"Structured wiring," "data/voice/video wiring," "low-voltage wiring," "structured cabling" -- whichever you call it, your new house needs it. Mark Stevens, project manager at Adair Electric, likes "structured wiring," which he describes as wiring for communications. It transmits audio, video and data for computers, telephones, TV, computer networks, e-mail, Internet, VCRs, DVDs and more. "Structured wiring used to be for businesses. Now houses need it, too."

Your house will get a dash of structured wiring, enough for telephones and TV, but if you want to go beyond the basics, you should let your builder know. Structured wiring involves cabling, data jacks and a central distribution panel that can be reconfigured to suit your needs.

As demand for home theater systems, home offices and other electronic networks soars, so does demand for structured wiring. It increases your options and adds to your home's resale value. A new house without it is already obsolete, "like a car without a radio and air conditioning."