Technology pre-installation in new builds: what to plan for

1. A place for the rack

Set aside a ventilated, accessible space (technical cupboard, garage, utility room) where the fibre, power and all network cables arrive. It's the heart of the installation.

2. Network cabling in every room

At least one network point (Cat 6 or 6A) in each bedroom, living area, office and behind the main TV. It's the foundation for computers, TVs and future devices.

3. Ceiling WiFi

Leave network outlets in the ceiling where WiFi access points will go (corridors, living areas, each floor). They're powered over the same cable (PoE) and stay discreet.

4. Home automation first fix

Depending on the system chosen (KNX, Loxone…), plan the bus cable or runs to switches, motorised blinds and sensors, plus a distribution board with space for actuators.

5. Security

• Points for outdoor and entrance cameras (PoE).
• IP video intercom at the entrance.
• Conduit for a siren and wired sensors if needed.

6. Outdoor areas and garage

Outdoor WiFi, cameras, automated garage door and, where relevant, garden lighting and irrigation.

7. Spare conduits

Leave empty conduits between floors and to areas whose future use is uncertain. It's the cheapest and most useful investment.

Tip: involve the integrator before the electrical design is finalised. Coordinating with the electrician avoids duplication and surprises.

The right moment

Technology should be defined at design stage, before the electrical installation is finalised. On site, the key moment is when conduits go in: after that, any change means chasing walls or less reliable wireless workarounds.

Sizing the rack

• A ventilated, accessible, dry space: a technical cupboard, not the back of a wardrobe.
• A dedicated power socket and room for a UPS.
• The entry point for the operator's fibre.
• Spare space: equipment always grows.

Which cable to use

• Category 6A for the whole data network: it supports 10 gigabit and PoE.
• Two outlets at least in the living room, the study and behind every TV.
• Fibre or a spare conduit between floors and to outbuildings.
• Bus cable if there is, or may be, wired home automation.

What gets forgotten most

• Network cable in the ceiling for WiFi access points.
• Power at blind boxes and roof windows.
• Cable to the front door for the lock and video intercom.
• Conduits outdoors for cameras, gate, garden lighting and pool.
• Pre-installation for an EV charger and solar panels.
• Temperature probes and leak sensors in the kitchen, bathrooms and plant room.

Coordinating the trades

The result depends on the electrician, heating engineer, joiner and interior designer working from the same drawing. We provide diagrams showing every outlet, conduit and switch, and coordinate with the site manager.

Documentation you should receive

• Drawings showing conduit and cable routes.
• Labelling of every cable at the rack and at the outlet.
• Certification of the network cabling.
• Photos of the walls before they were closed.

It applies to developments too

In a residential building, a well-planned common pre-installation lets you offer buyers different equipment levels without redoing the installation.