Tips From The Top

Building a new home? This is a perfect time to lay the groundwork for smart home automation. But you’re not really thinking about smart home technology? All you want are some dimmer switches and a sweet home theater?

Well, for now.

With all the decisions to be made during new construction, it’s tempting to push aside the topic of smart home automation to think about later. But construction is the ideal time to set the physical foundation for future smart home technology. Even if you don’t know what automation technology you will want, working with a smart home integrator will ensure the physical foundation is in place to support smart home technology you may want in the future.

First: let’s talk about electrical wiring. Prewiring is a crucial step in preparing your home for automation, and for obvious reasons, construction is the perfect time to do it. Not only does prewiring allow you to install current technology, but it also prepares your home to adapt to future technologies.

Prewiring is essential for your smart home technologies to operate at the peak levels. With all the wireless tech available, people may think wireless is the only way to go. But wired connections are faster, and if your home needs applications like video or streaming 4K (which most do), a wired connection is necessary. At Jackson Hole AV, we make sure your home is wired with the most advanced technology available, ready for future developments.

Construction is also the time to install deep junction boxes and wire extra junction boxes. Even if the boxes aren’t used right away, they will be available for future needs. Installing neutral wires to junction boxes also makes them ready to support home automation technology like keypads and dimmers.

Second: even though this may be the home of your dreams, you probably won’t live there forever. Building the infrastructure to support smart home automation makes it more attractive to buyers in the future. 

Pre-installed smart home automation systems are becoming more common, as more buyers are looking for the capability of their new home to support future technologies. In California, for example, home builder RC Homes, Inc. is installing house-wide pre-wiring and smart home automation packages in 27 new homes. The package includes a video doorbell, smart thermostat, and smart light switches. Randy Montgomery, project and marketing manager at RC Homes, Inc., recently told Residential Systems that in that locale, home automation is something buyers are definitely looking for. In addition to the basic smart home package, buyers are able to select from three additional personalized packages.

If you’re building a new home, now is the perfect time to consider how your new home can be ready for automation advancements to come. To learn more your options, call us at Jackson Hole AV. We’d love to discuss the possibilities.

 

References

Ron Fritz, “Preparing a New House for Home Automation.” Lifewire. September 17, 2018. https://www.lifewire.com/preparing-new-house-for-home-automation-817661

“Building in Smart as Standard.” Residential Systems. November 7, 2018. https://www.residentialsystems.com/technology/building-in-smart-as-standard