Careful Wiring for Pasadena Homes

Pasadena has more historic houses than most places I serve. Craftsman bungalows, Spanish revivals, big old two-story homes and walls that have been there a long time. Houses like that deserve a careful approach, and most of what I do for them is working around the building, not through it.

Craftsmans and historic houses

Many Pasadena homes have plaster walls, wood framing with fire blocks, and attics with tight clearances. I look for existing chases, closets and the paths that old wiring took. When there is no clean route, I will say so and offer another one, such as a run through the basement, the garage or an unobtrusive path along trim. If your house is in a historic district, I pay attention to what you can and cannot alter. You will know what I plan to do before I cut anything.

Wi-Fi in old walls

Plaster and lath block signals more than modern drywall does. A router in the front room often leaves the back bedrooms and the upstairs office with almost nothing. Wired access points in a few key rooms fix that, and they can be small enough not to dominate a room.

Homes with offices and studios

With Caltech nearby and so many design and engineering businesses, plenty of people here work from home. I run ethernet to the desk, set up a quiet place for the gear, and can add a storage box or small server for projects.

Old Pasadena and Lake Avenue

Small shops, restaurants and offices need dependable networks and cameras on the doors. I mount things to suit the building, which in Old Pasadena often means brick and old storefront glass.

Out the 134

Pasadena is a good drive east of Van Nuys, out along the 134. Ask for a walkthrough and I will plan the visit around it.