New Construction Pre-Wiring: The Builder's Checklist

Network: the non-negotiable

Cat6 to every TV location, office, and camera position, plus ceiling drops for Wi-Fi access points on each floor. This is the backbone every other system rides on, and the single most common regret we hear from owners who skipped it.

Audio and theater

Speaker wire to ceilings in kitchen, great room, primary suite, and patio, and a full prewire in any room that might become a media room: surround positions, subwoofer line, and conduit to the screen wall. Empty conduit is the cheapest insurance in the house.

Security and access

Doorbell and camera positions at every elevation, door and window contacts, and power plus network at the front entry for a video intercom. Prewired security installs cleanly and never leaves wireless sensors stuck to millwork.

Electrical capacity: think 2035

A 200-amp service minimum, an EV circuit to the garage even if you drive gas today, and dedicated circuits for theater and network equipment. ComEd rebates currently favor EV-ready construction, and panel space is far cheaper to buy at build time.

Lighting control

At minimum, deep back boxes and neutral wires at every switch location so smart switches drop in later. At best, keypad locations at main entries and centralized control wiring while walls are open.

One trade, one accountability

abvolt runs both licensed electrical and low-voltage on the same schedule, coordinated with your builder. One contractor, one inspection path, and a wiring plan documented for whoever owns the house next.

Frequently asked questions