I have a client that requested keypads for their audio distribution system. They wanted keypads in every room that had speakers. We pre-wired the house and asked them again if they were sure they wanted keypads everywhere. They said they were sure.

Now, we are ready for trim-out and they have decided to have volume controls in several rooms, with keypads in others.

No problem, except that we have double-gang boxes in every room. Any ideas on how to make these wall plates look good with a single-gang, decora-style volume control??

The only thing I have thought of is a blank insert in the other half of a double-gang wall plate. I hope there is a better solution..........Terry

Yeah, you can use decora plate style vc in one side and a blank in the other. That's about it.

But you could possibly do a custom plate from someone like RCI custom or simillar company.

you gotta get them to patch the box-cut out a new single gang-fish the wires through and patch the double gang.

How 'bout a pretty picture of say maybe "the wife factor" over each unused opening....this would be a constant reminder there is still a chance to use the openings next pay day...and u would be back in the drivers seat....

Terry, while you may feel responsible, if you told it accurately, the client is at fault here. They were sure. Be courteous, but firm, that they insisted, and now there is a two-gang opening.

Allow them the choice of options; blank the unused opening, have a custom plate made, replace the box or use a single-gang plaster ring (you will have to drill holes for the 4 screws), and use joint compound to reduce the opening, etc., but at their expense.

In my opinion, that's good business, not bad. I've found that, in spite of my initial concerns, firmness gains respect from customers. I will say that, while I'm careful to not screw over a customer, I also have to not screw myself in the process. It's not like you surprised them.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

I have the same issue on a clients condo.

go here to see what the solutions were:
[Link: integrationpros.com]

ericstac

Its not a mistake, count your blesings. I spec every location as a 2gang minimum, makes it a piece of cake to upgrade when the client asks, "Can I have one of those keypad things in here." We inherit these clients and homes for life, I like making sure that I can put in any of our systems. Even if they start out with an entry level 2 zone, we haven't kept them from being able to upgrade to the best we offer, without rewiring the home. You'd be surprised how many homes are on the 3rd or fourth set of owners...and how many homeowners start of with a modest set of ambitions, only to later put in the whole works. Decora blanks look just fine, just make sure it matches. I prefer the look of Lutron's Claro plates, but to each his own.

jcmitch

Eric, great link, and great idea! Turn a 2-gang blank plate into a useable plate. The downside is that there won't be any markings.

But then, you can get panel markings like the ones shown here, and make your own semi-custom plate.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Thanks for all of your responses. I appreciate the support, as well. I think the blank inserts will work OK and certainly will be a reminder of protential upgrades for them later. Thanks again...Terry

Cut a small piece of plastic or thin metal the depth of the box insert it then mix plaster of paris which is quick drying & fill the unused opening to approximately 3/8 from the finished surface, let dry then finish with joint compound, sand with a sanding block then paint. This must be at the owners expense.

Terry, one thing I hear in the responses is that if you present your solutions, and even the fact that there is a two-gang box there now, as a positive thing, that you are likely to gain the client's respect and continued business.
I hear this, perhaps, because I find it to be true. I am forever telling customers at least "well, we have two options here...."
Don't forget to mention that there are single-gang keypads, and if they end up wanting just a two-zone system, where a local volume control makes sense, then you will have put the right thing in for this new configuration!

Ernie, interesting thought.............thanks

Call Audioplex. They will custom assemble and volume control in any size plate.

mwstorch: thanks for the info, i knew someone must make this type of thing custom.........Terry