I'm considering buying a two-story home built in 2007, which is around 2000 sq ft. It has fiber optic internet, but there's no structured network wiring aside from some poorly placed coax outlets. I'm looking into installing 4-8 drops of Cat6a for future-proofing and ensuring I can connect media centers and PCs in any room. I've heard that having two drops in every room is a good idea. What's a fair price range I should expect to pay a low voltage contractor for this installation?
3 Answers
I really relate to your situation! When I had my Ethernet set up, I paid about $150 per drop, but that included some double drops in a few rooms too. If you’re handy, you could consider doing some of the work yourself to save money—I tackled one floor with a friend, but be ready for some tough spots! Budgeting $100 to $200 per drop seems reasonable, but definitely shop around to avoid overpaying. And future-proofing with Cat6a is a smart move for tech upgrades down the road.
Getting multiple bids is essential to know the price range in your area. Most low voltage contractors will charge around $250 per drop, especially with the added complexity of working in a two-story house. I’d definitely recommend running two drops in each room, and don’t forget to factor in costs for wall racks, patch panels, switches, and access points. It all adds up!
Just a heads up: if you're trying to save a lot of hassle and money, you might look into Ethernet powerline adapters. They use the existing power wiring in your house for Ethernet connections, which could be a game-changer! That said, if you want something more permanent and are considering professional installation, it could run anywhere from $4k to $12k depending on how extensive the job is. Always best to shop around!