How Professional Planning During a Remodel Simplifies Your Smart Home Journey

A Proactive Partnership Between Your Integrator and Contractor is Key to a Successful Renovation

Remodels often focus on aesthetics. It’s easy to ignore what you don’t see. But every home renovation is an opportunity to make your space more beautiful, comfortable, and efficient. The most successful renovation projects prioritize the home’s nervous system early on. 

While many people think comprehensive technology installs are only possible during new builds, we always recommend planning smart home upgrades during a remodel. It’s a great opportunity to introduce new lighting, security, and entertainment features while reducing costs and protecting your home’s architectural integrity. 

SEE MORE: Home Automation Systems for New Construction: Planning the Tech Before Drywall

Seizing the Opportunity of Open-Wall Construction

In major remodels, the period between demolition and hanging of new drywall is the most cost-effective time to install new technology. That’s because it requires extensive running of high-speed Cat6 and fiber-optic cabling for high-bandwidth applications like 5K video and surveillance cameras. We’ll also want to integrate Wi-Fi access points to extend the network's reach to all areas of the home. Remodels are a great time for our technicians to install flexible conduit in high-priority areas like home theaters or outdoor patios, if possible. These conduits let us easily swap cables if needed in the future without tearing down walls again.

Strategic Coordination with Electricians and HVAC Trades

Allied Home Technologies has extensive experience working with other trades. Our project managers will coordinate with electricians, HVAC contractors, and painters during your installation. Technology sometimes requires trade-offs with these trades, and the earlier we communicate with each other, the less we get in each other's way. For example, in home theater or media room spaces, we want to ensure HVAC vents are kept away from architectural speakers. When adding final trim-outs for keypads or wall plates, we want to do that after the painters are done but before the final walkthrough. 

Practical Budgeting and Avoiding the Retrofit Tax

When working on a remodel, we always advise homeowners to prioritize their wiring and networking, as these are the hardest and most expensive to fix later. Once the home's pre-wiring is complete, it's possible to phase out other purchases, like speakers or shades, as the budget allows. The wiring will already be ready for them down the line. While the initial cabling costs may seem high, they’re much cheaper than trying to fish wires once the walls are up. The cost of doing that could be almost triple. 

We know remodels can be stressful, even without technology in the mix, but we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. And you’ll have a luxury living experience awaiting you on the other side. To learn more about our remodeling services, call or fill out our contact form.