As Brad and Lynn have found out during the construction process, the floor plans can change. It's the subcontractors' responsibility to make sure everyone is aware of all changes, but inevitably, a few will always fall through the cracks. Allen Kline, kitchen designer for Manor House Kitchens , for example, puts his changes right on the wall (figure A) so when the kitchen plumbers come in they'll be aware of any change in the original floor plans.Another great way to keep everyone on the same page is to have regular walk-throughs, where both Brad and Lynn -- along with contractors -- will walk through the entire house and finalize all electrical and lighting details.
Once all the details have been finalized, the electrician get busy setting plugs, pulling wire and setting switches (figure B) throughout the house. It's a lot of work that is done in a short amount of time. In fact, in a handful of days the electricians finish up the rough-in phase of the job. This includes wiring for all the phones, televisions, computers and lights.
In-House Automation Computer NetworkFor the Oberg home an in-house computer network was installed that would control the security, fire, audio and any other low-voltage "specialty" wiring system (phone lines, for example).
Just like the electricians, the in-house automation computer network installer drill holes in the home framing and run their wires (figure C), but the difference is that there are five different types of wire (phone, data, TV cable, speaker and security).
For phone and television the newest method of wiring is called a "Star Network" (figure D), where you start with a central location where all the cables (as seen in figure D) begin and run to each outlet for the television, phone, etc.
This system decreases trouble in the lines and increased the system's flexibility -- giving it the ability to adapt to changing technology. The cables used in the star network are also different. For example, for televisions a RG-6 cable is used whereas the old standard is RG-59. The new wiring, copper and sheathing is of much higher quality, so make sure to go with RG-6 if you're building a new house.
When it comes to the phone and data wire, be sure to ask for "Category 5" cable, especially if you utilize the star network. You can even connect computers together anywhere in the house if you have the category 5 cable at the central location.
By having this unique wiring in the Oberg house, Brad can actually send signals throughout the house. For example, if he's playing a DVD in the media room and wants to watch it in the family room he can transit it on a separate channel in the other room and pick it up.
For more information on security and cabling systems, click on "Automation and Security Systems," under Resources, below.
In the next segment the lights go up, and our homeowners discover that the lights that were supposed to be over their bed are missing.
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