Technology that enhances a home's ability to give the owners a more fulfilling, time-efficient and secure lifestyle is expanding exponentially every year.  Many builders and architects find that their new home clients are aware of the great features available, but very few are aware of the necessary wiring and components required to make these features come alive.  A perfect example is the super think and very large flat-screen televisions that we see promoted in the media every day.  Almost every new home buyer intends to buy and install one of these great high-definition appliances as part of the new home they are currently planning or some time in the future.  However, these units do not just hang on the wall like a framed picture, as so many of the advertisements lead one to believe.  They are simply screens and planning is required to feed power, controls, cable TV, satellite TV, DVD players and distribution of the audio from the unit.

The key word is planning.  Just as you assist a new client in the planning for their plumbing requirements, you should be offering them options for behind-the-wall, structured low-voltage wiring that will assure that their home will be "technologically correct" and not a home that is obsolete the day they move in.  The word "obsolete" may sound like an overstatement, but there is a great deal of research that indicates that new home buyers, at all price points, expect that their new homes will be capable of allowing them to realize the benefits of technology, now and in the future.

Learn the client's interests and expectations early in the process!

It should not be implied that all of your clients are "techno-freaks," and many of the structured wiring features that are currently available do not fit into everyone's lifestyle or budget.  Our company specializes in high-end custom homes, and we have built systems that include elaborate home theaters and other equipment that ran over $500,000.  On the other hand, we have also done $30,000 installations in $5 million dollar homes.  So, how can you determine the technological needs and expectations of your client?  The answer is simple:  you ask them!

A builder or architect should develop a group of questions with the help of their structured wiring contractor, that will determine the client's interest and expectations in the area of electronic technology.  This should be done early in the planning process, surely before the drawings and budgets are completed.  These decisions are not like choosing paint, shingles or floor coverings, because they are conceptual and relate to lifestyle.  Lighting systems that can be turned on from a cell phone before arriving home or video cameras that allow the homeowner to keep an eye on the house via the Internet from anywhere in the world are not options everyone needs.  However, the ability to distribute audio, video, and Internet access to several rooms in a house, or the capability to use fiber optics to be prepared for future for future of electronic enhancements are very common expectations, especially when the benefits are correctly explained to the client.

It is too late to address your client's structured wiring needs when the drywall is going up, and it should be installed after the hard wiring is done.  Your electrician and structured wiring contractor should consult with each other about their individual contributions.  The process should really begin as your client starts to describe the home they want you to design or build.  Do not put it off because you do not have all the answers; there are several very capable contractors to help both you and your client in creating a "technologically correct" new home. 

Mike Riley has over 30 years' experience in home electronics.  Progressive Integrations, Inc., is owned by Mike and Yvonne Riley, and is located at 3424 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC  29455.  To schedule a consultation, select contact above.