Involve your integrator early
Bring a technology designer into the project when the floor plans are still flexible. Early involvement lets cable routes, equipment locations and ceiling layouts be coordinated with the architect, builder and electrician. In concrete construction, conduit often needs to be placed before pouring.
The checklist
- Network: Ethernet cable to every planned access point location, TV location, office and any camera position. Plan ceiling-mounted access points for each area.
- Equipment room: a cool, ventilated space for the network, audio and control equipment, with enough power and room to grow.
- Conduit: spare conduit between floors and to key rooms so future cables can be pulled without opening walls.
- TVs and projectors: power and data at the display, and a recessed box where you want a clean wall mount. See our TV mounting guide.
- Audio: speaker cable to ceilings and walls for indoor and outdoor audio zones.
- Lighting: confirm the wiring needs of your lighting control system with your electrician.
- Shades: power or low-voltage wiring at window heads, and a pocket or recess if you want a clean look.
- Security: cable and power to exterior camera locations, gates and entries.
Leave room to grow
Technology changes faster than buildings do. Extra cable and conduit cost little during construction and give you options for years.
Document everything
Photograph the walls before they close and keep a labeled plan of every cable. It will help whoever services the home in the future.
