Dealer Guide
Structured Wiring New Construction Guide
A practical guide for planning low-voltage wiring before the walls close. Use this to confirm network drops, access points, TV locations, cameras, audio, control, conduit, rack location, labeling, and future-ready pathways.
Start Here
Structured wiring is the foundation of the connected home.
Wi-Fi matters, but wire still wins when reliability, bandwidth, serviceability, and future flexibility matter. A strong pre-wire plan gives the project more options later.
Wireless does not replace wiring.
Great wireless networks depend on wired infrastructure: access points, switches, racks, backhaul, cameras, control systems, and future expansion pathways.
Start With the System Plan
Before pulling wire, identify every system the home may support: network, Wi-Fi, TV, audio, theater, cameras, shades, lighting, automation, and outdoor entertainment.
Coordinate With Other Trades
Structured wiring touches framing, electrical, HVAC, lighting, cabinetry, insulation, millwork, and finished surfaces. Coordination prevents conflicts before walls close.
Pull for Today and Tomorrow
The lowest-cost time to add wire, conduit, and extra pathways is before drywall. Plan for likely upgrades, future devices, and service access.
Label Everything
Every cable should be labeled clearly at both ends. Good labeling reduces service time, protects the dealer, and makes future upgrades easier.
Discovery Questions
Ask these before the pre-wire starts.
These questions help avoid missed drops, weak Wi-Fi, expensive retrofits, bad rack locations, and limited upgrade options later.
Project Scope
- Is this a new construction project, major renovation, or pre-wire upgrade?
- How many floors, rooms, outdoor areas, garages, and mechanical spaces are involved?
- Will the project include networking, Wi-Fi, TVs, audio, cameras, shades, lighting, automation, or security?
- Are there architectural plans, reflected ceiling plans, lighting plans, or AV plans available?
Network & Wi-Fi
- Where should wired network drops be located?
- Where will access points be mounted?
- Are ceiling access point locations coordinated with lighting, HVAC, speakers, and sprinklers?
- Are there outdoor Wi-Fi or detached structure requirements?
TV, Audio & AV
- Where are the TVs, displays, projectors, speakers, subwoofers, and source locations?
- Are displays local-source, rack-fed, or video-distribution based?
- Are conduit paths planned to important display locations?
- Are speaker and subwoofer locations confirmed before walls close?
Future Readiness
- Where should extra conduit or spare cable be installed?
- Are there likely future cameras, access points, displays, shades, or outdoor systems?
- Are cables labeled clearly at both ends?
- Is there enough rack space and pathway access for future changes?
Wiring Categories
Plan each category before walls close.
Network Drops
Hardwire high-priority locations like offices, TVs, rack equipment, access points, control panels, gaming areas, cameras, and workstations.
Wi-Fi Access Points
Plan AP locations early and coordinate with ceiling trades. Avoid placing access points as an afterthought where coverage or appearance suffers.
TV & Display Locations
Plan network, control, coax, HDMI/fiber conduit, power coordination, and backing for every display location before drywall.
Audio & Speakers
Confirm room-by-room audio zones, speaker locations, subwoofer wiring, outdoor audio, and amplifier/rack strategy early.
Security & Cameras
Plan camera views, mounting heights, wire paths, NVR/rack location, PoE needs, and exterior penetration details before exterior finishes are complete.
Shades, Lighting & Control
Coordinate low-voltage wire, control interfaces, keypad locations, shade pockets, lighting controllers, and automation processors while walls are open.
Pre-Wire Zones
Think room-by-room and system-by-system.
Main Living Areas
TVs, network, speakers, subwoofers, keypads, access points
Work & Utility Areas
offices, rack, mechanical room, garage, workstations, printers
Exterior Areas
cameras, outdoor Wi-Fi, patio audio, gate control, landscape systems
Future Upgrades
conduit, spare cable, empty boxes, attic/basement pathways, rack space
Spec Checklist
Confirm before drywall.
Common Mistakes
Avoid expensive future regrets.
- Waiting until after framing or rough-in to ask about technology needs.
- Pulling only the wires needed today with no future pathways.
- Forgetting conduit to important display, projector, or equipment locations.
- Not coordinating access point locations with lights, HVAC, sprinklers, and speakers.
- Not labeling cables clearly at both ends.
- Missing outdoor Wi-Fi, cameras, gates, patios, pool areas, or detached structures.
- Not planning a real rack location with power, cooling, clearance, and service access.
- Assuming wireless devices mean structured wiring is less important.
Dealer Takeaway
Pre-wire is where future flexibility is won or lost.
Position structured wiring as an investment in reliability, performance, serviceability, and future upgrade options. It is easier to pull extra wire or conduit now than explain why something cannot be added later.
Easy positioning line:
“We do not need to install every system today, but we should wire the home so those systems are possible later.”
When to Call DSG Metro
Bring us in before walls close.
DSG Metro can help you think through structured wiring, network drops, access point placement, rack planning, PoE needs, cable type, camera wiring, display locations, and future-ready pathways.