| If you're thinking of building a new home, make | | | | connections, "structured wiring" is a fancy name |
| sure you take the time to design your home | | | | for dedicated wiring for data, telephone, audio and |
| security system. | | | | video outlets. |
| Planning early will allow your security consultant to | | | | "Automation" is another term that will surface. |
| offer design considerations from a technical | | | | Residential automation is all about adding comfort, |
| perspective. I have never worked on a home | | | | convenience and security by networking your |
| where everything was perfect from start to | | | | home. Connected homes integrate entertainment, |
| finish. As an owner-builder, you must realize | | | | communications, automation and security systems |
| tweaks in your design plans will occur during the | | | | to provide a convenient, secure environment for |
| construction stage. | | | | the homeowner. |
| Having a security plan that you can see on paper | | | | Imagine being able to program the lights in your |
| will make it easier for you and your security | | | | home to create the "lived-in" look and check the |
| professional to make the necessary changes | | | | security system by telephone while you're away |
| when a design change surfaces. It's important to | | | | on vacation. You can even answer the door |
| stay within the boundaries of your original | | | | through the phone or monitor the nursery |
| suggestion to ensure the utmost security for | | | | through your PC or TV. |
| your home. | | | | Residential automation is all about adding comfort |
| You might want to involve your interior designer | | | | and convenience to a security recipe. Why walk |
| as a third party to look over your home-security | | | | into a dark home when your exterior and interior |
| plans, just to make sure the positioning of the | | | | lights can automatically come on when you press |
| security devices, wall plates and panels won't | | | | your remote garage-door opener? |
| become intrusive rather than blending in with a | | | | The ultimate in home security is knowing you can |
| room. It's always a good idea to review hardware | | | | look in on your home from a PC anywhere in the |
| designs and color with your designer expert to | | | | world. And, rest assured, if there is anything |
| make sure everything blends nicely. | | | | wrong, your home will phone and let you know |
| "Structured wiring" is a term you will no doubt | | | | what the problem is. |
| hear from your security consultant as he or she | | | | So, as you decide on granite counter tops or |
| lays the groundwork for your home-security | | | | exquisite lighting fixtures, make sure you also |
| system. Because today's home wiring includes | | | | design a home security system that meets your |
| more than the standard suite of electrical | | | | family's needs. |