Use the open-wall stage wisely
The Arizona smart-home before-drywall checklist.
You do not need to buy every device today. You need to preserve the right pathways while they are easy to install.
Windows and powered shades
- High, wide, sun-exposed, and difficult-to-reach windows
- Large doors and grouped shade locations
- Likely wired-power locations
- Photographs of each planned destination
Ethernet and Wi-Fi
- Offices, desks, televisions, and gaming areas
- Ceiling Wi-Fi access points
- Cameras and equipment locations
- Garages, workshops, gates, and detached spaces
- Central location with power, ventilation, access, and space
Security and access
- Video doorbells and primary entries
- Driveway, garage, side-yard, patio, and gate views
- Camera mounting height and angle
- Future recorder or network location
Television and media
- Television height and wall location
- Power coordination, Ethernet, and conduit
- Soundbar or speaker possibilities
- Equipment and control pathway
Exterior lighting
- Permanent roofline-lighting areas
- Controller and power location
- Soffit and elevation transitions
- Service access
Documentation
- Labels at both ends of every wire
- Applicable cable tests
- Pre-drywall photographs
- Marked-up plans
- Notes about unresolved future-product decisions