To buy a brand new home opens a unique possibility to have your new home pre-wired for today’s and tomorrow’s technology.
A pre-wired home can support a wide range of technologies, including high-speed Internet service, digital television, direct broadcast satellite service, local computer networks, and home entertainment and security within the home.
Most builders include some pre-wiring in their homes, such as cable TV and telephone outlets. On request, builders can install more comprehensive pre-wiring to suit your communication and automation needs. The telecommunications industry is rapidly moving towards a standardized home wiring system, with “minimum” and “recommended” wiring options. This system includes a central hub, where telecommunications services enter your home, and a network of dedicated conduits for high-performance cables and wires that distributes services to locations throughout your home.
When you are ready to buy your new home, sit down with your builder and discuss your pre-wiring needs. Here are some of the things you should consider:
Technologies will undoubtedly continue to change and improve. Think long term as your own needs may also grow and change with time. You want to make sure your system is flexible enough to accommodate future demands.
Pre-wire and connect the entire house; that way you will be able to plug into your network from any room in the house.
Technology use is likely to increase in the future; multiple outlets and high-speed Internet connections throughout the house is key to efficiency. An internal computer network can link everyone in the household and provide access to shared printers.
If you are planning a home entertainment centre, you’ll want to plan for speakers, outlets, cable and Internet connections. You may want to pre-wire for sound throughout the house, with the ability to turn speakers on and off with a conveniently located switch.
It is easy to install wiring and motion sensors for doors and windows during construction for personal security. Perhaps you want to incorporate a camera in the front door linked to your television, so you can see who is ringing your door bell without getting up. Or connect an alarm to the back door so you always know when it is opened. The options are unlimited.
It makes a great deal of sense to consider pre-wiring as it ensures that you’ll get the most out of your home; it could also pay off in the future by increasing your home’s resale value.