new house pre-wiring - what is needed?

7 years ago

We just started building a new house and I have to decide what I want to pre-wired for. What is recommended? My office will be in the house. With almost everything being wireless nowadays, what kind and where do I need to wiring ran? Just pretty basic, not looking to stream pictures to every TV etc. We mostly use Netflix, so Internet speed will be important with potential of 7 people being connected to WiFi at any given time. House will be 3200 sq ft plus a bonus room. Would also like to be able to incorporate smart devices in the future. Thanks for your help!

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Lynda

7 years ago

When we built our home we added a control closet and ran conduit into all the rooms. This will allow us to add different wiring down the road if needed depending on the latest technology. We didn't think we would need a phone line, but ended up adding that and have definitely needed it. We also used the conduit a year after moving in to run our wired/powered security cameras.

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Rebecca Quandt Interiors
7 years ago
Do you have a floor plan you can upload?
acm
7 years ago
fios or cable, based on where you're located, I think. If you get it in the house somewhere, you can always extend internally later, but one good router might be enough, or add a repeater to boost the signal...
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Robin
Original Author
7 years ago
main floor has an office. basement actually has 3 bedrooms. thank you!
PRO
Rebecca Quandt Interiors
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Do you have the layout of outlets already? Are you looking for a complete electrical plan or just the "extra" luxury electrical? Also, the resolution of the plans is pretty small. If you can e-mail me a PDF of the larger plan, I can sketch something up for you. You can find my e-mail on my website at Rebeccaquandt.com.
Wendy
7 years ago
If you want to add smart features I would recommend pre wiring low voltage wire while the walls are open. Here are the things we pre wired for:
-AV/cable everywhere you think you might want tv's in future. Including garage or outside
-communications wiring for Internet and any repeaters for a big home
-low voltage wiring for motorized blinds.
-smart feature touch panels
-security system, cameras, fire alarms and doorbell.
- speakers
-media room
-our smart acoustic tub
All wires meet in a single ventilated and lockable control closet.

In terms of smart thermostats, switches, garage doors, locks, yes most are wireless. But you will need a control system to run them and quick reliable internet. The control closet is where you can house the brains.

Basically decide what you may want in the future. You can always add switches, camera's etc.. Later if the wiring is there. I'm sure I forgot a few things, but this will give you an idea anyways. Also if you think you might want a whole house generator, wire that when the main panels are installed.

Congrats on the new house!
Wendy
7 years ago
I was assuming you mean't low voltage items, not the main lighting and electrical plan?
Robin
Original Author
7 years ago
Correct wanjess! Thank you!
Wendy
7 years ago
Forgot landline phones if you are going to bother with them at all :). We use control 4 for our automation. It may help to look at their website, not necessarily to use them, but to see features that are available these days and help you plan.
PRO
Scott Design, Inc.
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Schedule a consultation with a professional in this field. One place to start ...believe it or not...is with a Magnolia System Designer. Best Buy bought this CA based AV technology company in the early 2000's and now there is a Magnolia Design center inside most Best Buy stores. They can provide up to the minute info on a variety of top rated systems and products and provide a proposal based on your needs. They are CEDIA certified. One of my clients researched their area for designers, interviewed a couple and found Magnolia to be competitive and knowledgeable.

By the time lighting in part of the home, communications/computing, alarm, HVAC and entertainment networking was designed, products installed and programed using the Savant System, it was over $120,000...a significant line item...and they could have done more. Since the design included expansion possibilities, they are phasing things in. HOWEVER, this industry changes rapidly so who knows what the future will bring.
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
Was this built into your price and bid? Where are you in process? Framed up? You need a pro to help you layout plan. Also, make sure if you bundle wires you have them protected from sheetrock screws. Even though you aren't thinking big plan, nothing is simple in this arena. I would also contact local providers to make sure you know what is available. More and more wireless coming. Very expensive so appetite control is your best friend. Good luck.
PRO
Hal Braswell Consulting
7 years ago
For the kitchen would consider Legrand Adorne system for under cabinet power, lighting, music, tablet holder, phone charger, etc.
PRO
Fusion9 Design LLC
7 years ago
Find a quality CEDIA certified system designer/network specialist in your area. CEDIA has now partnered with Houzz and has the means to help you locate one near you, or the Dealer finder on CEDIA.org . Prewiring without a cohesive plan is like building a road without knowing where you're going. The main thing is to have a business or enterprise class network system as the backbone, both wired and especially wireless, as consumer grade wireless has it's limitations when too many devices are trying to utilize the local area network (LAN) all at once, in this area you get what you pay for, and a system's performance is only as good as it's weakest link.
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Harmonic Series
7 years ago
Harmonic Series can provide documentation for all recommended pre-wiring if the project is not too far along and you have not already found a reliable source. If we can be of any help, please let me know.
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Home Theater San Diego
6 years ago
Pre wire in a new home is the difference in allowing you to control your home,or not and allowing future upgrades. With technology changing quickly and the heart of the home running on wifi, we pre wire homes in San Diego for the ability to use the smart features and future ability to upgrade. If you forego the pre wire when building, it is much more costly to get afterwards with many limitations to features.
Nadir-Nazz H
5 years ago
Any ideas on pre-wiring the office specifically for the future?

new house pre-wiring - what is needed?

Lynda

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Rebecca Quandt Interiors

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