Technology & Low Voltage
Whole-Home Audio & Home Theaters
Whole-home audio, in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, media rooms and dedicated home theaters planned with the architecture and installed by licensed partners.
Overview
Good audio is mostly decided before any equipment is chosen. Speaker locations, wire paths, room shape, wall construction and where the equipment rack sits all shape how a system sounds and how cleanly it disappears into the design.
We plan whole-home audio zones, media rooms and dedicated theaters alongside the floor plan, lighting and ceiling design, so speakers line up with fixtures and trim, screens have proper backing, and equipment has ventilation and access.
An appropriately licensed low-voltage contractor partner designs the system details, installs the wiring and speakers, and calibrates the finished room. We coordinate that work with framing, electrical, insulation, drywall and finishes, and keep you informed at each decision point.
Who it’s for
- Homeowners building or renovating who want music in several rooms and outdoor areas
- Families converting a bonus room or spare bedroom into a media room
- Owners planning a dedicated theater with controlled light and sound
- Lanai, pool and outdoor kitchen areas that need weather-rated speakers
- Anyone who wants speakers and screens integrated cleanly rather than added later
What’s included
Typically included
- Planning of audio zones and speaker locations on the floor and ceiling plans
- Speaker wire, control wiring and pre-wire brackets during rough-in
- In-wall, in-ceiling and outdoor speaker installation
- Television and projector mounting, with backing installed during framing
- Equipment rack location, ventilation and dedicated power coordination
- Media room and theater wiring for screen, projector, surround speakers and subwoofers
- Acoustic considerations such as insulation, wall construction and door selection
- Lighting and dimming coordination for viewing
- System programming, calibration and a walkthrough of how to use it
Common exclusions
- Streaming subscriptions and content services
- Furniture and theater seating unless specifically included
- Premium acoustic treatment panels or custom fabric walls unless selected
- Electrical service upgrades if the existing panel cannot support the added load
- Changes to equipment selections after rough-in that require new wiring
Every proposal lists its own inclusions and exclusions in writing.
Materials, design options & upgrades
How pricing works
Audio and theater work is priced per project, from the number of zones and speakers, the size and type of room, the equipment selected and the construction required for a dedicated theater.
Pre-wiring during construction keeps labor efficient; adding speakers to finished ceilings costs more. Equipment choice is often the largest variable, so we can price options side by side.
What changes the cost
- Number of audio zones and speakers
- Speaker type and quality, including outdoor models
- Media room versus dedicated theater construction
- Display, projector and screen selections
- Acoustic insulation, wall construction and door upgrades
- Equipment rack, ventilation and power requirements
- New construction versus retrofit into finished spaces
If this work is part of a larger project, it’s priced within that project’s budget — please don’t add separate estimates together. Read the pricing guide.
Typical stages
Listening and planning
We review where you want sound and video, how rooms will be used and how visible equipment may be.
System design
The partner proposes speaker locations, equipment and wiring, and we align them with lighting and ceiling plans.
Pre-wire and backing
Wire, brackets and blocking for displays are installed during rough-in.
Room construction
For theaters, insulation, wall assemblies and doors are built to the acoustic plan.
Trim and installation
Speakers, displays and equipment go in after paint and finishes.
Calibration and walkthrough
The system is tuned to the room, and you are shown how to operate it.
What affects the schedule
- Speaker and display locations must be final before rough-in
- Pre-wire happens after electrical rough-in and before insulation and drywall
- Lead times for selected speakers, projectors and screens
- Theater finishes and acoustic treatments must be complete before calibration
- Coordination with lighting control and smart-home programming
Questions & answers
What is the difference between a media room and a home theater?
A media room is usually a multi-purpose space with a large display and good sound. A dedicated theater is designed around viewing, with controlled lighting, seating layout and construction that limits sound transfer.
Can I pre-wire now and buy equipment later?
Yes. Pre-wiring speaker and display locations during construction is common and keeps options open. The wiring plan should still reflect the system you are likely to install.
Will in-ceiling speakers look out of place?
Placed with the lighting plan and fitted with low-profile grilles, they generally read as part of the ceiling. Grilles can often be painted to match.
Does outdoor audio need special equipment?
Yes. Outdoor speakers should be rated for sun, humidity and rain, and wiring should be suitable for exterior conditions. Placement matters for coverage and for neighbors.
Start here
Planning whole-home audio & home theaters?
A short form — three steps, a few minutes. Share plans or photos if you have them. We’ll review it and follow up using the contact details you provide.