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Ethernet in the walls is a definite yes of course. A backup electricity generator would be cool if power outages aren't uncommon in your area. Something like a

by bobds 16y ago

Ethernet in the walls is a definite yes of course. A backup electricity generator would be cool if power outages aren't uncommon in your area. Something like a central UPS. Good insulation is key. Double glazed windows, etc. A solar water heater is a good idea if you get a good amount of sunshine. Grey-water recycling is a good idea. You can also reclaim heat from it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_water_heat_recycling http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_water_heat_recycling A composting setup would be handy if you have a backyard or garden. Choose robustness and longevity over style and minor cost savings for the various components/materials that will be used.

dmarinoc 16y ago
>> Ethernet in the walls is a definite yes of course. Why Ethernet instead of PLC? I know EthCat6 is faster and reliable... but you can get now 500Mbps from some PLC kits, and no maintaining is required
- qjz 16y ago
  I faced this choice when I bought a new house and opted for PLC. As much as I like wired ethernet, I'm glad I went with PLC. It was cheaper in the long run and more flexible because I can use any power outlet in a room without having to grab an extra long cable. Wireless has improved so much, I only use PLC for legacy devices like network printers or old laptops. I also inherited a mess of telephone and security cables with the house and the basement is an incomprehensible tangle. Be nice to future owners and avoid adding cables whenever possible.
wisty 16y ago
A couple of points on generators: make sure you can use it in the dark, while you are panicking (I've heard horror stories about generators that couldn't be switched on in an emergency, because nobody could see, and nobody knew how to work them); and make sure that it can't fill your house with poisonous fumes (or even just CO2). And yeah, visit a hotel that was stylish in the 90s, and never got updated. Just think about the cringe factor your fancy gadgets will have in 10 years time, when everything is wireless and is controlled by iPhones and Androids.

by bobds 16y ago

dmarinoc 16y ago

>> Ethernet in the walls is a definite yes of course. Why Ethernet instead of PLC? I know EthCat6 is faster and reliable... but you can get now 500Mbps from some PLC kits, and no maintaining is required

qjz 16y ago
I faced this choice when I bought a new house and opted for PLC. As much as I like wired ethernet, I'm glad I went with PLC. It was cheaper in the long run and more flexible because I can use any power outlet in a room without having to grab an extra long cable. Wireless has improved so much, I only use PLC for legacy devices like network printers or old laptops. I also inherited a mess of telephone and security cables with the house and the basement is an incomprehensible tangle. Be nice to future owners and avoid adding cables whenever possible.

wisty 16y ago

A couple of points on generators: make sure you can use it in the dark, while you are panicking (I've heard horror stories about generators that couldn't be switched on in an emergency, because nobody could see, and nobody knew how to work them); and make sure that it can't fill your house with poisonous fumes (or even just CO2). And yeah, visit a hotel that was stylish in the 90s, and never got updated. Just think about the cringe factor your fancy gadgets will have in 10 years time, when everything is wireless and is controlled by iPhones and Androids.