A new home gives you a useful opportunity to plan technology infrastructure before finishes make access more difficult. Start with how the home will be used, then coordinate wiring, equipment locations and power with the builder and relevant trades.
Plan the rooms and systems
Identify television and speaker locations, home-office needs, Wi-Fi coverage areas, security-camera views, lighting controls and motorized shades. Include outdoor spaces where AV or connected devices are planned.
Allow space for equipment and wiring
Discuss where equipment will live, how it will be accessed for service and how cables will reach the rooms they serve. Ventilation, power and network connections should be coordinated with the selected equipment and project design.
Address lighting and shade requirements early
Lighting controls and motorized shades can affect wiring, power and architectural details. Review the chosen products before finalizing these provisions. Wireless control does not necessarily mean a product needs no power or wiring.
Coordinate the network
Wi-Fi and wired connections serve different needs. Plan network equipment and access-point locations around the building and expected use. The internet connection, construction materials and devices will affect performance; no cable alone guarantees a particular speed.
