By: Greta E Colgan

Whether planning for a new home or upgrading an existing home, you know that the systems you choose to install today must serve you and your family’s needs for the long haul. As in any project, planning is key. The time to first consult with an electronic systems integrator is during the initial planning sessions with your Architect/Builder/Interior Design team. Cabling for electronic systems must be designed into the plans just like ductwork for heating/cooling and electric for lighting and appliances. The thing you must know is that cabling performed before drywall is installed is extremely cost effective. I routinely counsel my clients to install cable for the systems they want now AND cable for systems they’d like to install in the future. The cost savings of this approach, over cabling behind the walls when new systems are added, are tremendous. In addition to cost savings, a system integrator can offer design suggestions and tips to avoid common pitfalls learned through years of industry experience.

Whether new construction or extensive renovation, once the plans are approved, each construction project follows a tried and true pattern. Beginning with framing, the trades rotate through the construction schedule. Each trade installs elements behind the walls during “Rough-In”. After drywall is complete, or “close-in”, each trade returns to install the finished product. To the right is a typical construction schedule with the electronic integrator’s tasks displayed in Blue.

For some, it’s the excitement of cinema quality movies to enjoy at home with family and friends, or the relaxation of their favorite music played throughout the home and garden that attracts them. Others are drawn to the cost savings of automated heating, cooling, and lighting systems and the peace of mind afforded by a reliable security system. Still others yearn for fast reliable telephone and internet access to increase productivity during time spent in their home office. Despite the diversity of these commonly installed home systems, there are many similarities in the planning and installation of these systems and tips to get the best systems at the best price. Planning well in advance and performing each task carefully and in the proper order will ensure a home that is “future proof” and systems that you can enjoy today and for years to come.

The mission of Beyond the Studs is to provide home owners and small businesses with custom electronics solutions that enhance the quality of their life and the value of their homes and businesses. Our services include Home Theatre, Whole Home Audio, Lighting/ Security, Media Rooms, Home Offices, and the latest trends in home automation including remote control over the internet of the primary residence, as well as vacation homes and rental properties.

Beyond the Studs is committed to preserving (or even enhancing) the beauty and architectural elements of the rooms in which we work. Whether we are designing an elegant boardroom or retrofitting a historical home, we take the necessary steps to ensure that the electronic elements will be masterfully hidden or blended into the room. We strive to achieve harmony between the electronic systems we design and the architecture of the homes and offices in which they operate. We fill your space with hidden treasures of technology. When not in use, our systems are subtle and understated; but turn one on and they are anything but!!!.

Beyond the Studs is not a traditional electronics retailer nor do we simply “install” retail products. Rather, we are a solution driven business dedicated to providing value added design, implementation, integration, and maintenance services that ensure that your technology purchases work for you and not the other way around.

For more information visit www.beyond-the-studs.com or better yet make an appointment to experience the difference with a visit to our automated home where you can see, hear, and experience music, movies, theatre seating, family room, media room,  and home office options as they are meant to be….artfully installed in an elegant home setting. To schedule call 302.428.6080.