Honestly, I think a lot of folks overdo it with the “future proofing.” I’ve done a few garages and only once did I wish I’d run extra conduit—for a ceiling fan, not lighting. Most of the time, surface-mount raceways or wireless switches cover upgrades just fine. Sometimes less is more, you know?
Sometimes less is more, you know?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen people drop a small fortune on “future proofing” for every possible scenario, only to end up using maybe half of it. I do wonder, though—have you ever had a tenant or buyer ask about EV chargers or extra outlets? That’s the only time I’ve regretted not running a bit more power. But yeah, wireless switches are a game changer. Makes me wonder if we’ll even need half this stuff in five years...
I get the appeal of keeping things simple, but I’ve learned the hard way that some “extras” save headaches later. My place is pushing 100 years old, and every time I open a wall, I wish someone had run just one more line. Sure, wireless switches are slick, but try explaining to your plumber why the garage fridge trips the breaker every time it cycles on... Sometimes a little overkill upfront isn’t so bad.
Honestly, I hear you loud and clear. Every time I’m opening up a wall in an old house, I brace for the “what were they thinking?” moment. Folks back then just couldn’t imagine how many circuits we’d want now. I always tell clients, running a couple extra lines or conduit is cheap insurance—especially if you ever want to add a heater, car charger, or just keep that garage fridge from popping breakers. Wireless is cool, but nothing beats having the right wires in the right spots. Overkill’s not such a bad word in this business...
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to rethink a room layout because someone didn’t plan for enough outlets or future needs. It’s wild—people always think they’ll just use the garage for storage, then suddenly they want a workshop, a treadmill, or a deep freezer out there. I totally agree that “overkill” isn’t really overkill when it comes to wiring. I’ve seen folks regret not spending that little bit extra up front. And honestly, nothing messes with design flow like extension cords everywhere...
