Planning · Prewire · Commissioning
New Construction AV in Charlotte, NC
Technology in a custom home is an architectural decision, not a finish selection. Rack location, theater proportions, speaker layouts, and conduit paths belong on the drawings — long before drywall closes.
The Short Answer
Why technology planning must precede drywall
An integrator engaged during schematic design shapes decisions that cannot be revisited later: where the equipment room sits and how it is ventilated, whether the theater has the ceiling height for immersive speaker layers, how conduit reaches the attic and the projector, and where blocking is required behind displays, speakers, and shade pockets.
Once drywall is closed, every one of those decisions becomes a compromise. Planning during construction typically costs a fraction of the retrofit equivalent and produces a home where nothing looks added on.
Project Stages
When each phase of work happens
| Stage | Scope of work | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Schematic design | Technology consultation, room-by-room intent, preliminary budget tiers, rack and equipment room location on plan | Before floor plans are finalized |
| Construction documents | Low-voltage plan set, speaker and display locations, camera and access point coverage, conduit and blocking notes | With architectural CDs |
| Rough-in | Structured wiring, speaker backing, display blocking, conduit sleeves, rack framing, electrician coordination | After mechanical, before insulation |
| Trim-out | Speakers, displays, keypads, shades, cameras, and access points installed to finish tolerances | After paint and millwork |
| Commissioning | Rack build, network configuration, control programming, audio and video calibration, punch walk with builder | Before certificate of occupancy |
| Orientation & support | Homeowner training, as-built documentation, remote monitoring, warranty coordination, concierge service | At closing and ongoing |
Coordination
How we work with your project team
Builders & general contractors
We work from your schedule, attend rough-in walks, and deliver a low-voltage scope that does not compete with electrical, HVAC, or framing sequencing.
Architects
Speaker layouts, display sizing, projector throw, rack ventilation, and conduit paths are resolved on the drawings rather than in the field.
Interior designers
Finish-level decisions — trimless speakers, hidden displays, keypad finishes, shade pockets, and fabric selection — are coordinated with your specification package.
Electricians & trades
We define dedicated circuits, rack power, lighting control panel space, and gate and pool device power requirements for your licensed electrician to execute.
Peters Audio Video performs low-voltage work only and does not perform licensed electrical work. Line-voltage scope is executed by your licensed electrician to our coordination documents.
Common Questions
New construction technology questions
When should an AV integrator be hired for a new construction home?
During schematic design, before floor plans are finalized. Rack location, theater proportions, speaker layouts, conduit paths, and equipment room ventilation are architectural decisions. Engaging an integrator at framing is workable; engaging one after drywall means retrofitting a home that was never planned for technology.
How much should I budget for AV in a custom home?
For Charlotte-area custom homes, technology budgets commonly land between 3% and 8% of construction cost. A wired, well-networked home with distributed audio and a media room typically starts near $75,000. Estate-wide integration spanning AV, lighting, shading, networking, surveillance, and outdoor entertainment generally runs $250,000 to $850,000+.
What should be prewired when building a new house?
At minimum: Cat6/Cat6A to every display, access point, camera, and workstation; speaker runs to every audio zone including outdoor areas; conduit from the equipment room to the theater and to the attic; blocking behind displays and speakers; camera runs at entries and the driveway; and control wiring for lighting keypads and motorized shades.
Do you work directly with our builder?
Yes. Most of our new construction work comes through builders and architects. We provide plan markups, wiring schedules, coordination notes, and site walks, and we track the construction schedule so our trades arrive at the correct sequence point.
Can technology be added later instead?
Some of it. Displays, speakers in accessible ceilings, and wireless devices can be added post-construction. Conduit, in-wall wiring across finished floors, theater acoustics, and rack infrastructure cannot be added economically. Planning during construction typically costs a fraction of the retrofit equivalent.
Which Charlotte-area markets do you serve for new construction?
Charlotte proper — including Myers Park, Eastover, Foxcroft, SouthPark, and Ballantyne — plus Weddington, Marvin, Waxhaw, Matthews, and the Lake Norman corridor through Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, and Mooresville, and Lake Wylie, Belmont, Fort Mill, and Tega Cay.
Bring us in at the drawing stage
Share your plan set and construction schedule. We will return a technology scope, rack and conduit recommendations, and budget tiers before rough-in begins.
Request System Design