Do you know which amenity is increasing in popularity in new construction and existing homes? It is technology --- the ability to have multiple phone lines for the family, teens, and fax – Cable TV which can include high speed Internet Access – Computer networking giving the home the ability to share files, printers, and Internet connection between any number of PCs – Home Theater which includes High Definition capabilities and Surround Sound – and finally Whole Home Audio/Video allowing the homeowner to access to multiple audio and video sources, including those of the Home Theater.

Being in the Custom Installation business what we hear over and over from both builders and homeowners is that “Pre-wiring a home for current and future technologies is expensive and a luxury only considered for larger homes”. While, in the past, this may have been true, but with the proliferation of new technologies and the drastic drop in prices, pre-wiring a home for “technology” should be considered a must in all new construction.

Properly pre-wiring a home can pay for itself many times over during the life of a home.

A few points to consider, and be aware of, if you are building a new home, remodeling, or refinishing a lower level. First, envision your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself and family:

1. Will you need an Internet Connection, how many PCs and what is available in your area, Cable, Dialup, DSL, or Satellite?

2. Will there be a need for multiple telephone lines, teens, fax, or dialup Internet and will they need to be available at all outlets?

3. Will you be considering a personal telephone system?

4. What kind of Television signal will be in use, Cable, Rooftop Antenna, Satellite or a combination of multiple systems?

5. Will you be considering a dedicated home theater? Either immediately or in the future.

6. Would you like to ability to have music in multiple rooms or outside using dedicated or shared source components?

7. Will you be installing a security system and cameras? If yes, do you want to view the cameras on any or all televisions?

Now, what to ask the builder and do not be afraid to ask, these questions will probably save you money in the future.

1. What is included in the price of the home

a. Number of outlets

b. Location

c. What kind of outlets, Coax, Telephone, or Data?

d. Are all cables home run to a central location or daisy chained?

2. What kind of cable will be installed and is it qualified for what you are planning to use it for.

3. Is the installer qualified in low voltage wiring and will they be using quality outlets designed for your intended use.

4. Will there be extra cable pairs for expansion and other uses.

5. What are the up charges for additional outlets and would it be more cost effective to use a low voltage specialist.

6. Will the wiring be documented and labeled.

Obviously, there are many more questions that could be asked, but by asking the above questions you should be able to get a good idea of the level of commitment the builder has toward low voltage wiring, the qualification of the installer, what to expect from the wiring installed, and how flexible the wiring will be.

We believe and promote the use of a professional low voltage wiring company for all new construction. Even if you are just going to install coax and telephone outlets a low voltage specialist can bring options and considerations to the table that may have never entered your mind.

Low voltage technology, as with many high-tech industries, is very dynamic. With many more manufacturers producing electronic products for the residential marketplace, we see prices now less than half of what they were just 5 years ago. It is now a great time to consider projects such as Home Theater, High Definition Television, Home Automation and Security, Whole Home Audio and Video Distribution, or Data Networking. Even if these types of projects are not feasible, especially if you are building a new home, consider installing the infrastructure now. The investment, during construction, remodeling, or finishing a lower level can pay for itself many times over and can be used as a selling point if you even decide to sell your home.