These days home technology is no longer just for high-end residences. Now made easier and more affordable than ever, home theater, audio and automation have invaded all our lives. Perhaps you don’t want to invest in everything that’s on the technology horizon right now, but it is a smart move to at least pre-wire your new home or renovation project so the capability will be there in the future.

Pre-wiring for systems such as audio/video, whole-house speakers, lighting, cable TV, phone, networking, and such can save you time and money down the road. While iPads, iPods, iPhones, and other devices have made controlling all these realms easier than ever, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the items you choose to incorporate now and down the road. Keep in mind pre-wiring is a permanent upgrade to your home, increasing its value when and if you sell.

Previously, the majority of homes typically were wired with the AC electrical power lines, a few phone lines, and some TV cables. Not so now. Electrical and security-system contractors routinely install low-voltage communication cabling for a wide range of smart-home systems. Of course, the new technology does still, for the most part, require connection to the same old AC power line while also meeting some unique and highly specific requirements.

Residential systems that require pre-wiring comprise security; home theater and entertainment; phones, door-phones, and intercoms; PC and Internet networks; surveillance cameras; driveway-vehicle detection; communicating thermostats; motorized window treatments; entry systems; and irrigation systems. In addition to installing access ports for these systems, you should decide upon at least two locations for centralized controls, i.e., one in the living room and one in the master suite.

The pre-wiring of an average-size home entails running miles of cables and usually takes two installers several days to complete. The cost of low-voltage, pre-wiring varies, depending on the number and length of cable pulls, as well as the number of terminations. Typically, you can expect a range of $2,000 to $7,500 for medium-size homes, increasing proportionately for larger homes.

Pre-wiring Checklist

• Consider the electronics you plan to use in each room.
• Determine if you want to install a built-in stereo system. You need to select locations for speakers as well as the system/s.
• Determine where you want built-in lighting; pay particular attention to work areas.
• Think about pre-wiring for central air conditioning.
• Decide where you want ceiling fans and lighting fixtures.
• Consider which outlets you want controlled from the light switches; with modern use patterns, it's unlikely you'll want a large number of plugs to be controlled by the switch.
• Decide where you need additional electrical outlets for computer equipment or entertainment centers.
• Explore pre-wiring for a household computer network. You need to decide on the locations for computer systems, printers and other resources, as well as the type of cable to be used.
• List locations where you want phone service; consider how many lines you want in each location. With faxes, computers and satellite TV systems requiring lines, there is more demand than ever for multiple phone numbers in the household (and often in one location).
• Examine cable TV pre-wiring options. Examples: Where do you plan to put TVs immediately and at some point in the future? If you plan to have an antenna installed, you'll also want to pre-wire these connections. If you want to be able to switch between cable and antenna, you'll need a jack for each at the TV locations.
• Decide if you want to pre-wire for satellite TV and which locations will have a separate satellite (able to watch a channel independently) and those with a piggyback hookup (able to watch the channel that is set on another TV). If you want to be able to switch between satellite and cable/antenna, you'll need a jack for each system.
• Put all specifications in writing and make sure your electrician is quoting a price based on the correct information.
• Make sure the specifications are attached to your contract.

Now is the time to seriously consider current and future needs for these systems. It's far cheaper and easier to add these things when wiring than it is in the future. Make sure to consult with professionals if you have any questions about these systems and before undertaking these projects. Happy wiring and enjoy your smart home!

Writing collaborated by Duane Johns (Advanced Renovations, Inc.) and Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Tags: Technology