How to Design Smart Home Infrastructure for Your Whole-Home Remodel
A whole-home remodel is your once-in-decades opportunity to install smart home infrastructure properly. Running wires, mounting equipment, and installing conduit costs a fraction during construction compared to retrofitting later. Plan for today's needs and tomorrow's technologies—because the walls won't be open again.
Quick Summary
Time needed
8-12 hours to plan
Difficulty
Moderate (technical)
Cost
$3,000-$25,000+
Why Infrastructure Matters Now
Technology changes rapidly, but infrastructure lasts decades. The wires you run today—or fail to run—determine what's possible for the next 20-30 years in your home. Smart home features that seem optional today become standard expectations tomorrow.
The good news: running wires during construction is cheap. The bad news: adding them later is expensive, disruptive, and sometimes impossible. This is one area where overbuilding pays dividends.
Cost Comparison: Now vs. Later
During construction:
- • Run Cat6 to living room: $75-$150
- • Install ceiling access point: $100-$200
- • Pre-wire security camera: $50-$100
After construction:
- • Run Cat6 to living room: $300-$600
- • Install ceiling access point: $400-$800
- • Wire security camera: $250-$500
- Walls are open: Running wire through open framing takes minutes. Through finished walls? Hours of fishing and patching.
- Future-proofs your home: Conduit and extra capacity cost little now but enable technologies not yet invented.
- Increases home value: Robust network infrastructure is increasingly expected by buyers.
- Enables seamless automation: Reliable smart home systems depend on proper wiring, not WiFi band-aids.
- Avoids compromises: Without infrastructure, you're limited to battery-powered or plug-in solutions.
Network Infrastructure
A robust wired network is the foundation of any smart home. WiFi is great for mobile devices, but the backbone should be wired.
Structured Wiring Panel
All network, security, and audio/video wiring should terminate at a central location—your smart home's nerve center.
Panel Requirements:
- • Size: 42" enclosure minimum (larger for complex systems)
- • Location: Central, accessible, climate-controlled (not garage/attic)
- • Power: Dedicated circuit with battery backup (UPS)
- • Cooling: Ventilation or small fan (equipment generates heat)
- • Space: Room for router, switch, patch panel, modem, NVR, etc.
Ethernet Wiring (Cat6/Cat6a)
Run ethernet to far more locations than you think you'll need. Cable is cheap; labor is expensive.
Run Cat6 To:
- • Every TV location (2 runs each for flexibility)
- • Every bedroom (near desk locations)
- • Home office (4+ runs for multiple devices)
- • Kitchen (for smart appliances, counter locations)
- • WiFi access point locations (ceiling-mounted ideal)
- • Security camera locations (exterior and interior)
- • Front door (video doorbell)
- • Living areas (gaming, streaming devices)
- • Garage (for future EV charger smart features)
WiFi Access Points
Whole-home WiFi coverage requires properly placed access points, not a single router in the corner.
Access Point Planning:
- • One AP per 1,000-1,500 sq ft (varies by construction)
- • Ceiling-mounted provides best coverage
- • Central location in coverage zone
- • Each AP needs ethernet and power (PoE simplifies)
- • Consider outdoor AP for patio/yard coverage
- • Mesh systems work but dedicated APs perform better
Security Infrastructure
Pre-wiring for security cameras and sensors costs little during construction and enables professional-grade systems.
Security Camera Pre-Wire
Run Cat6 (for PoE cameras) to exterior corners, entry points, driveway, garage, and any interior locations you want covered.
Video Doorbell
Pre-wire with ethernet and low-voltage power. Better than battery-powered alternatives that need regular charging.
Alarm System
Even if you start with wireless, pre-wire door/window sensors and motion detectors for future hardwired option.
NVR Location
Plan space in your structured wiring area for a Network Video Recorder (NVR) with adequate storage. This records all camera feeds locally without monthly cloud fees.
Automation Systems
From lighting control to motorized shades to whole-home audio, proper pre-wiring enables sophisticated automation.
Smart Lighting
Smart switches require neutral wires—ensure your electrician includes them at every switch location.
Lighting Infrastructure:
- • Neutral wire at every switch box (required for most smart switches)
- • Consider hardwired keypads for scenes
- • Low-voltage control option for premium systems
- • Occupancy sensor pre-wire in key locations
Motorized Shades
Motorized window treatments require power at each window—much easier to install during construction.
Shade Pre-Wire:
- • Outlet in ceiling/header above each window or sliding door
- • Can be wired to switched circuit for manual control
- • Cat5e for power-over-ethernet shades (newer option)
- • Group windows on same wall to single outlet
Whole-Home Audio
In-wall and in-ceiling speakers require pre-wire. Even if you start with wireless, having infrastructure enables upgrades.
Audio Pre-Wire:
- • 16/4 or 14/4 speaker wire to each speaker location
- • Pairs for stereo (kitchen, living areas, master bath)
- • Home run to structured panel or amplifier location
- • Volume control pre-wire at room entries (optional)
- • Subwoofer location pre-wire for home theater
HVAC Integration
Smart thermostats and zoning systems need proper wiring.
HVAC Infrastructure:
- • C-wire to thermostat locations (required for most smart stats)
- • Cat6 to thermostat for advanced systems
- • Pre-wire for temperature sensors in each zone
- • Integration wiring to automation system if applicable
Future-Proofing
The most important infrastructure may be for technologies that don't exist yet. Conduit and spare capacity are cheap insurance.
Run Empty Conduit
1" conduit from structured panel to key locations (attic, garage, exterior walls) allows pulling new cable types later. This costs $50-$100 per run during construction and is invaluable for future upgrades.
EV Charging Prep
Even if you don't have an EV today, run a 50-amp 240V circuit to the garage (or conduit for future wire). Adding this later requires panel work and potentially exterior trenching.
Solar/Battery Prep
Consider pre-wiring for future solar panels and battery storage. Run conduit from roof to panel, and plan battery storage location with appropriate electrical capacity.
Extra Capacity Everywhere
Run 2 ethernet cables where you think you need 1. Add extra circuits in the kitchen. Put more outlets than code minimum. Extra capacity costs little now but enables future flexibility.
The "Might As Well" List
- • Extra ethernet runs (2 per location minimum)
- • Conduit paths to attic and exterior
- • EV charging circuit or conduit
- • USB outlets in convenient locations
- • Outlet in each closet (for sensors, vacuums, etc.)
- • Outlet in attic (for future equipment)
- • Exterior outlets on all sides
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying solely on WiFi
Why it's a problem: WiFi is unreliable for always-on devices like cameras and will only get more crowded
What to do instead: Hardwire everything possible. Use WiFi for mobile devices only.
Undersizing the structured panel
Why it's a problem: You'll add equipment over time and run out of space
What to do instead: Go bigger than you think. A closet beats a wall panel.
Not running neutral wires
Why it's a problem: Most smart switches require neutral—can't add easily later
What to do instead: Specify neutral wire at every switch location in electrical plans.
Forgetting exterior pre-wire
Why it's a problem: Security cameras, landscape lighting controls, outdoor audio all need wire
What to do instead: Plan exterior camera and speaker locations during design phase.
Skipping conduit
Why it's a problem: Future cable types can't be pulled through finished walls
What to do instead: Run empty conduit to attic, garage, and exterior walls for future flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does smart home infrastructure cost during a remodel?
Budget $3,000-$25,000+. Basic networking: $2,000-$5,000. Add security pre-wire: $1,000-$3,000. Audio pre-wire: $1,500-$4,000. Smart lighting infrastructure: $2,000-$8,000. Full automation: $10,000-$50,000+.
Should I run ethernet cable or rely on WiFi?
Run ethernet. Hardwired is faster, more reliable, and doesn't suffer interference. Run Cat6 to every room, TV location, and access point position. WiFi extends from the wired backbone.
What should I include in a smart home pre-wire?
Essential: Cat6 to every room, ceiling access point locations, security cameras, video doorbell, central equipment closet. Consider: speaker wire, motorized shade power, EV charging circuit, and conduit for future.
What is a structured wiring panel?
A central location where all low-voltage wiring terminates—your smart home's nerve center. Essential for management and future expansion. Plan for 42"+ enclosure with power and ventilation.
Should I invest in a whole-home automation system?
Depends on budget and tech comfort. Professional systems (Control4, Savant) cost $15,000-$100,000+ but offer seamless integration. Install robust infrastructure now and expand automation over time.
Ready for the Next Step?
With design complete—plans, materials, lighting, and infrastructure— it's time to move to budgeting. Creating a comprehensive budget ensures you can afford everything you've designed.