By: Dale Crawford
Steel Tube Institute
Executive Director and Director of Conduit
Home is where we relax, sleep and putter, but in the mid-to-post-COVID world, for many, home is also where the office is. And when it comes to new construction, would-be-homeowners have different needs now than they did before— a direct reflection of the digital transformation born from COVID lockdowns.
As builders and contractors retrofit client plans to not only support, but to optimize work-from-home capabilities, these build teams should anticipate more-informed, tech-hungry clients planning for the new age of “built-in desks in the kitchen.” Whether it’s broadband from the bathroom, Bluetooth from the BBQ pit or USB ports in the utility room, these more-pragmatic home-build asks are not only the new norm, but the base expectation. Builders’ and contractors’ electrical prowess is now the remote tether connecting homeowners to their careers.
Since the 1900s, steel conduit has been used as a channel system for electrical conductors. Recognized for its durability, fire safety and 100 percent recyclability, electrical metallic tubing is generally on every builders’ checklist no matter the type of electrical project at hand. With a nod to increased tech-connectivity needs, safety and reliability, homeowners are demanding more from the materials with which their homes are being built—and steel tubing is at the forefront of those asks. Below is a list of questions for homeowners to examine when electrical-needs conversations begin to drive project work.
1. What are your Connectivity, Electric and Tech-Ready Non-Negotiables?
Instead of a splurging on outdoor pizza ovens, infinity swimming pools, or heated travertine floors, ask yourself what you need from your build team to ensure you can be the best work-from-home employee possible. Ensure your build team understands you need the electrical reliability of enhanced broadband, hardwired USB sockets throughout the home and electrical bandwidth to spare.
2. How Can You Make the Most of Your Budget?
“Saving your pennies” is probably the most important topic during any build out. Knowing which materials make the most sense for your home needs is the first step. Knowing how much you need is second. For example, a 2,333 square foot home (average new construction in US in 2020) would need between 4,500 & 4,800 linear feet of electrical conduit. Keep in mind too that labor cost can be highly variable. For example, skilled union labor can install steel conduit nearly as fast as installing NMB (its non-metallic competitor, PVC.) The union electricians in Chicago are especially skilled and impressive at this. Electrical conductor needs are also something that should be examined. Here is where one of the big cost comparison adjustments come in, especially given the benefits of protection of conduit. Only two conductors would be required for this installation in conduit, as a ground is not needed or required by code. The steel conduit acts as the equipment grounding conductor in this installation. Two 14 AWG conductors would be $0.15/foot and 12 AWG would be $0.20/foot, roughly.
3. What are Your Plans for The Future?
If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be prepared to flex and morph. Ask yourself how long you’re planning to live at this home and whether the build materials, wiring and other choices you’re making offer the potential to flex again, future forward. Maybe you hit retirement and no longer need your home wired to the brim. Talk to your build team about whether the materials and tech systems you plan to build out now can be modified for your future needs then.
As a more-informed consumer, remember, you call the shots when it comes to tech asks and material selection. Have a candid conversation with your contractor about which are absolutes and where there’s room for adjustment to help ensure your new build is also your home sweet home for decades to come.