Planning AV for a Remodel or New Build: What to Wire Before the Walls Close

When you are remodeling or building a new home, it is easy to focus on finishes: flooring, cabinets, lighting, countertops, paint colors and fixtures. But one of the most important decisions happens behind the walls.

Your audio, video, internet, security and smart home wiring will be much easier to install before drywall goes up. Once the walls are closed, even a simple upgrade can mean cutting drywall, fishing wires, repainting, or settling for visible cables.

A well-planned AV prewire helps your home look cleaner, perform better and adapt more easily as technology changes. Industry guidance from CEDIA emphasizes planning cabling infrastructure early because today’s homes depend on reliable wiring for connected living, entertainment, networking and control systems.

Here is what to think through before the walls close.

Why AV Prewiring Matters

Wireless technology is useful, but it does not replace good wiring. Streaming, video calls, smart TVs, gaming systems, security cameras, whole-home audio and smart home devices all work better when the home has a strong wired backbone.

Prewiring can help you:

• Avoid visible cords and last-minute cable runs

• Improve Wi-Fi performance with properly placed access points

• Support wall-mounted TVs without exposed wires

• Prepare for surround sound or whole-home audio

• Add security cameras, sensors and smart controls more cleanly

• Make future upgrades easier with conduit and spare wiring

• Increase flexibility as rooms change over time

The key is to plan for how you live now and how the home might be used in the future.

Start With a Technology Walkthrough

Before wiring begins, walk through the home room by room. Think about furniture placement, TV locations, work areas, outdoor spaces and how each room will be used.

Ask questions like:

• Where will TVs be mounted?

• Will any rooms need surround sound?

• Do you want music in the kitchen, patio, bathroom or primary suite?

• Where will the internet service enter the house?

• Where should the network rack or equipment closet go?

• Will you use security cameras, doorbell cameras or smart locks?

• Do you need hardwired internet in offices, bedrooms or media rooms?

• Where should Wi-Fi access points be placed?

• Will outdoor entertainment areas need speakers, TV, network or lighting control?

• Do you want shades, lighting, thermostats or control panels integrated later?

A good AV plan starts with lifestyle, not just cable types.

1. Network Wiring: The Backbone of the Modern Home

If there is one category worth prioritizing, it is network wiring. A strong wired network supports Wi-Fi, streaming, smart home devices, cameras, work-from-home setups and future technology.

Consider wiring Ethernet to:

• Home offices

• TV locations

• Media rooms

• Bedrooms

• Wi-Fi access point locations

• Security camera locations

• Doorbell camera locations

• Equipment racks

• Gaming areas

• Outdoor entertainment zones

• Detached garages, guest houses or pool houses

Even if most devices connect wirelessly, wired access points usually create stronger whole-home Wi-Fi than relying on one router hidden in a cabinet.

Pro tip: Plan the network around a central equipment location, such as a structured wiring panel, rack, closet or utility room. This is where internet, network switches, AV distribution and smart home equipment can be organized.

2. TV Wiring: Plan for Clean Wall-Mounted Displays

Wall-mounted TVs look best when power, data and AV cables are hidden. Before drywall, decide exactly where each TV might go.

For each TV location, consider wiring:

• Ethernet

• Coaxial cable, if needed for cable, satellite or antenna service

• HDMI or conduit for future HDMI

• Speaker wiring, if using external speakers

• Control wiring, if needed

• A recessed power outlet installed by a licensed electrician

HDMI standards and cable requirements continue to evolve. HDMI 2.2, announced in 2025, increases potential bandwidth beyond HDMI 2.1, which is one reason many installers prefer conduit where practical rather than permanently relying on one in-wall HDMI cable forever.

Best practice: Install conduit from the TV location to the equipment area when possible. Conduit gives you a pathway to replace or add cables later without opening the wall.

3. Speaker Wiring for Whole-Home Audio

If you want music in multiple rooms, prewiring speakers before drywall is much cleaner than adding them later.

Popular speaker zones include:

• Kitchen

• Dining area

• Living room

• Primary bedroom

• Primary bathroom

• Covered patio

• Pool area

• Garage

• Home gym

• Game room

• Outdoor kitchen

For each zone, decide whether you want in-ceiling speakers, in-wall speakers, outdoor speakers or invisible speakers. Also think about where volume controls, touch panels or app-based control will be used.

Even if you are not ready to install every speaker now, running wire to future speaker locations can be a smart move during construction.

4. Home Theater and Media Room Wiring

A dedicated theater or media room needs more planning than a standard TV room. Speaker layout, display type, projector location, subwoofer placement and equipment location all affect the wiring plan.

Consider wiring for:

• Front left, center and right speakers

• Surround speakers

• Rear speakers

• In-ceiling height speakers for immersive audio

• One or more subwoofer locations

• Projector or large display

• AV receiver or processor

• Streaming devices

• Gaming consoles

• Acoustic treatments or lighting control

• Network connection

• Control system

It is also wise to wire extra subwoofer locations. Bass performance can change dramatically based on room layout, and having more than one possible location gives you flexibility during final calibration.

5. Wi-Fi Access Points

Many homeowners assume one router will cover the entire house. In larger homes, multi-story homes, homes with thick walls, or properties with outdoor spaces, that usually is not enough.

During construction, plan ceiling or wall locations for wired Wi-Fi access points. These can be placed in strategic areas to provide better coverage and fewer dead zones.

Good access point locations may include:

• Central hallways

• Upstairs landing areas

• Large open living areas

• Home offices

• Outdoor patios

• Garages

• Guest houses

• Pool areas

Because access points are usually powered by Ethernet using PoE, they often need only one properly placed network cable.

6. Security Camera and Doorbell Wiring

Security wiring is another area that is much easier before walls close. Even if you plan to use wireless cameras, hardwired camera locations can provide better reliability and avoid battery changes.

Consider prewiring for:

• Front door camera

• Video doorbell

• Driveway camera

• Garage camera

• Side yard cameras

• Backyard camera

• Pool camera

• Gate camera

• Interior entry camera, if desired

Most modern IP cameras use Ethernet and may be powered through PoE. Plan camera locations with visibility, lighting, privacy and local code requirements in mind.

7. Alarm, Sensors and Access Control

If you want a security system, ask about wiring before drywall. Hardwired sensors can be discreet and reliable.

Common prewire locations include:

• Exterior doors

• Windows

• Motion detector locations

• Glass break detector locations

• Keypads

• Sirens

• Garage doors

• Gates

• Smart lock or access control locations

Even if you choose a wireless alarm system later, wired options can give you more flexibility.

8. Smart Home Control Wiring

Smart home systems can control lighting, climate, shades, entertainment, security and more. Some devices are wireless, but many high-performance systems still benefit from planned wiring.

Think about wiring for:

• Touch panels

• Keypads

• Lighting control panels

• Motorized shades

• Thermostats

• Occupancy sensors

• Equipment racks

• Gate control

• Pool control

• Irrigation integration

Motorized shades are especially important to plan early. Window treatment wiring is difficult to add cleanly after finishes are complete.

9. Outdoor AV and Network Wiring

Outdoor spaces are now extensions of the home. If your remodel or new build includes a patio, deck, pool, outdoor kitchen or firepit area, plan wiring before concrete, stone, stucco or landscaping is finished.

Outdoor prewire ideas include:

• Patio speakers

• Landscape speakers

• Outdoor TV location

• Outdoor Wi-Fi access point

• Pool area camera

• Gate intercom

• Outdoor lighting control

• Network to detached structures

• Conduit to future features

Use outdoor-rated cable, weatherproof enclosures and proper installation methods. Outdoor wiring should always be planned with a qualified professional.

10. Equipment Rack or Structured Wiring Location

Every connected home needs a home base for technology. This may be a structured wiring panel, AV rack, closet or utility room.

A good equipment location should have:

• Adequate ventilation

• Dedicated power

• Room for network gear

• Room for AV equipment

• Easy service access

• Cable management

• Space for future expansion

• A route for internet service provider wiring

• Battery backup or surge protection, if appropriate

Avoid placing critical equipment in areas that get too hot, too dusty or too cramped. A clean equipment location makes the whole system easier to maintain.

11. Conduit: The Best Future-Proofing Tool

No one can perfectly predict future technology. That is why conduit is one of the most valuable things you can install during construction.

Conduit creates a pathway so cables can be replaced or added later. It is especially useful for:

• TV locations

• Projectors

• Equipment racks

• Home offices

• Detached buildings

• Outdoor entertainment areas

• Main service entry points

• Long or difficult cable paths

For future upgrades, conduit is often more valuable than guessing which cable standard will last the longest.

12. Keep Low-Voltage and Electrical Wiring Properly Separated

AV, network and low-voltage wiring should be planned alongside electrical work, not as an afterthought. Communications cables and power wiring may need separation or specific installation methods depending on the application and local code. Always have your electrician, low-voltage contractor or AV professional coordinate the routing before inspections. NEC-related guidance for communications circuits addresses separation, cable type and installation considerations, but requirements can vary by jurisdiction and project.

This is not only about code compliance. Proper separation can also help reduce interference and improve system performance.

AV Prewire Checklist Before Drywall

Before the walls close, confirm these items:

• TV locations are finalized

• TV back boxes, outlets and conduit are planned

• Ethernet is run to key rooms and device locations

• Wi-Fi access point locations are selected

• Speaker locations are marked

• Surround sound layouts are confirmed

• Subwoofer locations are considered

• Security camera locations are wired

• Doorbell camera wiring is planned

• Alarm sensor locations are identified

• Smart shade wiring is included, if desired

• Touch panels or keypad locations are planned

• Outdoor AV and Wi-Fi needs are addressed

• Equipment rack or wiring panel location is ready

• Conduit is installed where future upgrades are likely

• Cables are labeled clearly at both ends

• Photos are taken before insulation and drywall

• The AV plan is coordinated with the builder and electrician

Photos are especially helpful. Take pictures of every wall, ceiling and wire path before drywall goes up. They can save hours later if you need to locate a cable or avoid drilling into the wrong spot.

Common AV Wiring Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long to involve an AV professional

The best time to plan AV is before framing and electrical are finalized. Late planning usually means fewer options and higher labor costs.

Assuming wireless will solve everything

Wireless is convenient, but wired infrastructure is still the foundation for reliable performance.

Forgetting outdoor areas

Patios, pools, garages and detached buildings often need network, audio, cameras or control wiring.

Not installing conduit

Technology changes. Conduit gives you a path to change with it.

Underestimating Wi-Fi needs

Modern homes often need multiple wired access points, especially with remote work, streaming and smart devices.

Skipping labels

Every cable should be labeled clearly. Unlabeled wiring can turn future service into guesswork.

Final Thoughts

A remodel or new build gives you one of the best opportunities to make your home easier to enjoy, easier to manage and easier to upgrade. The walls do not stay open for long, so AV planning should happen early.

You do not need to install every device right away. But by wiring for TVs, networking, speakers, Wi-Fi, cameras, security, smart controls and future conduit now, you can avoid messy retrofits later.

Before drywall goes up, walk the home with your builder, electrician and AV professional. A few smart decisions now can make your home’s technology cleaner, stronger and more flexible for years to come.

FAQ

What is AV prewiring?

AV prewiring is the process of installing audio, video, network, speaker, security and smart home cables before walls and ceilings are finished. It prepares the home for technology systems that may be installed now or in the future.

Is AV prewiring worth it during a remodel?

Yes, especially if walls or ceilings are already open. Prewiring during construction is usually cleaner and more flexible than adding cables after drywall, paint and finishes are complete.

What should I wire for before drywall?

At minimum, consider wiring for Ethernet, Wi-Fi access points, TV locations, speakers, security cameras, doorbell cameras, alarm sensors, smart shades, outdoor AV and conduit for future upgrades.

Do I still need wiring if everything is wireless?

Yes. Wireless devices still depend on a strong network. Wired Ethernet, access points and structured cabling can make wireless systems faster and more reliable.

Should I install conduit for TVs?

Conduit is strongly recommended where practical, especially for wall-mounted TVs, projectors and long cable paths. It makes it easier to replace HDMI or other cables as technology changes.