New construction
Low-Voltage Pre-Wire Checklist for New Builds and Remodels
The cheapest time to get Wi-Fi, cameras and smart home wiring right is before the walls close. Adding them afterward costs more and rarely looks as clean. Use this checklist with your builder, designer or electrician.
Equipment location
- A central closet or equipment room for the network rack, with ventilation and a dedicated circuit.
- Space for a battery backup (UPS) and room to grow.
- A clear path from the internet provider's entry point and any fiber or Starlink line to the rack.
Wi-Fi
- Ceiling-mounted access point locations in each main living area, upstairs hall, office and large bedrooms.
- Cat6 or Cat6A to every access point location, homerun to the rack.
- Outdoor access points for patios, pools and yards, and coverage for garages, ADUs and guest houses.
Cameras and entry
- Camera locations at eaves covering entries, side yards, driveway, gate and backyard.
- A doorbell location wired for a PoE video doorbell.
- Gate and front door wiring for keypads, readers, intercoms and electric locks.
- Conduit to the gate and detached structures so future upgrades don't require trenching.
Media and smart home
- Data drops at each TV location and home office desk.
- Speaker wire for in-ceiling or outdoor audio where planned.
- Conduit from the rack to the attic and to TV locations for future cabling.
Documentation
- Every cable labeled at both ends.
- A drawing showing device locations and cable paths.
- Photos of walls before drywall, to locate cables later.
When to bring us in
Ideally during design or before framing is complete. We'll mark device locations on the plans, coordinate rough-in with the electrician, and return for trim-out and commissioning once finishes are in.