What extras to cram in the walls before the insulation

[SouthernThunder]

We are almost done framing the new house and Im making a list of all the extra things that would be good to stuff in before we start finishing the inside. Some things I would like to hook up later and figure now is the time to install it. So far, aside from the usual electrical stuff I am putting in PVC for a central vac, PEX for a fire suppression system, and the ducting for the HVAC. I am thinking CAT5 too but not sure if its realy needed with all the WIFI stuff thats available now days. What else would you folks stick in yer walls? These are 2x6 studs too btw.

[morrowsmowers]

I would still do the CAT5 cable, along with Coax, and speaker wiring. Take a look at some of those home shows where they run cables in the walls for entertainment systems -- they run multiple CAT5 lines (color coded) for entertainment sytems, etc.

In our house, even though we do have wireless, we have CAT5 running from our router to each of the boys computers and the Xbox 360. Seems if you do everything on wireless all at one time it could slow the system down a little bit -- so far we haven't noticed it with a combined wired/wireless system.

Ken in Glassboro, NJ

[logbuilder]

Depending on your needs, the following would also be within walls:


Security system (sensors on windows, doors, cameras...)

Smoke detectors (since you mention 'usual electrical stuff', that is probably already on your list)

Thermostats for heating/cooling (could be multiple if you are zoning)

Wire for speakers in various locations

Intercomm

Phone jacks (probably already have this one on your list)

Cable TV

[RosewoodfarmVA]

Don't forget blocking anywhere you may want to hang something heavy. Bathroom towel racks and TP hangers, heavy pictures, kitchen cabinets, stairrailling ending points, etc... all need 2x10 or similar material fastened at proper heights between studs.

Also run a 2" pipe from the top of electric panel to attic and down to crawlspace, for wiring later on. Don't forget the box with your pictures, the date, etc for a time capsule!

[MWG]

One thing you might want is pex in the flooring for solar heat? Or tubing for a solar water heater?

[frazzlehead]

String.

My dad always runs a few lines of twine in places he thinks he may SOMEDAY want to run SOMETHING.

He marks where they run on a plan, and then later (often much later) when he decides that he really really needs an outlet THERE, he goes in the attic or basement, finds the tail end of the piece of twine, and uses it to fish the line of whatever he wants to run into that spot. Very handy.

[Michael W. Smith]

Now is the time to maybe put in some kind of "stash box" where you can hide valuables or cash. You might not ever need it, but it would be there if sometime you do.

Also, are you putting in a clothes chute from top floor to basement or where ever the laundry room is? (Unless the laundry room is on the same floor as the bedrooms.)

The 2" pipe RosewoodfarmVA mentioned would be a good idea too for later installations of things that might be needed later. Perhaps several pieces in different areas of the house running from basement to first floor and then from basement to attic.

[OntarioMan]

Most new network installations are cat6 - which I'd run to a "patch panel" with your phone and rg6/rg59.

Many/most security system sensors are now wireless - but the control panels for the systems may not be.

If you're going to have "battery operated emergency lighting", you may want to include outlets for those near the ceiling.

[moopups]

The before mentioned blocking should also include facilities for curtain rods over windows.

[CGUARDSMAN]

are you wiring the house yourself?? My company does home automation, alarms, surround, sound central vac all the fun stuff. i would definitely put in cat 5 and would make sure that you homerun all your phone jacks and not daisy chain them like most electricians do. we run everything cable included to a central location usually in a closet or garage wall into a automation box makes things way easier later. you might also want to put in some chase ways into your walls between the floors if that is applicable. if you have any questions feel free to pm me we are a authorized honeywell dealer and if i don't know i can find out from someone who does.

[MullersLaneFarm]

Wow! I don't understand half of what any of you said! cat5, cat 6, pex, wifi ????

I came on to suggest you put in a time capsule. We included a phone book, our business cards and a note from each of us and dated it.

[SweetSarah]

Not sure if anyone said this yet, but how about a time capsule??

[pixelphotograph]

hooks up for security cameras so they outside corners of teh house have security cameras and can all plug into a tv inside somewhere to watch in case of someone snooping around.

[Ken Scharabok]

If you run pipes from basement to attic be sure they can be capped. For example, if you use PVC put end caps on both ends. Helps to keep critters from migrating.

Personally I would put in about three times more electric outlets than required by code. They can have a blank cover put over them and painted over. Someday you are going to want to have an electric outlet someplace there isn't one now.

A problem in older houses is what was adequate electric at the time it was built simply isn't today. For example, code may only requires 100 amp service. It likely won't cost much extra to double code. I've read where some college dorms are having to be extensively refurbished not necessarily for space or structure, but for resident electrical requirements.

I would put in an oversized circuit breaker box with at least twice the circuit spaces for what you require now.

And, yes, landline telephone lines to each room. You may not need them, but the next occupant may find them right handy.

[rwinsouthla]

I had a near after thought and put in a water faucet right to the right of the stove just before I sheetrocked and insulated. That way, being the lazy American that I am, I don't have to walk the 8 feet over to the sink to get water while I am cooking. To top that, I am getting my wife an "on-demand" hot water heater just for that tap.

[Madroaster]

Originally Posted by morrowsmowers

I would still do the CAT5

<snip>

In our house, even though we do have wireless, we have CAT5 running from our router to each of the boys computers and the Xbox 360. Seems if you do everything on wireless all at one time it could slow the system down a little bit -- so far we haven't noticed it with a combined wired/wireless system.

I'm not sure about this. Really, I can't imagine a normal household overloading a recent wifi network, especially considering the cost of adding an additional hub/router if it ever came to it. With quality components and a properly configured network you'll never have trouble with wifi only...I'd skip the cat5 and spend the money on decent wifi gear if you don't already have it. Think about upgrading...in 5 or 10 years that cat5 will be pretty old...if not obsolete. Plus, there're all those extra jacks.

--Derek

[retire2$]

How about a generator circuit. I would run an extra circuit with a recepticle next to the refrig, freezer, microwave, and a rec. in each room. I would use a different color rec. from the rest of the house. This would be in case of power failure. You could run an extension line from an OUTSIDE generator to the circuit hook-up. Depending on the size of the generator you could plug in each or all rec as needed. Sure is easier than dragging extension cords from generator to house to keep things running.

[farminghandyman]

some empty runs of conduit to locations that you may want to possibly run some thing in the future, (things are changing in the technology arena so fast, what is normal to day is history tomorrow, even if it is jsut a blank box and into the attic or the basement or craw space,

Example:
LP records, cassette tapes, floppy disks, rotary telephones, VCR are nearly history, analog TV is going, going, and nearly gone, (along with the entertainment center that can hold a box the size of a washing machine), just look at the current evolution of the cell phone, from duffel bag to now the new apple phone with a computer and Internet access in a small 3"x4" and 1/2" thick box,

and a few years ago there were the cutting edge of technology,

All I am saying fix it so you can change it easly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

on the generator use a whole house transfer switch and you can run the house jsut like it was grid powered, jsut need to watch the load,

[Farmerwilly2]

Do you plan to use any 12 or 24v dc circuits? Exterior water lines? Doorbells?

[Tracy Rimmer]

When DH and DS were finishing the basement stairway in our old house, they took a scrap piece of wood, inscribed their names and the date on it, along with "my Dad and I did this project together on:" and left it inside the wall. Someday, someone will rip it out, and maybe find that little piece of wood. We tried to think of what would be neat to FIND and then left that for someone -- we'llprobably never know if it's found or not, but the possibility is a neat thought.

When I was a kid, my dad tore out the walls in my brother's bedroom to renovate, and we found an old newspaper in there -- that was really interesting!

I read once where they used to put a child's shoe in the wall when building a new house for good luck -- maybe the Irish? Can't remember, but that would be a neat find for future residents.

As for the wiring -- I couldn't tell you, but good luck with it!