Why Your New Construction Needs Professional Structured Cabling

If you are building or renovating in Southeast Georgia, one decision will affect your property's technology for decades: the low voltage rough-in. Here is why professional structured cabling during construction saves money, headaches, and future retrofit costs.

The Cost of Waiting

Retrofitting network cable after drywall is installed costs 3-5x more than pre-wiring during construction. Fish tapes damage walls. Conduit runs require cutting drywall, patching, and repainting. A proper pre-wire adds $2-$5 per square foot during construction but saves thousands later.

What Gets Pre-Wired

Every modern construction should include: - **CAT6A ethernet drops** to every office, bedroom, TV location, and camera position - **Conduit sleeves** from the network rack to the attic and basement for future upgrades - **Low voltage boxes** at camera locations, even if cameras are not installed immediately - **Speaker wire** to living room, kitchen, patio, and master bedroom ceilings - **Fiber backbone** between buildings or from the demarc to the network rack

BICSI Standards Matter

We follow BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) standards for all commercial and high-end residential installs. This means proper bend radius, cable separation from electrical (minimum 12 inches parallel), fire stopping at penetrations, and labeled, tested, and certified drops.

The GC Coordination Challenge

Low voltage pre-wire happens in a narrow window: after electrical rough-in but before insulation and drywall. We coordinate directly with your general contractor to ensure our work meets the construction schedule and does not conflict with plumbing, HVAC, or electrical runs.

Documentation Is Everything

We deliver as-built drawings showing every cable route, floor plans marking every drop location, and a cable schedule with test results for every line. When your IT person or future homeowner needs to troubleshoot, this documentation is invaluable.

Georgia Building Codes

Georgia follows NEC Article 725 for low voltage wiring. While most residential structured cabling does not require permitting, commercial installations often do — especially when conduit penetrates fire-rated assemblies. We handle permitting coordination when required.

Our Process

1. **Design review** (2-3 weeks before rough-in): We review architectural plans and meet with your GC
2. **Pre-wire** (1-3 days depending on scope): Cable runs, box installation, and initial testing
3. **Trim-out** (after drywall): Termination, rack build, and final testing
4. **Closeout** (before occupancy): Documentation, training, and warranty registration

Cost Expectations

• **Residential pre-wire** (2,000 sq ft): $3,000-$6,000
• **Small commercial** (5,000 sq ft office): $8,000-$15,000
• **Large commercial** (20,000+ sq ft): $25,000-$60,000+

These costs vary based on drop count, conduit requirements, fiber needs, and project complexity. We provide detailed estimates with no hidden fees.

If you are planning new construction in Jesup, Brunswick, Hinesville, or anywhere in Southeast Georgia, contact us early in the design phase. We will review your plans and ensure your low voltage infrastructure is ready for whatever technology comes next.