Same outcome, different process
What should I know for retrofit projects?
Structured wiring is the central nervous system for Smart-Home systems and it is this infrastructure that causes the most ‘head scratches’ in retrofit projects. Trying to integrate structured wiring into a finished house is indeed a very different project from implementing a system at renovation stage. Depending on the structure of the home and what functions the homeowner wants the system to be capable of, retrofit projects are not always an easy process. Although, fear-not as there are ways of using other technologies to avoid implementing a wiring infrastructure, for example in the instance of adding dedicated communication and data cable lines. Many of the functions of a home automation system can use the power lines already in the home, or through wireless technology, especially as transfer rates get faster and signals become stronger and less susceptible to interference. Only when there is a greater demand for entertainment is structured wiring more essential however this usually only involves a few rooms in the house anyway. Houses with cavities behind the floors, ceilings and walls will be more retrofit-friendly as this means drilling fewer holes during installation. In homes with concrete floor slabs, minimal space within wall cavities, and more complex designs, installation requires removing wall linings. This means more prep work to make way for the wiring, more work required to make-good the surfaces afterwards and thus ultimately more cost. Clearly, the best time to retrofit is when there are already plans for a bigger remodelling job requiring new power wiring. In this case installing a comparatively simple system automating: windows, doors, and lights is fairly straightforward and no more troublesome than installing an alarm system
