Getting Wired

As any good remodeler will tell you, there’s no reason an old house can’t learn new tricks. From heated floors to full-house audio systems, there are many options for homeowners looking to add the latest technology to an older home.

“Heated floors are a powerful trend—they are less expensive and very controllable,” says Mike Otto of Mike Otto Construction. In-floor heating is distributed through a piping system that snakes under the floor surface, which can be almost any material. “Nine times out of ten we install under tile, because it tends to be cold,” says Otto. “But you can just as well put it under carpeting or wood.” In-floor heating under concrete is also popular in refinished basements, where styrofoam insulation is installed under the concrete to keep the in-floor heat from escaping into the earth. Wood floors are also popular, but Otto cautions that “it’s a delicate balance—if it’s too hot, they buckle and warp, and you can ruin the floor.” Ike Daughenbaugh of Heritage Builders agrees that in-floor heating is seen less as a luxury and more of a necessity these days. “There are many aspects of remodeling that clients later admit were optional, but not floor heating,” Daughenbaugh says.

Wiring for music, home theaters, and other technologies is another popular trend. Homes that were built as far back as the 1920s—and in some cases even farther—are now commonly being set up for networking. From simple wall speakers to a full-blown $20,000 home theater, the set- ups can get very involved. But don’t try this on your own: such advanced installations require an expert.

Creative lighting is also becoming more popular. “Lighting enhances good design, so people are choosing more recessed lighting and high-tech lighting that works with both ultra-contemporary and traditional types of design,” says Daughenbaugh.

High-velocity air conditioning can also be incorporated into existing homes. In the last five years, this system has become increasingly popular to retrofit into a house, and it has also become less expensive. “The new pipes can be bent and twisted in ways that older models couldn’t,” Daughenbaugh says. “They meet both budget and efficiency goals.”