Custom homes discussions and local services.
What should whole-home audio rough-in cost include?
Discussion options
Whole-home audio can be planned in stages, but I’m not sure where the useful rough-in ends and the system-specific work begins. If speaker locations and the number of zones aren’t settled yet, what’s worth specifying during construction so the walls don’t have to be opened later, without paying now for gear that may change?
When comparing proposals, do you ask for speaker cable runs, back boxes, conduit, network drops, rack space or ventilation, and labor to be priced separately? Which parts tend to become expensive or disruptive to add after drywall, and which are easy to defer until the audio design is clearer?
1 reply
Since the speaker locations and zones are still open, I’d give extra attention to empty conduit from likely equipment spots into accessible wall or ceiling cavities. Specify pull strings and accessible ends, too; a conduit that disappears behind drywall or can’t be reached isn’t much help. The lasting value is having a usable route for future cable, not betting on today’s cable type.
Join the conversation
Share your experience or ask a follow-up question.