Smart Home Integration During Renovation in Vancouver: What to Rough-In Now (2026)

A renovation is the best opportunity to add smart home infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of retrofitting later. Running conduit, low-voltage wiring, and rough-in for smart home systems costs almost nothing when walls are open — and thousands of dollars to retrofit after drywall is up. Here’s what to plan for during your Vancouver renovation.

What to Rough-In During Renovation

• Conduit for future cabling: Run 1″ EMT conduit through walls and between floors to allow future cabling without opening walls. Cost to add during renovation: $300–$800. Cost to retrofit: $3,000–$8,000+.
• EV charging rough-in: Run 240V/50A circuit from panel to garage or carport. Cost during renovation: $600–$1,400. Required by BC’s EV-ready requirements for new construction and major renovations.
• Whole-home audio rough-in: In-ceiling speaker wiring (16/2 or 14/2 wire) to each room rough-in location. Cost: $80–$150 per speaker location while walls are open.
• Security camera conduit: EMT conduit to exterior corners, garage, and entry points. Cost: $200–$500 during renovation.
• Smart thermostat wiring: Ensure C-wire is present at thermostat location for smart thermostat compatibility. Cost: minimal if addressed during electrical rough-in.
• USB outlets: Specify USB-A and USB-C outlet locations (kitchen, bedroom, home office) during electrical rough-in. Cost: $15–$35 per outlet upgrade over standard.
• Network panel + CAT6 runs: Structured wiring panel with CAT6 to each room — even if you’re on WiFi today, wired connections provide better performance for TVs, gaming, and home offices. Cost: $1,500–$3,500 depending on home size.

BC Building Code Requirements for Smart Home Features (2026)

BC’s Step Code requirements and the 2024 BC Building Code updates have made several previously optional features mandatory for major renovations and new construction: EV charging rough-in (240V/40A minimum) is required for attached garages, and smoke/CO2 interconnected alarms are required in all sleeping areas. Solar conduit rough-in is now required for new homes in many municipalities.

VGC incorporates all BC code requirements and advises clients on smart home rough-in opportunities during the planning phase of every renovation. Talk to VGC about your renovation.

→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Planning Guide

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VGC Editorial Team

✓ Licensed Contractor500+ Projects15 Years Experience

Vancouver General Contractors has completed 500+ home renovations across Metro Vancouver since 2010. Our articles are written and reviewed by licensed contractors, project managers, and renovation specialists with hands-on field experience.

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