Blog

This might be a good time to mention that it takes a lot of effort to keep stuff organized for a GarageDominium or house build project.  We have scribbled notes, files of brochures for all kinds of stuff, emails, website links, to name a few of the various informational resources.  U.W. is often aggravated when I ask her to find something we talked about months ago related to the build.  It can be very frustrating knowing that you worked on something or looked at something but can’t remember what you decided or what you looked at.  Here is what we did to help (it’s not perfect but these things are very helpful):

• We use Microsoft OneNote which is part of the Microsoft Office suite of apps.  We created a Notebook for the build and create pages for different subjects related to the build.  In OneNote you can type notes, make sketches, add pictures, link to websites or other OneNote pages among other features.  With our Microsoft account we can access OneNote from any of our computers or devices and either of us can edit our notes.
• We also use Microsoft OneDrive for file storage.  Setting up OneDrive folders and email folders is helpful for saving documents and correspondence.
• While we try to keep most things electronically, it is hard to avoid keeping some paper files.  We have a file drawer set up with folders like what we have electronically. 

But I still have some material samples, brochures, and drawings laying around. 

A major piece of the selection process is the electronic systems also known as low voltage systems.  This is all the fun stuff in my opinion, but not so much a favorite of U.W.  It consists of audio wiring, video wiring and connections, network wiring and routers.  It also includes selecting TV’s, audio equipment, security system including security cameras, and smoke/CO detection equipment.

We met with Dominion Design and Integration to learn about our options.  There is a dizzying array of choices as you can well imagine.  We want some automation, but not a completely automated house.  We want a robust wired and wireless network.  We want to reuse as much of our existing AV equipment as possible but understand that some upgrades are needed.   U.W. insists on simplicity in how it all operates.  Additionally, we’ve designated a hallway closet as a media closet that will house much of the equipment.

Dominion’s first quote was scary high.  It’s not that they were unreasonable, they just tried to make it a very comprehensive system.  We worked with them a great deal to come up with what we thought was a more reasonable system.  It is still costly but should meet our needs for a long time.  The system includes:

• New Samsung TV’s and using our current TV’s as well
• Sonos sound system including Sonos amps, wireless Sonos speakers and some wired Sonance speakers.  TV’s will be controlled Apple TV boxes.  My current surround sound system will be installed in the study and some of my old speakers will be used in the garage.
• Ring doorbell and security cameras
• Lots of smoke detectors – code requires smoke detectors in each bedroom and hallways leading to bedrooms.
• Security system
• Ubiquiti networking system
• Kwikset electronic door lock

Other than the wiring, much of this could change since it won’t be ordered for a few months and who knows what the newer equipment will be or what will be available.  We started on all of this in November 2021 and went back and forth on these specifications until mid-January 2022. I think that’s all the fun I can handle in one post. Hope you are enjoying the journey!