Things to Consider When Building a Smart Home
Having the home of the future is many people’s dream. But, if not planned carefully, your smart home can turn into a nightmare when you want to make upgrades and additions to its smart features. Common mistakes that homeowners need to correct later include not planning for a wiring closet or for upgrades to the electrical system. Here’s what you need to consider when you’re building a smart home to avoid these pitfalls.
Use Smart Wiring to Keep Things Organized
A smart home needs more wiring and different types of cables than an older home does. In fact, a smart home may need so much additional wiring that things get messy and hard to add to. Sure, you don’t think you need wiring for a video cable in the nursery now, but when you want to keep track of the babysitter you may want to install a nanny cam. What about when the kids move out and that room becomes a home gym? In a few years, you may wish your smart home was more flexible.
To keep wiring flexible, your smart home builder can use a smart wiring system. This system provides an integrated platform for all of the wiring used in each room. Everything from home entertainment to the lights is all connected to the panel, so it’s much simpler for DIYers or electricians to make adjustments.
Plan for Speakers in the Walls, Everywhere
No one wants to dust speakers or move them around. Instead, most people who are building their own smart homes opt to install the speakers directly into their walls. But walls aren’t just empty, there’s studs wiring, and other objects in the walls already. It’s wise to plan out a spot to install speakers in every room, even if that room isn’t getting a speaker right now. Then, you don’t have to move around your tankless water heater or your wiring later.
Besides, you may end up using these convenient empty spots to install the latest smart thermostat or other gadgets down the line. If you know where the spots are, you might be able to handle the hook up yourself.
Add a Wiring Closet
A smart home might have more electrical components and units than it has linens. So, you need a wiring closet the way you need a linen closet. Place the wiring closet somewhere on the main floor, where it can be accessible. It should house your WiFi router and other smart home features that you don’t need to interact with on a daily basis.
There’s much more to learn about keeping your smart home flexible for the future. For all of your home automation needs contact the experts at Digital21.
Sources:
1. https://build.com.au/what-smart-wiring
2. https://www.lifewire.com/preparing-new-house-for-home-automation-817661
