Smart home wiring checklist: what to cable during a renovation
If the walls are open, cable generously. Cable is cheap, labour to add it later is not. This checklist covers what we ask for on every renovation.
If the walls are open, cable generously. Cable is cheap, labour to add it later is not. This checklist covers what we ask for on every renovation.
The principle
Wireless devices are good and getting better, but cable is still the most reliable way to connect anything that stays in one place. During a renovation the extra cost of pulling more cable is small. Adding it once the house is decorated is disruptive and expensive. Use this list as a conversation starter with your electrician and installer, not a fixed specification. Every home is different.
1. The equipment cupboard
- A ventilated cupboard or small room, central if possible, with several dedicated sockets.
- Room for a rack or wall-mounted cabinet holding the router, network switch, Home Assistant server and any lighting or audio equipment.
- Every data cable in the house terminates here.
2. Network cabling
- Ceiling access points: one data cable to each planned Wi-Fi access point position, usually one per floor for smaller homes and more for larger or thick-walled properties.
- Wired points: behind every TV position, at desks, games consoles and anywhere a fixed device lives.
- Cameras and doorbells: a data cable to each external camera position, so cameras can be powered and connected over one cable (Power over Ethernet).
- Outbuildings: ducted data cable to garden offices, garages and gates. Long external runs may need fibre.
- Use good quality Cat6 or better, and label both ends.
3. Lighting
- A neutral at every switch position, which many smart switches and dimmers need.
- Separate circuits for different lighting layers in key rooms: downlights, wall lights, feature and LED strip lighting.
- Deep back boxes where smart modules will sit behind switches.
- Feeds to garden and facade lighting with control in mind.
4. Blinds and curtains
- A power feed at each window head where wired motorised blinds or curtain tracks may go. Battery motors exist, but mains-powered motors avoid charging.
- Agree recess depths with your blind supplier before plastering.
5. Audio and cinema
- Speaker cable from each ceiling or in-wall speaker position back to the equipment cupboard, or to a local amplifier position.
- For a cinema or media room, conduit between the screen, projector and equipment positions so cables can be changed later.
6. Heating and sensors
- Cable or back boxes for room thermostats or sensors in each heating zone, and wiring centres for underfloor heating manifolds positioned where they can be reached.
- Consider positions for door contacts, motion and leak sensors if a wired alarm is planned.
7. Access and security
- Cable to the front door for a video doorbell or entry panel, and to any electric gate.
- Cable for alarm keypads, sirens and detectors if you want a wired system.
8. Leave spare capacity
Run conduit or a draw string where future cable might go, particularly between floors and to the loft. It costs very little and saves a lot of trouble later.
Regulations and safety
New circuits are notifiable under Part P in England, so use a registered electrician or notify building control (Which? Trusted Traders). Data and speaker cabling is low voltage, but should still be kept apart from mains cable runs.
Common questions
Is Cat6 enough or should I use Cat6a?
Cat6 is fine for most homes over typical cable lengths. Cat6a offers more headroom for very long runs or future multi-gigabit equipment. We advise per project.
Do I need a data cable for every room?
Not necessarily, but every fixed device that uses a lot of data, such as a TV or desk, benefits from one. Ceiling access points matter more than wall sockets for most homes.
Can I add cabling later?
Yes, but it usually means lifting floors, chasing walls or surface trunking. It is far cheaper while walls are open.
Related services
Sources
Last reviewed 1 November 2026. Prices ex. VAT unless stated.
More guides
How much does a smart home cost in the UK?
Real figures from our own projects, what pushes the price up or down, and what you should budget for after installation.
Smart home technology in listed buildings and period properties
Older homes need a more careful approach. Here is how we add modern control while protecting the fabric and character of the building.
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.
Ready to start your journey?
Tell us about your home and we will reply within one working day to arrange a free 15-minute discovery call.