Building or Renovating? Here’s Why You Should Think About Pre-Wiring
Ron StotzShare
When you’re building a new home or planning a renovation, it’s easy to focus on the big, visible things like flooring, cabinets, and paint colors. But what’s behind the walls matters just as much. And if you’re thinking about home technology (now or down the road), pre-wiring is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Pre-wiring sets your home up for systems like surround sound, smart lighting, home security, and data networking. It’s cleaner, cheaper, and more flexible to run wire before the drywall goes up.
What Is Pre-Wiring?
Pre-wiring means installing the low-voltage wiring your tech systems need during the construction or renovation phase. It covers things like:
Speaker wire for audio zones and home theaters
Ethernet cable for reliable internet and streaming
Control wires for smart lighting and automation
Camera and sensor wiring for security systems
Conduit or empty runs for future upgrades
It’s not the same as electrical wiring. Pre-wiring doesn’t power your lights or outlets, but it supports all the smart tech that brings your home to life.
Why It’s Worth Doing Up Front
Here’s why pre-wiring matters - especially during a build:
✅ It Saves Time and Money
Running wires through finished walls is expensive, messy, and time-consuming. Doing it during construction is faster, cleaner, and far more cost-effective.
✅ You Get Better Results
Pre-wiring allows for better placement of speakers, cameras, and smart switches. You’re not limited to what’s easy to access after the walls are sealed.
✅ It Keeps Things Hidden and Clean
No visible cables. No clunky wireless add-ons. Pre-wiring gives you clean, professional results that blend into your home’s design.
✅ It Future-Proofs Your Home
Even if you’re not ready for a full smart system now, pre-wiring gives you the option to add things later - without needing to rip anything open.
What Can You Pre-Wire For?
At CAVES, we help homeowners pre-wire for:
Custom home theaters (projectors, speakers, subwoofers, AV racks)
Multi-room audio zones
Smart lighting and keypads
Security cameras, sensors, and video doorbells
TV and media wall setups
Data networking and in-wall access points
We’ll walk through your space with you (or coordinate with your builder) and help you plan for what you want now and what you might want later.
Common Pre-Wiring Questions
“What if I don’t know what tech I want yet?”
That’s totally normal. We can run conduit or flexible wiring options that leave your future open. You don’t need to know everything, just that you want the option.
“Will it mess up my build timeline?”
Nope. We coordinate with your contractor to make sure wiring is done before insulation and drywall. It’s usually a one or two-day job depending on the size of the home.
“Can I get pre-wiring done after I move in?”
Yes, but it’s more complicated. You’ll avoid holes in the wall, extra labor, and tech limitations if it’s wired before the walls are finished.
Work With a Team That Knows Tech and Construction
We’ve worked with builders and homeowners all across North Dakota to integrate pre-wiring into new homes and remodels. If you’re planning a home theater, a smart lighting setup, or just want hidden wiring for future upgrades, we’ll help you plan it right the first time.
Thinking about a home project? Let’s talk pre-wiring.
We’ll help you build in flexibility, comfort, and value, without adding stress to your timeline.
CAVES Bismarck
701-751-1162
CAVES Dickinson
701-483-2283
CAVES Minot
701-420-2765