Adding a new electrical outlet, switch, cable-TV jack, or computer-network wiring is pretty simple in single-story homes. You have attack points from the basement and/or the attic to route wires through walls. But I build and remodel a lot of two-story homes. Running wires from a basement service panel to the second floor means punching holes in walls and ceilings.

As a result, I’ve gotten into the habit of installing at least two 2-in. conduits from the basement or service panel up to the attic when I build a new house. On those I remodel, I try to incorporate conduits for future alterations while I have walls opened. Two conduits are important because household-current wires aren’t supposed to commingle with cable-TV, phone, network, or other low-voltage/communications wiring. I flag the conduits in the attic with fluorescent orange surveyors’ tape so that future installers can locate them. I also label the conduits at the service panel so that the homeowners know what they are for. And if I’m feeling especially generous, I pull a few strings through the conduits to make the wire-pulling easier. My electrician has even had to use the conduits right away while installing the finish on a project when he forgot a home run for a lighting circuit.

Mike Guertin, East Greenwich, RI