> Source: https://daisykaty.com/blog/prewire-checklist/
> Smart home pre-wire checklist for new construction | Daisy Katy
> What to run before drywall so your new home is ready for Wi-Fi, speakers, TVs, shades, and cameras without cutting walls later.

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New construction

# Smart home pre-wire checklist for new construction

September 4, 2026 · 7 min read · Daisy Katy

What to run before drywall so your new home is ready for Wi-Fi, speakers, TVs, shades, and cameras without cutting walls later.

The cheapest time to wire a house is before the insulation and drywall go up. Once walls are closed, every new cable means cutting, patching, and painting. If you are building with a custom or semi-custom builder, walk through this list before your pre-drywall meeting.

## 1. Network backbone

- Cat6 to every TV location, office desk, and media cabinet
- Ceiling data drops for Wi-Fi access points on each floor, plus the patio
- A central structured-wiring location with power and ventilation for a rack

## 2. TVs and media

- A recessed box behind each wall-mounted TV with power and data
- Conduit from the TV to the media cabinet so you can add cables later
- Outdoor TV locations on the patio with weather-rated boxes

## 3. Speakers

- Speaker wire to ceiling locations in the family room, kitchen, primary suite, and patio
- Pre-construction brackets so the opening is set at rough-in and covered until speakers go in
- A volume or keypad location in each audio zone

## 4. Motorized shades

- Low-voltage wire to the head of each window you may motorize, even if you install shades later
- Blocking in the header for pockets or brackets
- Tall two-story windows are the priority: they are hard to reach and get the most sun

## 5. Lighting control

- Plan keypad locations at entries, the primary bedside, and the garage door
- Use deep boxes and neutrals at every switch location
- Group loads so scenes make sense (kitchen island, perimeter, under-cabinet)

## 6. Cameras and doorbells

- Cat6 to camera locations at eaves, driveway, and back yard
- Doorbell wiring at the front and side entries
- A dedicated run from the network rack for the video recorder

**Builders and homeowners:** Daisy Katy provides low-voltage pre-wire and design for new construction. [See our builder program](https://daisykaty.com/builders/) or [request a pre-wire walkthrough](https://daisykaty.com/contact/).

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Daisy Katy (True Domotics LLC), a locally owned Daisy smart home franchise in Katy, Texas. Phone 281-822-3339 or (833) 439-3247. Email katytx@daisyco.com. Consultations are always free: https://daisykaty.com/contact/