When should you plan a smart home in a new build or renovation?
Before first fix. Cabling decisions are cheap while walls are open and expensive afterwards, so the design should be settled before the electrician starts.
Before first fix. Cabling decisions are cheap while walls are open and expensive afterwards, so the design should be settled before the electrician starts.
The short answer
Bring a smart home designer in before first fix electrics, ideally while drawings are still being finalised. First fix is when cables go into open walls and ceilings. Anything decided after plastering usually means wireless compromises, surface trunking or chasing out finished walls.
What happens at each stage
| Stage | What to decide |
|---|---|
| Design and drawings | Which rooms need lighting control, heating zones, blinds, audio, cameras and data points. Where the equipment rack or cupboard will live. |
| First fix | Data cable runs, speaker cable, blind and curtain feeds, camera positions, keypad and sensor back boxes, cable to gates and outbuildings. |
| Second fix | Switches, keypads, dimmers, speakers, access points and devices fitted. |
| Commissioning | Programming scenes, schedules, automations and the app, then handover and training. |
Why timing matters so much
Most of what makes a premium smart home reliable is invisible: structured cabling, a properly placed equipment cupboard, wired access points and lighting circuits arranged so that scenes make sense. All of that is set at first fix. A home can still be made smart later, and we do that often, but it costs more and gives you fewer choices. Our guide to retrofitting without rewiring explains what is possible in a finished home.
Common mistakes we see
- No space for equipment. Routers, switches, the Home Assistant server and lighting modules need a ventilated cupboard with power and cable access. Leaving it out of the drawings means it ends up under the stairs or in a loft.
- Wi-Fi treated as an afterthought. Large or thick-walled homes need wired access points in ceilings. These need a data cable to each position at first fix.
- Lighting circuits designed room by room only. Separate circuits for feature lighting, wall lights and downlights make far better scenes.
- No neutral at switch positions. Many smart switches and dimmers need one. Easy to add during first fix, awkward afterwards.
- Blinds remembered too late. Wired motorised blinds need power at the window head before plastering.
Working alongside your builder and electrician
We usually produce a design that your electrician can follow for first fix, then return for second fix and commissioning. We also work directly with architects, developers and electricians through our trade partnership. If you are working with an architect, our guide for architects covers when we fit into the RIBA stages.
Building regulations
New circuits and consumer units are notifiable electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England, which means they must be done by a registered installer or signed off by building control (Which? Trusted Traders). New homes in England must also be built with gigabit-ready broadband infrastructure (GOV.UK), which gives you a good starting point for the home network.
How long it takes
Design work happens alongside your build programme. Once the property is ready, our time on site is typically one to three weeks, depending on the size of the home and what is being installed.
Common questions
Is it too late if the walls are already plastered?
No. Wireless and retrofit devices can make a finished home smart with little disruption. You will have fewer wired options, and some features such as wired blinds or ceiling access points may need minor making good.
Can my own electrician do the first fix?
Yes. We can supply a cabling design and schedule for your electrician to follow, then complete second fix devices, programming and commissioning ourselves.
What should I give a smart home installer at the start?
Floor plans or architect drawings, your priorities room by room, a budget range and your build programme dates.
Related services
Sources
- Which? Trusted Traders: Part P notifiable electrical work
- GOV.UK: New build connectivity information for developers
- Planning Portal: Approved Document P
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. Prices ex. VAT unless stated.
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