Mansfield Custom Homes

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Blog #3 Did you know...Low Voltage

What is low voltage? 

 Low voltage is basically your security system, surround sound system, TV and phone connections. We call each access point a drop and you can choose where you want them. You can also choose the amount. For example, if you want a TV in your bathroom, you’d need another drop for it. 

 

What can you do? 

 

Smart home

This includes all the home automation. Depending on what you want you spend, you can setup Alexa to do almost anything. For example, you could say “Alexa, movie time” and your home might lower the motorized shades, turn on your Tv and Av system, turn your lights down, and set the temperature in your media room to 68 degrees. The options are pretty much endless. 

 

Security 

Security can be simple or complex. Generally we standardize with a central panel, sensors on doors and windows, and a glass break sensor in the main room. If you wanted, you could build a full home surveillance system with overlapping sector camera systems, laser barriers that when cross project a pre recorded message or security lighting that triggers via motion sensors. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and wallet. 

 

Lighting and Audio

Like I mentioned in the smart home section, you can setup different lighting “scenes” throughout your home that with a voice command or touch of a button changes the entire look of your home. Lighting is also used to highlight specific portions and key aspects of your home. For example, if you have an archway you might position up lights on either side to accentuate that key feature. In the audio department there are a TON of options. You can choose from different calibers of surround sound systems like 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. You can also choose whether or not you want to see your speakers. Some speakers can be implanted into your drywall in such a way that audio quality is not impacted but they are invisible to you and your guest. You can choose to hardwire speakers or you can utilize wireless options like those from Sonos.


Design 

We highly recommend our clients consult with interior designers before building their home. Interior designers do way more than decorate your home. They can take a wholistic approach to crafting how your home interacts with you. They will look at your plans day one and begin to help you craft your vision for not only how the home looks but feels when you’re in it. They will expertly accentuate the most appealing portions of your home and create living spaces you never want to leave. We cannot stress enough how much these professionals can change your home for the better.