New Build Security: What to Install During Construction vs After

Why Security Planning Starts at the Blueprint Stage

Building a new home in Johannesburg is one of the most significant investments you'll make. Yet security — one of the most critical considerations for any South African property — is often treated as an afterthought, bolted on after construction is complete at significantly higher cost and with compromised results.

The difference between security that's planned from the start and security that's retrofitted after the fact is substantial: better aesthetics, lower installation costs, more effective coverage, and infrastructure that's built to last. This guide walks you through exactly what to install at each stage of your build — and why timing matters.

The Golden Rule: Conduit First, Equipment Later

The single most important principle for new build security is this: install conduit (cable ducting) during construction, even if you're not ready to install the security equipment yet.

Running cables through finished walls, under tiles, and across ceilings is expensive, disruptive, and often results in visible cable runs that compromise the aesthetics of your new home. Conduit installed during construction costs a fraction of the price and allows you to pull cables through cleanly at any point in the future.

At minimum, install conduit for:

• Alarm system cables to all door and window positions
• CCTV camera positions at all corners, entry points, and key coverage areas
• Electric fence energiser and connection points
• Intercom and access control at the gate and front door
• Network cables (Cat6) to camera positions if you plan IP cameras
• Power supply points for all security equipment locations

Stage 1: Foundation and Slab (Before Walls Go Up)

What to Do Now

This is the easiest and cheapest time to install underground conduit for gate motors, perimeter lighting, and any below-ground cable runs. Once the slab is poured, accessing these routes requires breaking concrete — an expensive and disruptive process.

Install underground conduit for:

• Gate motor power and control cables (from the house to the gate position)
• Intercom cables from the gate to the house
• Perimeter lighting power cables
• Any planned underground cable routes between buildings on the property

Key considerations: Use heavy-duty HDPE conduit for underground runs. Install draw wires inside the conduit so cables can be pulled through later. Ensure conduit is buried at least 600mm deep to protect against damage.

Stage 2: Brick and Block Work (Walls Going Up)

What to Do Now

As walls are built, conduit can be chased into the brickwork or built into the wall cavities. This is the optimal time to install all internal cable routes for your security system.

Install conduit for:

• All door and window alarm sensor positions
• PIR (passive infrared) motion detector positions in each room and at key internal points
• CCTV camera positions at all external corners and entry points
• Alarm control panel location (typically a secure cupboard or utility room)
• Siren positions (internal and external)
• Intercom handset position inside the house

Plan your camera positions carefully at this stage. Consider coverage angles, lighting conditions at different times of day, and potential blind spots. A security professional can advise on optimal placement before walls are complete — this is worth the consultation fee.

Electric Fence Preparation

If you plan an electric fence on your boundary wall, now is the time to install the conduit for the energiser cable and any underground runs between fence sections. The energiser is typically mounted inside the garage or a secure external enclosure — ensure conduit runs from this location to the fence perimeter.

Stage 3: Roof and Ceiling (Before Plastering)

What to Do Now

The ceiling void is valuable real estate for security cabling. Before ceilings are closed, run cables through the roof space to connect camera positions, alarm sensors, and other devices to your central control point.

Install:

• All CCTV camera cables from camera positions to the DVR/NVR location
• Alarm system cables from sensors to the control panel
• Network cables (Cat6) for IP camera systems
• Speaker cables for internal sirens

Label every cable at both ends during installation. This seems tedious but saves enormous time and frustration during the final installation phase.

Stage 4: Plastering and Finishing (Before Painting)

What to Do Now

Once walls are plastered but before painting, install the back boxes and mounting plates for all security devices. This allows the plasterer to finish neatly around them and the painter to work around fixed mounting points.

Install back boxes and mounting plates for:

• Alarm control panel
• Alarm keypad positions (typically at the main entrance and master bedroom)
• Intercom handset
• Access control reader at the gate

What to Actually Install Now

Some security equipment is best installed at this stage rather than after completion:

Electric fence: The fence structure (brackets, insulators, and wires) is best installed before the boundary wall is painted or rendered. The energiser can be installed later, but the fence hardware should go on now.

Gate motor: Gate motor installation is easier before paving and landscaping are complete. Install the motor, track, and control box now. The intercom and access control can follow later.

Stage 5: Completion and Handover

What to Install Now

With conduit in place and cables pre-run, the final security installation is clean, fast, and professional-looking. This is when you install all the actual security equipment:

Alarm system:

• Control panel in its designated location
• All door and window sensors
• PIR motion detectors
• Keypads at entry points
• Internal and external sirens
• Connect to armed response monitoring

CCTV system:

• DVR/NVR unit in a secure, ventilated location
• All cameras at pre-planned positions
• Monitor (if required)
• Remote viewing setup on smartphones

Access control and intercom:

• Video intercom at the gate and front door
• Access control reader and electric strike or magnetic lock at the gate
• Intercom handset or integration with smartphone app

Electric fence energiser:

• Mount and connect the energiser
• Test voltage across the full perimeter
• Obtain Certificate of Compliance (legally required)

What NOT to Install During Construction

Some security equipment is better installed after completion:

• CCTV cameras: Install the conduit and cables during construction, but fit the cameras after completion to avoid damage from dust, paint, and construction activity.
• Alarm sensors: Similarly, run the cables during construction but install the actual sensors after completion.
• Smart locks and access control readers: These are sensitive electronic devices that should be installed in a clean, finished environment.

Budget Planning: Construction vs Retrofit Costs

The cost difference between planned and retrofitted security is significant. As a rough guide for a typical Johannesburg home:

• Conduit installation during construction: R3,000–R8,000 (depending on property size)
• Retrofitting cable runs in a completed home: R15,000–R40,000+ (depending on construction type and cable routes required)

The conduit investment during construction typically pays for itself many times over in reduced installation costs and better results.

Working with Your Builder and Security Installer

The key to successful new build security is coordination between your builder and your security installer. Ideally, your security installer should:

• Review your building plans before construction begins
• Mark conduit routes and device positions on the plans
• Be on-site at key stages (foundation, wall plate, ceiling) to supervise conduit installation
• Provide your builder with a conduit specification document

At Simplified Security, we offer new build security consultations that cover exactly this process — from plan review through to final installation and commissioning.

Conclusion

Building a new home in Johannesburg is the perfect opportunity to create a security infrastructure that's integrated, effective, and built to last. The investment in planning and conduit during construction pays dividends for the lifetime of the property — in lower installation costs, better aesthetics, and a security system that truly fits your home.

Planning a new build or major renovation? Contact Simplified Security for a new build security consultation. We'll work with your architect and builder to ensure your security infrastructure is right from the ground up.