Why New Construction is the Ideal Time
Building a new home presents a unique opportunity to implement smart home security the right way. During construction, walls are open, conduit can be run easily, and infrastructure decisions can be made without the constraints of existing structures.
The cost difference between pre-wiring during construction versus retrofitting later can be substantial—often 3-5x more expensive to add wiring after walls are closed.
Pre-Wire Planning Essentials
A comprehensive pre-wire plan should include:
Structured Wiring
Power Planning
Conduit Strategy
Platform Options for New Builds
When building new, you have the luxury of choosing any platform without retrofit constraints:
**Control4** offers an excellent balance of capability and cost, with strong dealer support and proven reliability.
**Crestron** provides maximum customization for those with larger budgets and unique requirements.
**Savant** appeals to Apple-centric households with its iOS-inspired interface and tight Apple ecosystem integration.
Working with Your Builder
Communication between your builder, architect, and technology integrator is crucial. Best practices include:
Budget Planning
Budget 3-5% of your construction cost for comprehensive smart home technology. For a $1 million build, this means $30,000-$50,000 for a well-integrated system including:
