Pre-Wiring Vs. Retrofit: What’s the Best Approach for Smart Homes?

The Benefits of Pre-Wiring for Smart Homes 

Whether you’re building the smart home of your dreams or future-proofing it for a “someday, maybe” scenario, taking advantage of the build phase by laying a solid pre-wiring foundation will serve you well long into the future.

Pre-wiring for smart homes includes running networking cables, speaker wires, Cat6 Ethernet cables, and other wiring for security, smart lighting, and TVs throughout the house. It’s a process that occurs before the sheetrock stage and the walls are up. Pre-wiring lets you create that whole-home audio system and breathtaking advanced LED lighting system you’ve dreamed of.

A retrofit wiring installation occurs when the pre-wiring was not considered in the construction phase. It requires cutting and repairing drywall and crawling through attics, making it much more costly. 

Here, we’ll explore the importance of pre-wiring and the benefits it brings to smart home living in Bethesda, MD. 

SEE ALSO: Top Benefits of Installing Home Automation Systems

Retrofit Wiring for Smart Homes

Retrofit wiring lets you take advantage of all the comfort and convenience inherent in smart homes “after the fact,” allowing you to enjoy today’s automated technology by updating the wiring infrastructure. At Bethesda Systems, our smart home wiring experts and electricians transform your existing property into a technology-driven powerhouse, ensuring it meets your needs now and far into the future. 

Pre-Wiring for Smart Homes

If you’re building a home, now’s the time to pre-wire it for excellent smart home living. Not only does this approach save you a significant amount of money, but it also affects your home’s design and takes the pressure off the Wi-Fi system that you’ll depend on for a myriad of connected devices. 

Focused on the Future

While no one knows what the future might hold, planning ahead helps you leave your options open. One day, you may want an upgraded smart security system or a distributed AV system that brings high-resolution images and crystal-clear sound to every room. While wireless motorized shades are an option, hardwiring makes them more reliable and ensures you never have to replace the batteries.

During a new build, you have the freedom to choose—a blank slate that will not happen again until you build your next home. Take advantage of the open walls to create a pre-wired system that supports your needs now and far into the future. While you may spend a little money now, it will save you much more down the road. 

Home Networking

As Wi-Fi standards become more robust, it’s tempting to think you can power your smart home solely with Wi-Fi. However, wired infrastructure is the key to reliable smart home living. Hardwiring switches and access points ensure a strong, fast signal throughout your home without dead zones or dreaded buffering. 

Security and Entertainment

Hardwired security systems offer the most reliable protection, and hardwired AV systems offer high quality and centralized control. The bottom line: If you’re considering smart lighting, motorized shades, a whole-home AV system, a home theater, or a security system, pre-wiring is the optimum choice.

At Bethesda Systems, we provide you with the electrical services that support the smart home of your dreams. To learn more about pre-wiring for smart homes or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Bethesda Systems today.