In high-end builds, smart lighting has moved from a luxury add-on to a standard feature. It’s no longer a question of if a client wants advanced lighting control. It’s how soon you can work with an electrical company to make it happen. For builders, that means rethinking how and when to wire a home. Waiting until trim-out won’t cut it anymore.

If you’re building custom homes, remodels, or spec properties with buyers who expect smart features, here’s what you need to know about pre-wiring for lighting systems that actually work the way clients in Fairfax County, VA, expect.

SEE ALSO: Embracing Today’s Contemporary Architectural Lighting Fixtures

Start with Wiring Before the Drywall Goes Up

Smart lighting isn’t plug-and-play. Unlike conventional lighting that relies on standard high-voltage wiring to switches and fixtures, smart systems often need low-voltage cabling, centralized panels, and networked communication between devices. That all starts during framing.

Skip the planning stage and you’ll likely end up cutting into finished walls to run the cables that should’ve been pulled weeks earlier. This not only affects the aesthetics of your building, but it increases the costs necessarily.

Know the System Type: Centralized or Localized

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to smart lighting. Some homes call for a centralized lighting system, where all lighting loads run back to a single control panel. Others use localized systems, where smart switches are installed in each room.

Centralized setups, like Lutron HomeWorks, are sleek and powerful. You wire everything to a mechanical room or dedicated closet and control lighting scenes from keypads instead of wall switches. The trade-off? You’ll need extra panel space and more structured wiring early on.

Localized systems, such as Lutron RadioRA 3 or Savant’s distributed lighting solutions, are easier to retrofit but still benefit from thoughtful pre-wiring, especially if homeowners want features like app control or voice integration.

Say Goodbye to Switch Banks

Homeowners aren’t asking for five switches in a row anymore. They want clean walls and intuitive lighting scenes. One keypad by the door that dims the lights, sets the kitchen island pendant just right, and turns off the mudroom light is the new standard.

But keypads aren’t placed like traditional switches. They typically need low-voltage wiring, and their locations should be mapped out alongside the designer’s vision for the space. Builders who rough-in for these keypads early avoid last-minute scrambling.

Smart Systems Speak Different Languages

Not every system is wired the same way. Some fixtures dim via 0-10V. Others need DALI or DMX protocols, especially if you’re working with tunable white or color-changing fixtures.

If a designer selects high-end linear lighting and the homeowner wants Crestron, you’ll want to verify compatibility and wiring needs early. The Cat6 cable you planned to run for network control might not be enough if the lighting system requires additional data channels. Luckily, an expert integrator can help you identify the right solutions and how to install them, saving you headaches and pointless investments later on.

Make Room for Panels and Processors

Centralized systems need space to breathe, literally. That means planning for lighting panels, power modules, and processors in mechanical closets or utility areas. You may also need dedicated circuits, low-voltage enclosures, and in some cases, backup power for essential lighting zones like hallways and entry points.

Don’t push this responsibility off on the electrician. By working with an integration team like A.B.E. Networks, you can guarantee there’s enough clearance, ventilation, and accessibility in panel locations.

Talk Early. Talk Often. Talk Today.

The most successful smart lighting projects happen when builders, electricians, integrators, and designers stay on the same page from day one. Don’t wait for the prewire checklist to ask questions. Schedule walkthroughs. Confirm keypad locations with the homeowner. Leave time for the integration team to test lines before insulation. Those details can save days, or even weeks, down the road.

Are you ready to build a better and smarter home from the ground up? Contact A.B.E. Networks to find out how our team can help you integrate innovative lighting technology and elevate the value of your next project.