Some stuff is just easier to add later, honestly.
Totally agree—ran into the same thing with built-in tech. I obsessed over smart switches and fancy wiring, but honestly, half of it’s still in boxes. Sometimes the “future-proofing” just ends up being future clutter.
Sometimes the “future-proofing” just ends up being future clutter.
This is too real. I went all-in on prewiring for motorized shades and fancy built-ins—now, half those features are still “pending.” The tech moves so fast, it’s almost impossible to predict what’ll actually be useful in a few years. In my case, I wish I'd focused more on flexible wiring paths and less on the latest gadgets. Sometimes less really is more...
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’d argue prewiring still has its place—especially for stuff that’s tough to retrofit later. I ran conduit everywhere I could, even if I wasn’t sure what I’d use it for. Sure, some of it’s empty right now, but at least I’ve got options down the road. Tech changes fast, but walls don’t move... sometimes a little over-prep saves headaches later.
Tech changes fast, but walls don’t move... sometimes a little over-prep saves headaches later.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I did the same thing when we built a few years ago—ran conduit to every room, even spots I wasn’t sure about, just in case. It felt a little excessive at the time (my contractor definitely raised an eyebrow), but I’ve already been glad I did. We ended up adding a hardwired camera system last year and not having to tear up drywall was a huge relief.
The thing I learned is, it’s not just the tech that changes, but also your own needs. When we started, I thought “I’ll never want speakers in the garage,” but now I’m out there half the weekend and wish I’d dropped some wire. Hindsight, right?
I get why some folks skip prewiring and just rely on wireless, but honestly, nothing beats a solid wired connection for stuff like security cams or network drops. Wireless is great until you start getting interference or thick walls blocking signal. That’s when you wish you’d spent the extra hundred bucks on some cable.
One thing I’d mention—if anyone’s running conduit, label everything. I was lazy about that and it’s a pain now figuring out what goes where. A little tape and a sharpie would’ve saved me some headaches.
Anyway, over-prepping feels silly until you actually need it. Then you look like a genius to your future self.
A little tape and a sharpie would’ve saved me some headaches.
That’s the truth. I thought I’d remember what each run was for, but a year later it’s just a guessing game behind the panel. Also, I underestimated how quickly “future proof” becomes “outdated”—already wishing I’d run fiber in a couple spots.