; or a builder looking to futureproof your business and provide more value to your clients, make sure to the about the tech, and what will happen over the next decade.
A homeowner should be able to enjoy their biggest investment to the fullest. They deserve to get the most enjoyment, while having ease of use, convenience, and security. Most importantly they have the right to know their investment is protected.
Check out https://auxcity.ca/ for more info or visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/auxcity
