Structured Wiring and Low-Voltage Pre-Wire in Garland, TX and DFW
Structured wiring — also called low-voltage pre-wire — is the infrastructure that makes everything else in a modern home actually work. Ethernet to every TV and workstation. Speaker cable to every room that needs audio. Coax for antenna/satellite distribution. HDMI pulls for future TV locations. Fiber for the home’s backbone. Done properly during construction, it costs a fraction of retrofit and creates a home that handles technology upgrades for the next 20 years without tearing up walls.
Done poorly, or skipped entirely, it means every future technology addition requires cutting into finished walls, fishing cables through inadequate pathways, or settling for wireless when wired would work dramatically better.
We do structured wiring for DFW new construction, major renovations, and “almost too late” pre-drywall situations. Residential and commercial.
What Structured Wiring Actually Includes
A proper DFW residential structured wiring package typically includes:
Network infrastructure:
- CAT6 or CAT6A Ethernet runs to every TV, computer desk, and wireless access point location
- Main network closet with patch panel and proper cable management
- Wireless access point pre-wire (ceiling-mounted locations for optimal coverage)
- Fiber backbone between buildings for larger estates or dual-equipment-closet homes
Video distribution:
- RG6 coax to every TV location (for cable, antenna, satellite)
- HDMI pulls for projectors and hard-to-reach TV locations
- Distribution-capable wiring for whole-home video matrix systems
Audio infrastructure:
- 16-gauge or 14-gauge speaker cable to every planned speaker location
- In-ceiling and in-wall speaker pre-wiring
- Outdoor speaker conduit runs to patios, pool decks, landscape locations
- Home theater room: dedicated speaker runs for 7.1.4 or higher Atmos configurations
Control and automation:
- Control wire pulls for lighting control systems (Lutron, Control4)
- Shade motor power and data runs for motorized shades
- Thermostat upgrade wiring (C-wire for smart thermostats in older homes)
- Security and door lock system pre-wire
Specialty:
- Outdoor camera and lighting conduit
- Irrigation and pool equipment control runs
- EV charging pre-wire (dedicated circuit planning)
- Home gym and office specific wiring
Structured Wiring Cost in DFW (2026)
| Project Type | Typical Range | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Small home pre-wire (under 2,500 sq ft) | $2,500 – $5,500 | During framing |
| Standard home pre-wire (2,500-4,500 sq ft) | $5,500 – $12,000 | During framing |
| Large custom home (4,500-7,500 sq ft) | $12,000 – $25,000 | During framing |
| Estate/luxury custom (7,500+ sq ft) | $25,000 – $75,000+ | Multiple phases |
| Retrofit pre-wire (during renovation) | 2-3x the during-construction price | Variable |
The economic case for pre-wire during construction: A 3,500 sq ft home pre-wired during framing: ~$7,500. Same infrastructure retrofitted into the finished home: $18,000-$35,000. The construction-phase window is brief but the cost difference is massive.
Why Pre-Wire During Construction Matters So Much
During framing:
- Open walls mean cables run in straight lines from source to destination
- No drywall to damage, no finishes to protect
- Proper cable routing through wall cavities without fishing or surface-mounting
- Electrical and HVAC contractors can coordinate routing to avoid conflicts
- One trip to rough-in everything — minimal labor time
After drywall (retrofit):
- Cables must be fished through existing wall cavities or run on surfaces
- Limited access forces compromises in routing
- Wall repair and repainting after every cable pull
- Multiple trips to address what pre-wire would’ve addressed in one visit
- Some runs become impossible — requiring wireless solutions that underperform wired
After finished move-in (retrofit into occupied home):
- Most disruptive and expensive option
- Furniture must be moved, living spaces affected during work
- Wall repair is harder with existing paint and finishes
- Some homeowners give up and accept inferior wireless solutions
The math is clear: if you’re building or renovating, get structured wiring done during construction. It’s the single highest-ROI low-voltage investment in the home.
Working With Builders, Remodelers, and Architects
We work regularly with DFW builders, custom home builders, general contractors, and architects. Our process:
For builders we work with repeatedly:
- Pre-approved low-voltage scope templates for typical home plans
- Integration with existing construction schedules
- Direct coordination with electricians, HVAC, and framing crews
- Single point of contact for all low-voltage questions
- Simplified billing integrated with construction draws
For homeowners during construction:
- Site visit during framing phase to review with builder
- Written scope of work with fixed pricing
- Timing coordinated around electrical rough-in
- Documentation provided to builder and homeowner
For architects and designers:
- Review of plans to identify low-voltage infrastructure opportunities
- Recommendations for equipment closet placement and sizing
- Wireless access point location planning for whole-home coverage
- Integration with overall smart home system architecture
Structured Wiring for Smart Home Integration
The best time to plan for smart home is during structured wiring. Homes properly pre-wired for smart home integration:
- Have CAT6 to every eventual AP location for strong WiFi coverage
- Include dedicated network closet with proper equipment housing
- Have control wiring to every lighting switch location (not just the “smart” ones)
- Include shade motor wiring even where shades aren’t initially planned
- Have security system pre-wire integrated with the overall plan
See our smart home integration service for details on what the smart home system actually looks like on top of proper structured wiring.
Ethernet / CAT6 Installation
For existing homes that don’t need full structured wiring but want CAT6 runs to specific locations:
Typical Ethernet installation:
- Network closet setup with patch panel and switch
- CAT6 runs from closet to desired locations (offices, entertainment centers, smart TVs, gaming rooms)
- Wireless access point installation and configuration
- Wall plates installed, tested, and labeled
Typical cost for Ethernet runs in existing homes: $150-$400 per cable drop depending on accessibility. 5-8 drop installations typically run $1,500-$3,500.
New Construction Coordination Timeline
During design phase (before framing):
- Review plans with architect or builder
- Identify equipment closet location (central, properly ventilated)
- Plan cable pathways around HVAC and plumbing
- Specify electrical outlet locations for AV and networking equipment
During rough-in (during framing):
- All cable runs pulled
- Boxes mounted at all device locations
- Cables labeled and tested
- Documentation provided
Post-drywall (after framing closed):
- Device installation (speakers, keypads, access points)
- Equipment rack assembly and configuration
- Final testing and commissioning
- Homeowner/builder handoff
Service Areas
Structured wiring and low-voltage pre-wire across the DFW metroplex:
- Garland · Rowlett · Richardson · Plano
- Frisco · Allen & McKinney · Dallas
- Sachse & Wylie · Addison & Carrollton
- Mesquite · Rockwall & Heath
- Highland Park & University Park
New construction and renovation projects throughout DFW.
Structured Wiring FAQs
How much does structured wiring cost for a new home in Dallas? Small home (under 2,500 sq ft): $2,500-$5,500. Standard home (2,500-4,500 sq ft): $5,500-$12,000. Large custom home: $12,000-$25,000. Retrofit pre-wire after construction costs 2-3x these amounts.
What’s included in a typical structured wiring package? CAT6 Ethernet to every TV and workstation location, coax to every TV, speaker cable to every planned speaker, HDMI pulls where needed, control wiring for lighting and shades, network equipment closet, and wireless access point pre-wire. Specialty wiring (outdoor, security, specialty rooms) quoted separately.
Can you do structured wiring in my existing home? Yes, but retrofit costs 2-3x what pre-wire during construction costs. We often recommend a hybrid approach: pre-wire the key locations now, use wireless for secondary locations, then add more wired runs during any future renovation.
Do you work with builders? Yes. We have repeat relationships with multiple DFW builders. We can work as a subcontractor to the builder, directly with the homeowner, or in a hybrid arrangement.
What’s the difference between structured wiring and regular wiring? Regular electrical wiring carries power. Structured wiring carries data, signal, and control — Ethernet, coax, speaker cable, HDMI, fiber, and control wires. Structured wiring is low-voltage and governed by different code requirements than electrical wiring.
Can you coordinate with my electrician? Yes. We routinely coordinate with electrical contractors during new construction and renovation. Low-voltage and electrical work are separate trades but must coordinate on pathway routing and junction box placement.
What kind of network closet do I need? For most homes: minimum 24”W x 18”D x 36”H wall-mounted enclosure with ventilation. Larger homes and custom builds benefit from dedicated closets with proper ventilation, cooling, and 20A dedicated circuit. We spec this during design.
Call (214) 910-1277 or request a consultation. New construction projects should contact us before electrical rough-in — earlier involvement dramatically improves the final result.
Related services:
- Smart Home Integration — what goes on top of proper structured wiring
- Security Camera Installation — cameras need proper low-voltage infrastructure
- Whole-Home Audio — speaker pre-wire is part of structured wiring
- Home Theater Installation — dedicated theater rooms need specific pre-wire