Pre-wiring is the base that will be built upon and used to help execute home automation installs, a security system or communications functions. This wiring is run throughout a home, or office, and it allows for the connection of peripherals, such as a stereo system, speakers, a television, a computer, security devices, lighting controls, etc.

Building relationships, using various types of wire and obtaining some sort of training or guidance to get the job done correctly are all necessary to break into the pre-wiring arena.

Pre-Wiring Jobs Are On the Rise

Many home automation companies, along with security companies offering home automation services, are beginning to perform more pre-wiring jobs. As manufacturers continue to build new and enhanced products, end users demand the ability to use them. In turn, home builders are forced to pre-wire the homes they build for these products.

In a survey completed by the National Association of Home Builders and Fulton Research, Inc. in association with “Housing Guides of America,” 68 percent of home buyers either desire or must have security as a feature in their new homes.

A separate study by the National Association of Home Builders economics department shows that 61 percent of home builders expect to see electronic security systems as a standard feature in new homes by the year 2000.

Relationships Feed the Flow of Jobs

New business is always a concern for any enterprise. Client lists are in constant need of replenishing, especially if your company has a high rate of attrition. Competition can also hamper the addition of new projects.

Whether jobs come from builders or from end users, the best way to gain business is through good relationships and referrals. A good rapport with potential clients could mean the difference between you getting the job or your competition getting the job, and a job well done will most likely turn into a referral.

Pre-Wire Jobs Don’t Compare to Retrofit

Pre-wire jobs and retrofit jobs have many differences. Since pre-wire jobs are accomplished during the building of a home while it is still framework, it is much less work than a retrofit job which requires snaking wires through walls and ceilings of homes that are completed and already lived in. This difference means a higher level of difficulty for the retrofit and more time, which translates into more money.

The costs of the two types of jobs differ as well. Prices for both jobs first depend on factors, such as the size of the home and the number of locations that need to be wired.

A pre-wire job could run between $300 and $2,000, whereas a retrofit job can cost up to two-thirds more because of the extra labor that is involved.

Application Dictates Type of Wire

Performing a pre-wire installation requires different types of wire depending on what kinds of applications the end user will be operating. For example, if the end user will be using equipment for data communications, an installer will use category 5 (cat 5) wire. If the end user is going to have a sound system installed, 16-gauge wire will most likely be the type of wire chosen.

How Do You Obtain Training for Installers?

Running any type of business requires good, quality workmanship and customer service, along with trained personnel. This attitude and aptitude must be obtained not only by the company leaders, but by every employee as well. A job well done can only lead to more projects through referrals, however, to complete a job professionally and thoroughly, an installer must have some kind of training.

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