The Low Voltage Pre-Wire Checklist Every South Florida GC Needs

Why This Checklist Exists

In twelve years of low voltage work across South Florida, we have seen the same mistakes made on otherwise well-run projects. Missing conduit runs that require wall demolition. Panel locations that make future expansion impossible. Conduit that’s too small for the cables that need to run through it. Every one of these issues is preventable — and every one becomes dramatically more expensive after drywall is hung.

The Checklist

Before Permit:

□ Low voltage contractor is on the job from pre-construction meeting
□ Low voltage floor plan is complete and approved by GC
□ Conduit pathways are coordinated with electrical and mechanical runs
□ Equipment room / MDF location is selected and sized correctly
□ Panel and rack space is allocated on electrical drawings
□ BDA requirement assessed (required for commercial projects over certain square footage)

During Rough-In:

□ All home runs are run to equipment room — no home runs to individual rooms
□ Conduit sized for future capacity (we recommend 1.25x current fill)
□ Pull strings installed in all conduit runs
□ Mud rings installed at all low voltage locations before drywall
□ Speaker rough-in locations confirmed with interior designer
□ TV and display locations confirmed and backed with plywood blocking
□ Outdoor speaker and camera locations roughed in

Before Drywall:

□ All low voltage wiring inspected for continuity
□ Cable labels applied at both ends of every run
□ Equipment room layout documented with photos
□ Any changes from original floor plan documented

The BDA Question

If you’re building anything over 10,000 square feet, or any commercial space, ask your low voltage contractor about BDA requirements on day one. A Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) system for emergency responder radio coverage is required by Florida code in many commercial building types — and installing it after the fact is painful. We handle BDA/DAS design and installation as part of our structured wiring scope.

What This Checklist Won't Tell You

Every project is different. A 3,000 sq ft spec home has different requirements than an 8,000 sq ft waterfront estate. A high-rise unit has different requirements than a boutique hotel. This checklist covers the universal principles — the job-specific details are what we work out in the pre-construction meeting.

If you’re a South Florida GC or architect and want a version of this checklist tailored to your current project, reach out. We’re happy to do a 30-minute pre-construction walkthrough at no charge for projects we’re being considered for.

The Martec Technologies team has been designing and installing smart home and low voltage systems in South Florida since 2013. Learn more about us →