The world of technology is all around us. From our mobile devices to our vehicles to our homes, smart devices and the internet continue to change the products that we use daily. These products are designed to create solutions, be more affordable, and assist us in our everyday lives but with these changes happening so rapidly, we run the risk of our homes becoming obsolete. “Future-proofing” is a way for you to design your home and plan for the future with products that are newer and more effective.

If you are thinking about building or renovating a home, considering your future home is a must. Renovating your home may bring it up-to-date but future-proofing is the real solution. When you look at the end goal of your home projects, you want to keep in mind your AV equipment. This means being able to make the necessary changes while the walls are open and before the concrete is laid to ensure that your home is technically sound.

Here are four ways to future-proof your home that will save you a lot of time and money in the long run:
1. Hardwire the Internet
When products are hardwired, they are not only off the Wi-Fi but also have increased speed, stability, security, and lower lag times.

Some devices that you should consider being hardwired to the internet are your TVs and streaming devices. In the future, additional household items such as appliances will even require internet access.

2. Invest in a Streaming Device
Save yourself the frustration of standard television by investing in a quality streaming device. By using Apple TV 4K or a Roku, you will have more processing power, giving you better overall performance and picture. The smart functions on a TV do not always line up with your needs and not all apps are available on the Smart TV app. Some apps will be exclusively available on only certain devices, so be sure to check out the features when looking for your next streaming device.

3. Run Wires
Think of wiring like plumbing in your home, you want it to be done once, correctly, and have it meet all of your home’s needs. During the wiring process, we recommend running multiple CAT 6 cables and one HDMI cable. Multiple CAT 6 cables are more affordable, costing around 27 cents per foot, reliable, and durable than other cables. They can also easily be made into an HDMI cable by putting a new balun on the end if needed. When the walls are open we will run wires to your existing equipment, along with a few extra spaces. This allows for additional equipment to be installed without re-opening the walls to add more cables. By planning ahead, we can make sure that your AV experience is top-notch while being prepared for additions.

4. Plan Your Dream Outdoor Space
Having the backyard of your dreams might not be in the immediate plan but think about your ideal outdoor living space; does it have outdoor speakers? Does this include rock speakers? Will you want an outdoor TV? Maybe two? These are things to be considered when planning your outdoor oasis. Most of your outdoor equipment will require wires. At Audio Video, our biggest advice is to plan, plan, plan! Speak to one of our specialists to discuss your future plans, even if your project will be completed in phases.

Builders and designers understand that planning for technology in your home has to be done upfront. Upgrade the wiring and think of where you will need to have access to the internet in the future. Do not rely on wireless speakers or devices as a substitute for wired ones. Yes, they might be less work, but they may not deliver the speed and reliability that you are looking for.

If you are ready to start planning your future project, give us a call today at 704-287-3334 or schedule an appointment online. Doing things right the first time will make your equipment run more smoothly and keep up with the ever-evolving technologies.