It’s funny how “future-proofing” always sounds like something you’ll get to later, but then you’re staring at a wall wishing you’d just run that extra conduit or cable. I totally get the feeling that codes are a pain, but honestly, I’ve seen way more headaches from skipping steps than from following the rules. Ever try to retrofit a garage with solar battery storage or an EV charger after the fact? Not fun.
I’m curious—did you think about running any eco-friendly upgrades while you were at it? Like, maybe a line for a rainwater pump or wiring for LED motion sensors? Sometimes it feels like overkill, but I’ve had clients who were so glad they left themselves options. Planning for low voltage is smart too—ethernet, camera lines, even just a spare conduit for who-knows-what down the road.
It’s tough to balance budget and “what ifs,” but honestly, a little extra work now can save a ton of hassle (and drywall dust) later.
I debated running extra conduit for future stuff, but honestly the cost started adding up fast. I did pull an extra line for ethernet since I figured WiFi might not cut it in the garage. The idea of rainwater pumps or motion sensors crossed my mind, but I wasn’t sure how likely I’d actually use them. Maybe I’ll regret skipping a few things, but at some point you’ve gotta draw the line or you’ll never finish. Still, pulling that spare conduit does seem smart in hindsight... drywall dust is the worst.
Totally get where you’re coming from with the “where do I stop?” dilemma. I’m in the middle of my first big reno and it’s wild how fast the “just in case” list grows (and how much it costs). Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
- Pulled a couple extra wires for future proofing, but skipped conduit in some spots. Now I’m staring at finished walls thinking, “Did I just make my life harder down the road?”
- Ethernet to the garage is clutch. WiFi always promises more than it delivers, especially through brick and insulation.
- Motion sensors sounded cool until I realized I’d probably just end up triggering them every time I walk out for a midnight snack run to the freezer.
- Rainwater pumps? Love the idea, but honestly, if I ever get that ambitious, I’ll probably want to redo half the setup anyway.
Drywall dust is its own special kind of evil. No matter how careful you are, it finds a way into your socks, your coffee mug, your soul...
I keep telling myself: “You can’t plan for everything.” At some point, you just have to pick what matters most now and accept that future-you might have to break out the saw again. It’s all part of the adventure, right?
That “where do I stop?” feeling is so real. I’ve been down the rabbit hole of “future proofing” too, and honestly, it’s a slippery slope for the budget. Sometimes I wonder if all the extra wiring and gadgets are worth the upfront cost, especially when you’re not even sure you’ll use half of it. Ethernet to the garage is a solid call though—WiFi just doesn’t cut it for me either. Drywall dust... yeah, there’s no escaping it. At some point, you just have to draw a line and accept that not every contingency can be covered. It’s tough, but you’re right—it’s part of the process.
Man, you nailed it with the “where do I stop?” spiral. I swear, every time I think I’m done, I remember some new “must-have” that future-me might appreciate. Last year, I convinced myself I’d need a 240V outlet in the garage for an EV charger… even though my car is old enough to have a tape deck. But hey, maybe one day?
Ethernet to the garage is a game changer though. Tried relying on WiFi out there once and ended up standing on a milk crate by the window just to get a signal strong enough for Spotify. Not my finest moment.
The drywall dust thing—don’t even get me started. My house is from the 1920s and every project turns into an archeological dig. You open up one wall and suddenly you’re dealing with knob-and-tube wiring, mystery pipes, and about three generations of mouse nests. At some point you just have to shrug and accept that perfection isn’t happening.
I do wonder sometimes if all this “future proofing” is just me giving myself permission to buy more gadgets. Half the stuff I’ve installed hasn’t seen any real use yet, but it’s nice knowing it’s there… or at least that’s what I tell myself when the credit card bill shows up.
Anyway, totally agree—there’s always another thing you could add, but sometimes good enough really is good enough. Otherwise you’ll be wiring your garage for teleporters before you know it.
