Q: Why is my integrator suggesting I prewire my home?

Prewire First, Automate Later

Wiring is the first step toward a smarter, more enjoyable home. It's an easy, affordable way to prepare your house for a control system without actually committing to certain products or features. With your house sufficiently prewired, you'll be able to integrate a home control system (as well as other systems) later when you can afford it.

To make the process of prewiring your house simpler, manufacturers have created wiring packages otherwise known as structured wiring systems. These bundle all the necessary high-speed wiring together so the installer only needs to fish one cable instead of four or more separate wires to various locations in the house. Naturally, this will save time, which means you'll spend less on labor.

Wire First, Speakers Later

It may seem completely insane to put speakers in your 4-year-old's bedroom or in your unfinished basement. We couldn't agree more. But will your feeling change five years from now? By then, your 4-year-old will be 9 and will likely want some music for his or her room, and that basement might have been converted into a finished rec room. You'll definitely want to add some speakers to those areas. This task will be a breeze if you remembered to route speaker wiring to those spots while your home was being built. So do what the pros advise: Run wire to every imaginable space then add speakers later.