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EZSMART Corporation, ESA/ECRA #7012690 , North York , Ontario
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
EZSMART Corporation, ESA/ECRA #7012690 , North York , Ontario
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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10 Jul, 2026
Posted by Amir Azimipour
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Should I Add Smart Home Wiring During My Renovation?

Electrical Q&A
Should I Add Smart Home Wiring During My Renovation?

Renovations are the single best time to add smart home wiring. Once walls close up, retrofitting becomes significantly more expensive and disruptive. Whether smart home is a priority for you or just a possibility for later, it is worth thinking about now. Here is how to decide what to include, from the licensed electricians at EZSMART, serving Toronto and the GTA.

What Smart Home Wiring Includes

  • Neutral wires in every switch box: Modern smart switches require these, and many older homes lack them
  • Data cable (Cat 6 or better) to key locations: Home office, entertainment areas, hub locations, security camera positions
  • Structured wiring hub: A central location where cable, ethernet, and low-voltage connections converge
  • Camera and doorbell wiring: Even if cameras are not immediately installed, running the wiring now is cheaper
  • Speaker wiring: Ceiling speakers, outdoor speakers, whole-home audio
  • Sensor wiring: For motion sensors, contact sensors, or wired smart home controllers

Do You Need to Commit to Smart Home Now?

No, and this is one of the key advantages of doing smart wiring during renovation. Running the physical wiring now costs far less than retrofitting later, but you can choose which specific devices, ecosystems, or automations to add over time. The wiring itself is largely brand and ecosystem agnostic.

What Ecosystem to Plan For

Rather than committing to a single brand, plan wiring that works with any ecosystem. Neutral wires in switch boxes work with any smart switch. Ethernet works with any device. Speaker wire works with any audio system. This flexibility means you can adopt Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit later without regret. Smart switches from manufacturers like Leviton and Legrand support multiple platforms.

The Permit and Inspection Process

Smart home electrical additions during a renovation fall under the same ESA permit and inspection process as any other electrical work. Your licensed electrical contractor handles this in accordance with Electrical Safety Authority standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does adding smart wiring cost during a renovation?
Significantly less than retrofitting later. Cost depends on scope, and a licensed electrician can quote as part of the overall project.

Do I need to know exactly which smart devices I want?
Not necessarily. Neutral wires in switch boxes and data cable to key locations give you flexibility to add specific devices later.

Can smart switches work without a smart home hub?
Many can, using WiFi and their manufacturer\’s app, though a hub provides more automation options across multiple brands.

Planning a renovation and considering smart home wiring? EZSMART provides licensed smart home wiring services across Toronto and the GTA. Call 416-838-9006, and see what our customers say on our Google reviews page.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp

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