Planning a smart home before renovation — what to prepare in a BTO or HDB flat

A smart home does not have to be built during renovation. Retrofit devices work in most existing flats. But a few things are far cheaper to settle while the walls are open and the electrician is already on site, and painful to fix afterwards. This is the short list worth deciding before your contractor starts.

Switches and wiring

• Neutral wires in switch boxes. Many smart switches need a neutral wire, but single live-wire (no-neutral) versions exist too, so a missing neutral is not a dead end. If your contractor is running new wiring, it is still worth asking for a neutral at every switch box you might want to automate, since it gives you more choice of switches. If you are keeping existing wiring and some boxes have none, see our guide on no-neutral smart switches for how they work and their trade-offs.
• Switch positions. Decide where people actually reach for the light: bedside, by the bed on both sides, at the entrance. Moving a switch later means opening the wall again.
• Keep it a normal switch. Whatever you choose, aim for a wall switch that still works as a plain switch if the app, hub or internet is unavailable.

Network points

• Wired where it matters. A LAN cable run to the living room, study and any spot where an access point or hub will sit is much more reliable than relying on Wi-Fi alone. Cables are easy to lay before ceilings and walls are finished.
• Central spot for the router. Many flats put the network point in a corner of the service area. Ask where it can go so that coverage reaches the bedrooms. Our Wi-Fi guide covers placement in more detail.

Curtains and blinds

• Power near the curtain. If you plan motorised curtains, ask for a power point near the curtain track or box, unless you will use battery-powered motors. See our motorised curtains guide for the track-versus-roller decision.
• Space for the track or box. A curtain box or pelmet needs enough depth for the motor and the track. Tell the carpenter before the box is built.

Aircon, doors and sensors

• Aircon placement. Think about where each indoor unit sits and whether an infrared controller can see it, or whether you want a wired adapter. Decide before the units and any false ceiling go in.
• Door lock and door sensors. If you plan a smart lock, check the door and frame early. Door sensors for entrances and windows are small, but a clear place to mount them helps.
• Ceiling and cabinet access. Leave a way to reach hubs, power supplies and junction points later. A device hidden behind a fixed panel is a device nobody can service.

What not to rush

• Do not buy every device in advance. Prepare the wiring and network, then choose devices once the layout is final. Products change, but wiring lasts.
• Fixed electrical work is for licensed people. Wiring in walls and switch boxes should be done by a licensed electrician. Renovation rules for HDB flats and condominiums vary, so confirm with your contractor and the relevant authority before you start.

Common questions

Do I have to renovate to get a smart home?

No. Retrofit devices work in most existing flats. A few things, such as neutral wires, network cables and power near the curtains, are simply cheaper to settle while the walls are open.

Can I use smart switches if there is no neutral wire?

Yes. Single live-wire (no-neutral) versions exist, although they come with trade-offs. Asking for a neutral at the switch boxes you may automate gives you more choice.

Who should do the wiring?

Wiring in walls and switch boxes should be done by a licensed electrician. Renovation rules for HDB flats and condominiums vary, so confirm with your contractor and the relevant authority before you start.

A simple way to start

Walk through each room and note three things: where you want control, where you need power, and where you need a network cable. That one page gives your contractor and your smart home designer the same picture.

Planning a renovation and unsure what to prepare? Tell us your flat type and layout and we will help you build a checklist for your contractor.