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Kensington Home Technology has been featured in The Sunday Times, as their Tech Consultant under the banner 'Ask the Experts':

I am refurbishing my home. What cabling should I install to future-proof it?

MJ, Esher

Rapid changes in the way we send and receive data mean it is impossible to truly future-proof a home. In spite of this, a well-designed cabling infrastructure will allow you to transfer and share large files, including high-definition (HD) video around your home. I advise you to employ a professional firm to specify and install the infrastructure, because the range of products on offer is so wide. To find a local specialist, contact the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, 01480 213 744, www.cedia.co.uk.

Traditionally, Cat5E cabling is used in home networks, but I suggest you use Cat6. It is about 25%-35% more expensive, but will provide extra bandwidth in future for audio and video.

The latest wireless products can theoretically stream HD video, although in practice are seldom fast enough. Dropped packets of data will not be obvious when web browsing and e-mailing, but will be disastrous for streaming audio and video. Be aware, too, that building materials, particularly foil-backed plasterboard, used in some homes can interfere with wireless audio and video.

Optical fibre products may well provide all the bandwidth that you require in the future. The price of this technology has come down recently and may well be the closest thing to future-proofing that your installer can offer.

Malcolm Stewart is co-founder of Kensington Home Technology, a custom installation company

e-mail your questions to propertyexperts@sunday-times.co.uk