Smart home technology is only as good as the wiring behind it. Wi-Fi works for some devices, but reliable smart home performance — especially for lighting control, security cameras, and audio — depends on proper low-voltage wiring planned before the walls close up.
Structured Wiring Basics
A structured wiring system runs Cat6 ethernet and coax cables from a central panel to every room. This gives you hardwired connections for smart TVs, security cameras, access points, and anything else that benefits from a wired connection.
Smart Lighting
Smart switches (Lutron Caseta, Lutron RadioRA3, Leviton Decora Smart) replace your standard switches and let you control lights from your phone, voice assistants, or automated schedules. They need neutral wires — which many older Phoenix homes don't have at the switch box. During a remodel is the perfect time to add them.
Security Cameras
PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras are far more reliable than Wi-Fi cameras. Running Cat6 cable to each camera location during construction costs almost nothing. Adding it after drywall costs significantly more.
The Right Time to Plan
The cheapest time to run wire is when the walls are open. If you're building new or doing a major remodel, plan your smart home wiring now — even if you don't install all the devices right away. Running the cable costs $50-$100 per location during construction. Running it later can cost $300-$500 per location.