For a self-build, security wiring should be planned at design stage and installed at first fix, once the house is wind and watertight but before plasterboard goes up. Ducts for gates, driveway cameras and outbuildings need to go in even earlier, during groundworks. Getting the alarm, CCTV, door entry and data cabling in at the right stage gives a hidden, reliable system and avoids cutting into a finished home later.
Key Takeaways
- Plan security on the drawings, before groundworks start
- Lay ducts to gates, driveways and outbuildings during groundworks
- Run all security and data cables at first fix, before boarding and insulation close the walls
- New homes in England must have gigabit-ready broadband infrastructure under Approved Document R
- Plan a network connection at the alarm panel, because alarms no longer rely on landlines
Self-build security
Building your own home?
SatFocus designs and installs wired and hybrid alarms, CCTV, door entry, access control, data and AV for self-builds and new homes, working to your build programme from drawings to handover. An accredited Ajax Systems partner and registered installer for Texecom and Pyronix.
See how we work on first fix and second fix projects.
Why Plan Security at Design Stage?
On a self-build, cabling is easiest and cheapest while the structure is open. In timber frame and SIPs homes, cables often have to go in before insulation and boarding are fitted, which can be earlier than you expect. Marking device positions on the drawings also helps the electrician plan power supplies and keeps security cables on their own routes.
Self-Build Security Checklist by Build Stage
| Build stage | Security and data tasks |
|---|---|
| Design and drawings | Mark the alarm panel, keypads, detectors, cameras, door entry, data cabinet and Wi-Fi points; check insurer requirements |
| Groundworks | Lay ducts with draw cords to gates, driveway camera posts, garages and garden buildings |
| Wind and watertight | Site survey with the installer; confirm cable routes through joists and stud walls |
| First fix | Run and label all alarm, CCTV, door entry, access control, data and AV cables |
| Insulation and boarding | Protect and coil cable ends; record routes with photos |
| Second fix | Fit, programme and test every device after decoration |
| Handover | App set-up, user codes, training and completion certificate |
Do Not Forget Ducts to Gates and Outbuildings
The most common self-build regret is having no cable route to the gate, driveway or garden building. A gate intercom, driveway camera or alarm detector in a garage or garden office all need a cable or a ducted route. Laying a spare duct with a draw cord during groundworks costs little and avoids digging up a finished driveway later.
Data, Broadband and Alarm Communication
New homes in England must include gigabit-ready physical infrastructure and, subject to a cost cap, a gigabit-capable connection under Approved Document R, which has applied since 26 December 2022. Plan where the broadband enters the house and put the router, network switch and CCTV recorder in one data cabinet.
Alarm systems now communicate over the internet or a 4G SIM rather than a landline, because the UK's analogue phone network is being switched off by 31 January 2027. Plan a network cable to the alarm panel location. Our guide to the 2027 landline switch-off explains why.
Wired, Wireless or Hybrid for a Self-Build?
With the walls open, a wired alarm is usually the best value and the most reliable choice. Systems such as Ajax Fibra and Texecom Premier Elite run on cables to each detector, and hybrid systems let you add wireless devices later in places that are hard to reach. Our comparison of Ajax vs Texecom covers the main differences.
Building Regulations and Security
Approved Document Q covers the security of doors and windows in new homes in England, so your doors and easily reachable windows must resist attempts at forced entry. It does not require an alarm or CCTV, but your home insurer may ask about an alarm, so check their requirements before the system is specified.
Planning Security for Your Self-Build?
Send your drawings to info@satfocussecurity.co.uk and we will mark up device positions, agree cable routes and give you a written quote for first and second fix. Read more on our security first fix and second fix page, or see when to install security wiring in a renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should security cables go in on a self-build?
At first fix, once the house is wind and watertight and before insulation and plasterboard close the walls. Ducts to gates and outbuildings go in during groundworks.
Should a self-build have a wired or wireless alarm?
With open walls, a wired or hybrid alarm is usually the most reliable and best value choice. Wireless suits areas that are hard to cable later.
Do building regulations require a burglar alarm in a new home?
No. Approved Document Q covers doors and windows, not alarms, but your insurer may have its own requirements.
Where should the alarm panel go?
Somewhere secure and out of sight, with a power supply and a network connection, ideally close to the data cabinet.
Can you work from my architect's drawings?
Yes. Device positions can be marked up on your drawings and quoted before work starts, then confirmed with a site visit.
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