Selecting the right builder to create your perfect smarthouse is crucial to any successful integration project. You need someone who has the skills and the knowledge to seamlessly incorporate technology into your home.
Just like any other product requested for a home, technology can impact the design and construction of a home. A home management system capable of managing and controlling lighting, temperature and security, for example, will require that low-voltage structured wiring be installed in addition to the electrical power wiring. A video projector,
meanwhile, may call for a higher-than-standard ceiling. That’s why it’s important to hire a builder who not only recognizes the importance of technology to a home, but has the knowledge and tools to integrate those technologies seamlessly and effectively into the home design and construction schedule.
You wouldn’t hire a builder who specializes, say, in heritage look-alikes to construct a contemporary beach house; nor would you use a builder who’s clueless about electronic systems to build a high-tech smarthouse furnished with high-speed Internet access, home automation and home theater gear.
Fortunately, homebuilders are becoming increasingly technology savvy. According to US-based research firm Parks Associates, more than 40 per cent of new homes in the US will be equipped with a structured wiring system (this supports computer networking and home automation systems such as Aegis systems) by the year 2004. A high-speed cabling system isn’t the only technology homebuilders now offer. Security systems, entertainment systems and home automation devices are making their way into builder portfolios across the country.
Finding a builder who offers technologies is really no more difficult than finding one who suits your architectural tastes. You will likely call or visit several builders before finding one who specializes in the modern architecture you favor; the same goes for technology.
Get on the phone now, and simply ask each builder if he/she offers any technology package or has subcontractors who can design systems for you. A good way to gauge a builder’s level of technological expertise is to visit his model home. If it’s packed with big-screen TVs, computers, and keypads to control the lights and stereo system, you can bet that the builder can offer the same amenities for your house.

Builder Support
While he will not be installing the equipment himself, a tech-savvy builder knows enough about computer networking, entertainment systems and home theatres to effectively gauge your interests and needs, offer recommendations, and draw up a preliminary budget. Based on this simple plan, he is able to put the right subcontractor(s) on the job. Some builders may use one technology subcontractor, commonly called a home systems installer or home systems integrator, to handle every aspect of the design and installation – from the lighting, temperature and security system to the entertainment systems. Others might utilize several independent contractors, each specializing in a certain area of technology. For example, one subcontractor might handle the design and installation of the whole-house music system; another might take charge of the lighting control system.
In any case, it’s important that these subcontractors, like the builder, be experienced and knowledgeable of their trade. If the builder’s background checks out, his technology subcontractors probably will too. But to be sure, query each subcontractor and ask for references. If the builder has taken the initiative to find subcontractors who specialize in a field, that’s a better indication that a builder is more tech-savvy than one who uses their electrician for everything.
The builder will probably facilitate your first meeting with the technology subcontractors. At this meeting you will discuss the details of the system(s). For example, if you indicated to your builder that you want a whole-house audio/video system, the audio/video subcontractor might help you decide on the types of speakers and controls for your home. This specialist, and others, will consult with the builder directly to determine if any details will have an impact on the construction of the house.
Expect to participate in several meetings with the technology subcontractor(s). They need your input to design a great system for your home. However, when a builder coordinates the integration of technology, you can usually voice your concerns and questions to one person, rather than seeking out each individual subcontractor.

Put it in the Budget
Convenience is only one reason to work with a tech-savvy builder. Every piece of technology, from the big screen to the light switches, can be rolled into the construction loan and amortized. You end up getting more for your money. Should you hire your own technology specialists, or add a system after approval of the construction loan, it’ll be an out-of-pocket expense. Moreover, the systems installed into the home may be covered under the builder’s warranty.

Construction Schedule
Time is money to a builder. Consequently, few builders will jeopardize their construction schedules by incorporating technologies that may cause significant delays. High-speed cabling, another common technology for a new home, may take only a day or two to install, depending on the size of the home. By educating yourself on some of these systems, you become part of the decision process and can determine if a system is worth the extra time and money it might cost you.

A common installation schedule goes something like this: The first tradesperson to install mechanical equipment into the home is the heating/cooling contractor. He’ll need to know the thermostat locations and any special control features. Next is the plumber, followed by the electrician and finally the home systems contractors, who handle the installation of low-voltage wiring for whole-house music systems, security systems, lighting systems and home control systems.


Documentation
Make sure your builder and/or subcontractors provide you with documentation (including user’s manuals) of all the systems in your house. As technology continues to evolve, you’ll probably want to upgrade and modify your home’s electronic systems (just as you would remodel a kitchen). The proper documentation indicates the locations and specifications of cabling, processors and other equipment, so that your next encounter with a team of home systems installers will go as smoothly as the first.

Part 2 - Finding the right expert
Part 3 - Getting Started - Three Easy Steps to the Smart Connected Home

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