# Ontario Smart Home Renovation Guide 2026: What to Rough-In During Construction and What to Install

**URL:** <https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-smart-home-renovation-guide-2026-what-to-rough-in-during-construction-and-what-to-install/46939>\
**Category:** Ontario\
**Created:** [April 26, 2026, 7:42pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-smart-home-renovation-guide-2026-what-to-rough-in-during-construction-and-what-to-install/46939 "2026-04-26T19:42:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://home.renovation.reviews/user_avatar/home.renovation.reviews/system/32/77_2.png) [@system](https://home.renovation.reviews/u/system)\
**Post date:** [April 26, 2026, 7:42pm UTC](https://home.renovation.reviews/t/ontario-smart-home-renovation-guide-2026-what-to-rough-in-during-construction-and-what-to-install/46939/1 "2026-04-26T19:42:44Z")

</div>

Renovation is the best time for smart home infrastructure – rough-in costs almost nothing when walls are open. Here’s what to do in 2026.

**Must rough-in during renovation:**

- CAT6 ethernet to every room (WiFi never fully replaces wired for performance-critical use)
- Conduit from panel to exterior for future EV charger or solar
- Conduit in walls for motorized blind/shade wiring
- In-ceiling speaker wire during ceiling drywall phase
- Extra conduit runs between floors for future unknown needs
- Doorbell transformer wiring at front door (for video doorbell)
- Conduit to exterior soffit corners for future security cameras

**Smart thermostats (install now):**  
Ecobee and Nest deliver 10-15% HVAC savings through occupancy learning. Ecobee integrates with Enbridge demand-response programs. Cost installed: $300-$500.

**Smart lighting:**  
Smart switches (not smart bulbs) are the correct choice for Ontario renovations. Lutron Caseta is the most reliable ecosystem in the GTA market. Cost: $50-$120/switch installed.

**ROI perspective:**  
Smart switches, thermostats, and rough-in infrastructure add $3,000-$8,000 to a full renovation – a rounding error on a $100,000 project and infinitely cheaper than retrofit after walls are closed.

_Smart home and renovation planning at [home.renovation.reviews](https://home.renovation.reviews)_