Maybe you’re a builder who wants to gain an edge over the competition. Or maybe you’re having a home built, and you can choose your own pre-wiring setup and company to install it. Either way, you want to know what you should pre-wire so you don’t miss anything important — and so you’re prepared for future technology needs. Here’s a guide that will get you started.
Internet (Data)
Internet is one of the first things people think about when they consider pre-wiring, and for good reason. You need to make sure that you have adequate access from wherever you need it, and you don’t want router boxes sitting on your kitchen counter or nightstand. Thoughtful pre-wiring will provide a strong WiFi connection throughout the house and will look good too.
Even in the wireless age, we recommend you to wire for data outlets throughout your home for guaranteed reliability and security. All entertainment and office locations need to be pre-wired for Cat.5e or Cat.6. You will need a RF transparent structured wiring panel to integrate wireless components with out signal loss.
TV
Because so many things are controlled via Smart TVs these days, many people like to have TVs in several rooms. Ethernet cables and a coaxial cable at every location where you’ll want a TV will keep you connected to your favorite shows, movies, and other content.
Telephone
Yes, some people still want to have a landline. Landlines offer faster 911 response, often provide better voice quality, and aren’t susceptible to carrier outages. You may want to consider wiring for telephone jacks.
Audio
Multi-room audio allows you to enjoy music and other audio content all over the house. You can pre-wire as many rooms as you like. You can pre-wire for surround sound, individual speakers, and audio bars for home cinemas.
Home Security
You can pre-wire entire security systems or, if you’re going wireless, just the keypads. (It’s nice to have access to a keypad with wireless systems, rather than needing to hunt for your smartphone.
Video Surveillance
Bump up your security even more with video surveillance. As with your security system, you can either pre-wire the entire system or go wireless and pre-wire the power supply.
Control Panel
Rather than having routers and other controllers sitting around, it’s nice to have everything easily accessible from a structured wiring panel. You can even install more than one panel fo even greater convenience.
Future-Proofing
Installing conduit will save you both time and mess in the long run. Conduit prevents the need to tear out drywall for installing new types of cables that may be necessary for future technology. Using conduit allows you to run different cables at a later point in time.
How It Works
If you’d like us to install your pre-wiring, we’ll schedule a time to walk through your home with you, learning where you’re planning to install your TVs, speakers, and other electronic items. We’ll also make recommendations based on what we’ve learned from working with hundreds of other customers. Our goal is to make the process as seamless as possible while ensuring that you’ll have everything that you may want later.
If you’d like to chat with us about the process, please give us a call at 864-881-1675. We’re happy to talk with you about your needs.