Most homeowners only see the finished product—sleek lighting keypads, invisible speakers, motorized shades gliding silently. But the real magic of a smart home starts long before drywall goes up.
At Hive, we work with Tampa builders, architects, and homeowners during the construction phase to ensure the technology backbone is rock-solid. This behind-the-scenes planning is what makes your future smart home smooth, scalable, and beautifully clean.
Whether you’re building custom, semi-custom, or speccing out your next model home, here’s a look at what it means to prewire your smart home the right way.
1. Why Prewire? Because Retrofits Are Limiting
Yes, smart home tech can be wireless. But hardwiring during construction gives you:
- Faster, more reliable network and AV performance
- Clean aesthetics (no visible wires or battery packs)
- Support for high-bandwidth systems (4K, multi-room audio, PoE cameras)
- Future flexibility (even if you don’t install everything now)
Prewiring is your smart home’s foundation.
Learn about Smart Home Automation
2. The Process: Week-by-Week Collaboration with Builders
Hive works hand-in-hand with your GC and subs to align timing with framing, electrical, and drywall.
Here’s what the typical workflow looks like:
Week 1: Plan Review + Walk-Through
- Review architectural plans
- Identify AV zones, shade areas, panel locations, outdoor runs
- Coordinate conduit routes and backbox placement
Week 2–3: Rough-In Wiring
- Pull low-voltage cable (Cat6, speaker wire, fiber, coax, control)
- Mark and tag every drop clearly for future reference
- Install wiring for shades, cameras, Wi-Fi, audio, keypads, control panels
Week 4: Pre-Drywall Walk-Through with Client
- Final check before walls close
- Show homeowners where each future device will be
- Adjust or add based on real-world layout
“We never would’ve thought about wiring for outdoor speakers until Hive walked us through it. Now it’s our favorite part of the home.” – John & Rachel D., Wesley Chapel
3. Structured Panels: The Smart Nerve Center
At the heart of every prewired home is the structured wiring panel—the organized hub where all cabling terminates.
Hive installs clean, accessible panels with:
- Network switch, patch bays, power
- Rack space for amps, routers, streaming sources
- Ventilation and surge protection
- Expansion space for future tech
Bonus: We also install wiring labels, QR code documentation, and as-built diagrams for future service.
See our Network & Rack Solutions
4. Prewire Isn’t Just for Big Homes
Even smaller Tampa homes and townhomes benefit from structured wiring. We tailor systems based on:
- Number of zones (audio, security, AV)
- Square footage and layout
- Lifestyle needs (entertainment, kids, work-from-home)
You don’t need to be building a mansion to future-proof your home.
5. What We Typically Prewire For
Most Hive prewire projects include:
- Motorized shades (power + control)
- Multi-room audio (speaker wire + amp runs)
- Security cameras and video doorbells
- Network access points + PoE devices
- Home theater (HDMI, fiber, speaker wire)
- Control panels, lighting keypads, and touchscreens
- Garage, gate, landscape lighting, and outdoor AV
6. Builder-Ready Documentation
We provide:
- Prewire specs and room-by-room diagrams
- Coordination with electricians for no-conflict runs
- On-site project management and system verification
- Final wiring schematics for homeowner records
We make it easy for GCs and trades to work with us—no finger-pointing or rework.
7. Showcase Projects: Local Builder Partnerships
Model Home – Lutz
- Full prewire for lighting, audio, and security
- Rack + control panel in utility room
- Helped sell home faster by showcasing automation
Custom Home – South Tampa
- Motorized shades in 12 zones
- Dolby Atmos prewire in theater room
- Outdoor AV + Wi-Fi for pool and lanai
Townhome – St. Pete
- Hybrid wireless + hardwired setup
- Flexible zones for resale adaptability
Build It Right the First Time
The best time to wire your home for smart tech is before the drywall goes up. It’s cleaner, faster, and dramatically more future-proof.
Whether you’re a builder, designer, or homeowner planning new construction in Tampa, Hive is ready to partner with you for seamless, high-performance smart home prep.
Book a Smart Home Prewire Consultation
We’ll review your plans, walk the site, and design a wiring plan tailored to your project.
Start My Project or Scheduled a Consultation.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the difference between low-voltage and high-voltage wiring?
A: Low-voltage wiring powers smart systems like speakers, shades, networks, and AV. High-voltage wiring powers outlets and lighting circuits.
Q2: Can I prewire now even if I’m not ready for all the tech yet?
A: Yes. Prewiring during construction lets you skip costly retrofits later. You can install devices at your own pace.
Q3: What if my builder already has an electrician?
A: We coordinate with their team directly and only handle low-voltage wiring. We complement—not replace—their work.
Q4: How long does a typical prewire take?
A: Most projects take 1–2 weeks depending on size. We align with your framing schedule.
Q5: Do you provide labeled diagrams for future reference?
A: Absolutely. All our prewire projects include labeled terminations, room diagrams, and service-friendly documentation.
Hive Smart Home
Smart Home Design | Automation | Shades | Audio | Lighting | Security
Your Local Experts in Smarter Living
