Prewire is the least glamorous part of a smart home and the part that decides whether everything else works. Once drywall is up, every missed run means opening walls, patching and repainting. This checklist is what we walk through with homeowners and builders before the low-voltage rough-in.
1. The rack and network core
- A ventilated equipment room or closet, ideally central, with dedicated circuits and space to service the rack from the front and back.
- Conduit from the rack to the utility entrance for internet service, plus a spare.
- Battery backup and surge protection planned into the rack, not added later.
2. Wi-Fi and wired data
- Ceiling access-point locations in every main zone, including garages, decks and guest quarters.
- Wired data at every TV, desk, and anywhere a device sits still.
- Runs to outbuildings and gates, in conduit.
3. Audio and video
- Speaker wire to every in-ceiling or in-wall speaker location, including outdoor zones.
- Subwoofer enclosures and invisible speakers set before drywall where the design calls for them.
- At each TV: power, data, HDMI or HDBaseT to the rack, and blocking for the mount.
- For a theater: speaker layout, projector or display location, screen wall and acoustic treatment decided now.
4. Shades and lighting control
- Shade pockets framed and wired at every motorized opening (see our shade pocket guide).
- Keypad locations at entries and bedsides, wired to the lighting control system.
- Low-voltage wiring for any Ketra or architectural lighting that needs it.
5. Security, access and cameras
- Camera locations covering entries, driveway and perimeter, wired with PoE data.
- Door contacts, door stations and access-control readers.
- Gate operator and intercom runs.
6. Labels and documentation
Every cable labeled at both ends and photographed before drywall. Those photos become the map for every service call for the life of the home.
Starting a build? Send us your plans and we will return a marked-up prewire layout before your rough-in walk.