Are you building a new home or remodeling? If you envision a state-of-the-art home audio, video, and network system, pre-construction is the perfect time to devise those plans. Whether you plan to equip your home with the latest and greatest audio/video features now or later, having plans designed for easy installation and cost-effectiveness is crucial.
Need help figuring out where to start? Here are some tips for designing your AV and network system before remodeling or building.
Tips for Designing a Home Wiring Plan
Tip #1: Decide on the location of your TVs, speakers, and network.
If you wait until your home is move-in ready, your options will be limited for audio and video placement. When you plan with professionals pre-construction, you can choose the perfect locations for all your devices. In addition, running wires before the drywall is installed is easier and more cost-effective. (More on this later)
Tip #2: Remember the power supply.
Recessing the power supply for clean, wire-free equipment displays is a pre-construction must-do. Power is required for mounted TVs, equipment, and projectors. Outdoor, weather-proof TVs and speakers add a nice touch to a patio but also require a power source. South Shore Audio Video Installation (SSAVI) can help you identify the locations of these outlets so that electricians know where you will need specific power outlets.
Tip #3: Determine control center placement.
In addition to the equipment, you’ll also need enough space to install an AV rack to house your control center. Amps and controllers are usually found in basements, but what if there isn’t one? Our AV experts can help!
Tip #4: Install speaker brackets and run wires before installing drywall.
Pre-wiring is crucial to installation success. Before putting up walls, ensure you have all the wires you need. Once the framework is in place, make sure to have extra wires, including speaker wires, network cables, and cable pathways.
Add the brackets to the ceiling speakers if your design includes whole-home audio. These brackets make it easier to identify the exact location of each speaker and make installation easier. Also, ensure you have plenty of access points to Wi-Fi for streaming services.
Four main types of wire are used for whole-house or structured wiring:
- Coaxial cable for cable, satellite TV, or an off air antenna.
- Category 6 (CAT6) cables for data transmission (e.g., computer networks, hard wring TVs for streaming, video distribution systems, phone systems)
- Speaker wire
Bring Your Vision to Life with SSAVI
One of the joys of building or remodeling your own home is taking full advantage of current and exciting technologies. If you plan on or dream of a media room, whole house music, or multi-room video, now is the time to install the proper wiring to support those dreams. South Shore Audio Video Installation (SSAVI) will work with you, your builder, architect, and designer to ensure your plans become reality.
Let us help you bring your vision to life! For more information or to schedule a FREE in-home consultation, call (617) 283-9932 or fill out our contact form.
Sources
How To Plan An Audio-Visual System For Your New Construction Home
Benefits of Audio Video Wiring Installation During Residential Construction