Tech-savvy comes home

Sun., Sept. 10, 2006

Joel White Spokane Home Builders Association

It may be 2006 to most people, but for the tech-savvy homeowner, the future is now. Structured wiring, advanced home security systems, and media rooms are transporting home technology, and homeowners, into the future.

One popular trend in new homes is structured wiring. Structured wiring can incorporate phone lines, Broadband Internet connections and cable TV into a single outlet. A National Association of Home Builders builder survey found 39 percent of new U.S. homes built in 2005 included structured wiring.

Structured wiring begins with the installation of a central distribution panel, into which all technology services, including cable TV, phone lines, and Internet connections, are tied. From this central panel, cable extends to different rooms in the house. Structured wiring allows multiple computers throughout the home to network with each other, as well as supporting multiple incoming phone lines, a great solution for larger families.

High-tech homeowners are finding thrills in the latest security systems as well. Motion detectors and glass-break monitors have been standard features for a while, but high-tech security systems do more than simply alert the homeowner to a potential break-in. Some include advanced features such as closed circuit television allowing the homeowner to monitor various areas of the property through a set of discreet cameras.

Wireless backup, in case your landline is out, is another popular new trend in home security systems. With wireless backup, emergency calls can be placed by the security system without a landline.

Other systems allow the homeowner to control everything in the house from another location. Imagine being able to turn your lights on and adjust your thermostat so your home is exactly how you like it when you arrive home from work. Some of today’s new homes allow the homeowner to do just that, and more, by predicting their routine and adapting accordingly.

These “smart” homes allow the resident to control just about everything through remote controls and other wireless devices or a control panel with settings personalized for different family members’ preferences. While most homes contain various systems and devices — security alarms, central heating, water, television, lighting — that run in isolation from each other, in smart homes, these systems and devices are interconnected and communicate with each other.

Another room getting a high-tech makeover is the media room. According to NAHB, 10 percent of new homes are built with a designated media room. With careful planning, however, just about any home can have one. And while they generally include a television and sound system, high-tech media rooms are only limited by your imagination. Enhanced video gaming, in-home theatre systems, wireless Internet, digital sound systems and more can become part of an integrated media room with the use of high-capacity, high-grade wiring and cable.

While bringing your home into the high-tech future is really only restrained by your imagination and your budget, it is essential to consider the builder/remodeler you select for your upgrades. According to TechHomes.com, good home builders realize that home technology can be used to dramatically improve the homeowner’s lifestyle. From the latest in building materials to energy-saving green construction to home theaters and home automation, tech-savvy home builders embrace new trends in building processes and home technology.

The builder works with the homebuyer to determine their lifestyle needs and uses technologies to enhance that lifestyle. They don’t simply offer “option packages A, B or C… take it or leave it.” They ask questions like: Does your family often listen to music? Are you aware of the benefits of new trends such as radiant floor heating?

They use this consultative process to tailor your home to fit your family’s lifestyle.

Home technology, especially in the area of electronics, changes on a rapid basis. What was innovative or even the standard a year ago may not be so today. A good home builder knows when his expertise is stretched.

Many builders create relationships with home technology integrators, installers and designers and rely on these companies to stay current on new trends. Part of being a tech-savvy builder is creating these trusted relationships and knowing when to bring in additional experts.

For more information on new home technology or to find a tech-savvy builder, visit www.nahb.org or contact your local home builders’ Association at www.shba.com or (509) 532-4990. To sign up for NAHB’s free consumer e-newsletter, visit www.nahb.org/housekeys.

Fall Festival of Homes

We invite you to attend the Fall Festival of Homes the weekends of Oct. 20-22 & Oct. 27-29. More than 35 beautiful new homes built by a number of our region’s renowned new home builders will be open for touring 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, with free admission. Watch the Spokesman-Review and this column for more details. Thanks to Tomlinson Black, Direct Buy and Golf Savings Bank, proud sponsors of the 2006 SHBA Fall Festival of Homes.

•The information contained in this article is provided courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders.

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