A room-by-room checklist of the low-voltage cables worth running during a renovation or new build, so you never have to open the walls again.
Running cable before insulation and drywall costs a fraction of fishing it through finished walls later. Even if you are not ready to buy the equipment, the cable or an empty conduit should go in now.
Network
- Ceiling access point locations: one per floor, central, plus the basement
- Ethernet to every TV location, home office desk and gaming console
- Ethernet to the doorbell and every planned camera location
- All runs back to one central spot for the network cabinet
TV and audio
- At each TV: power, HDMI or a conduit, and Ethernet, with a recessed box so the TV sits flat
- Speaker wire to ceiling speaker locations in the kitchen, living room and any patio
- Wire for in-wall subwoofers and back boxes where you want them
- Volume control locations by the door of each audio room
Security
- Cameras: eaves at each corner, the driveway, the front and back doors
- Video doorbell: a cable to the doorbell location, not just the old transformer
- Door and window contacts on ground-floor openings if you want a wired alarm
Comfort and lighting
- Thermostat locations with a common wire
- Power at windows for motorized shades or curtains
- Neutral wires in switch boxes for smart switches
Future-proofing
- Smurf tube (flexible conduit) from the basement to the attic
- A spare conduit to each TV location
- Label both ends of every cable and photograph the walls before they close
Timing
Low-voltage rough-in happens after framing and rough electrical, before insulation. Book it early so it fits between the electrician and the insulators, and walk the framed rooms with your installer to confirm every location.
Related services: Home Audio and TV InstallationLow-Voltage Pre-WiringEthernet and Structured Cabling