"What is the most important
aspect when designing the
electronic systems  for my home?"

share ideas and more importantly suggest solutions to achieve a
home that is a sanctuary from the outside world. Next we discuss
future needs. Many families are constantly in flux. From infancy to
college the needs of children in the home will change throughout the
years. Baby monitors needed today will give way to Internet
connections in a few years. A teenager's room may become the home
theater once college begins. The pre-wire of a new home should
accommodate the families needs for years to come. Wire is cheap
when installed before the walls go up. Retrofitting is always more
expensive and sometimes not possible.

Budget is also a major consideration when the design process gets
underway. I try to establish with all clients an initial target budget. As
with all aspects of a new home there is no limit to what can be spent. It
does not serve the client well to design an entry-level system when
they had a full-blown home theater in mind.  Be realistic about
expectations. Usually the more options the higher the cost involved.
Quite often we suggest a stepped approach to the job. When the
shock of building the new home wears off and bank accounts
rejuvenate we can add to the system in the home. Remember: wire for
all possibilities during construction. This will allow for expansion for
years to come.

- by Ken Klarfeld

When I meet with prospective clients for the first time I always try to
answer a list of questions before beginning the design process. I
want to get to know the family that will ultimately live in the home. By
doing so I can design a system that will meet the needs of all the
occupants for years to come. Designing a system that  sounds and
looks great is only the beginning. Control is a key aspect of every
design. A system that is not extremely simple to use is not only
frustrating to the user but also detracts from the overall enjoyment of
the home. Simplicity is key.

Most interviews with homeowners start with questions about what
we want to accomplish. Forget the technical aspects for now. What is
it you want? I make a list. This is the dream list. From here we can