How to Pre-Wire a Custom Home in Ottawa — Builder Guide

Building a custom home in Ottawa is the perfect opportunity to plan for the future of technology. Today’s homeowners expect seamless WiFi, smart lighting, distributed audio, security cameras, home theatres, EV chargers, and automated shades — and the only way to guarantee reliable performance is to pre-wire the home properly during construction.

At Aura Design, we work directly with Ottawa builders, architects, and designers to ensure every home is wired for modern living. Whether it’s a luxury estate, infill project, or full renovation, proper low-voltage planning saves time, reduces costs, and delivers a better finished result.

If you're building or designing a home, here’s the complete guide to what should be pre-wired before the drywall goes up.

SEE ALSO: Why Your Ottawa Home Needs Enterprise-Grade WiFi

Why Pre-Wiring Matters

Pre-wiring is one of the most overlooked parts of home construction — but also one of the most important. A strong wiring foundation ensures:

• Reliable Internet & WiFi coverage

• Cleaner installations with hidden cables

• Better resale value

• Future-proofing for new technologies

• Lower installation costs compared to retrofits

• Support for luxury home features (audio, theatre, lighting, EV chargers, etc.)

The rule is simple:
What you don’t pre-wire, you may never be able to add cleanly again.

1. Network & Internet Wiring (The Backbone of the Home)

Everything in a modern smart home relies on a strong network.

Builders should install:

• Cat6 or Cat6A Ethernet to every TV location

• Ethernet to home offices and bedrooms

• Wired access point locations for full WiFi coverage

• A structured wiring panel for clean termination

Wireless is convenient — but wired is always faster, more stable, and more secure.

2. Audio Pre-Wire (Indoor & Outdoor)

Whole-home audio is one of the most requested upgrades for custom homes.

Pre-wire now for:

• In-ceiling speakers

• Outdoor patio & pool audio

• Surround sound zones

• In-wall subwoofers

• Media room audio

Running speaker wire after drywall is extremely invasive — pre-wiring avoids that cost entirely.

3. Home Theatre & Media Rooms

A proper theatre experience begins during framing.

Pre-wire for:

• Front, center & rear speakers

• Dolby Atmos overhead channels

• Projector HDMI & control cables

• Subwoofer locations

• Screen wall reinforcement for large displays

• Ethernet for streaming services

Builders who pre-wire correctly create homes that sell themselves.

4. Security & Surveillance Wiring

Pre-wire for:

• Doorbell cameras

• Perimeter security cameras

• Motion sensors

• Door/window sensors

• Network Video Recorder (NVR) location

Wireless cameras are convenient, but hard-wired cameras are far more reliable — especially in Ottawa’s winters.

5. Lighting Control & Motorized Shades

Luxury homes in Ottawa are increasingly built with Lutron Lighting and motorized shade systems.

Pre-wire now for:

• Lutron keypads

• Intelligent dimmers

• Motorized shade power wires

• Lighting control processor locations

• Low-voltage lighting options (LED drivers, smart fixtures)

This avoids costly retrofits and gives homeowners beautiful, modern lighting control from day one.

6. EV Chargers, Access Controls & Future Systems

Builders should plan for:

• EV charger rough-ins

• Gate control wiring (for rural properties)

• Smart locks

• Garage door automation

• Future fibre-optic runs

• Home office expansions

A well-designed home doesn’t just work today — it works 10+ years into the future.

7. Centralized Equipment Location

A dedicated location for:

• Network rack

• Audio amplifiers

• Streaming equipment

• Home automation processor

• Camera NVR

• Power conditioners

This allows for a clean, professional, well-ventilated setup instead of the messy “tech closet” many homes end up with.

Aura Design works with builders to ensure the space is properly sized, cooled, and accessible.

Why Ottawa Builders Partner With Aura Design

• We simplify the pre-wire process

• We provide detailed wiring diagrams

• We coordinate directly with electricians & trades

• We help reduce future customer service calls

• We future-proof the home for resale

• We offer the same pricing as major retailers — but with expert installation

• We support the home long after move-in

From Kanata to Rockland to Glebe infills, we ensure each project is wired to perform.

Build It Right the First Time

Pre-wiring is the foundation of every modern smart home.
Doing it right saves thousands, improves performance, and ensures homeowners love their home from day one.

If you're a builder, renovator, or homeowner designing a custom property in Ottawa — Aura Design is your partner for complete pre-wire solutions.