Smart homes and FTP cabling: the cost of wiring for an intelligent home
A smart home is no longer a luxury — smart lighting, thermostats and security are standard features of 2026 renovations. However, the critical decisions are made during the electrical design phase, not when buying the devices. Installing hardwired computer networks with FTP cabling costs between €381.60 and €572.40 for a complete flat setup, while preparation for an EMS system ranges from €800 to €2,500. In this article, you will learn why wired networking is still worth it in the era of WiFi, the different levels of smart home systems available, and how to future-proof your electrical installation.
Key facts about smart homes and FTP cabling
Installing FTP cabling for a computer network costs €381.60 to €572.40 for a full flat installation with 4 to 6 network points. Entry-level smart home solutions (bulbs, smart plugs) work without altering the wiring, mid-tier systems require a neutral wire in the switch back boxes, and full bus-based systems are installed exclusively during renovations. Preparation for an EMS (Energy Management System) with solar PV costs between €800 and €2,500 and pays for itself through energy optimisation.
Why is hardwired FTP cabling worth it in the WiFi era?
A wired connection is more stable, faster and more secure than any WiFi signal. For home offices with video calls, 4K streaming and online gaming, latency is the deciding factor — a cable has a response time under 1 ms, while WiFi fluctuates between 5 and 50 ms depending on interference. In blocks of flats with dozens of neighbouring networks, 2.4 GHz band interference is a common issue that a cable eliminates entirely.
Furthermore, cables are needed for devices often overlooked: IP cameras with PoE (Power over Ethernet), NAS storage, smart TVs, gaming consoles and WiFi 6/7 access points, which paradoxically require a wired backhaul for full performance. The optimal approach is to run FTP cable in a star topology from the distribution board to every room — 2 RJ45 sockets per room.
What does FTP network installation include and how much does it cost?
A complete computer network installation costs €381.60 to €572.40 and includes Cat6 or Cat6a cabling, RJ45 data sockets, termination at a patch panel or router, and testing all lines with a certification tool. Cables are pulled alongside power lines during wall chasing for electrical wiring — separate chasing later would double the price.
Important rule: FTP cables must be kept away from power lines (minimum 5 cm for parallel runs) and cross them at right angles, otherwise power cables induce interference into the data lines. A professional sparky handles this with separate routing or shielded cables — another reason to order FTP wiring alongside a complete flat rewire.
What are the levels of smart home?
Entry level — no wiring changes
Smart bulbs, plug adapters and sensors communicating via WiFi or Zigbee. Investment €100 to €500, DIY installation over a weekend. The downside is dependence on the manufacturer's cloud and being limited to devices that can be plugged into existing sockets and light fittings.
Mid-tier — smart switches and thermostats
Replacing switches with smart modules, intelligent thermostats and blind controls. Investment €500 to €2,500. The catch: most smart switches require a neutral wire in the switch box, which older UK-style wiring often lacks — during a renovation, ensure a neutral is pulled to every box, even if you aren't planning a smart home yet. It costs a few extra euros now, but hundreds to retro-fit later.
Full tier — bus systems
Systems like KNX or Loxone with a central control unit, where every switch, light and blind communicates via a bus cable. Investment €5,000 to €15,000 for a standard flat, installation strictly during a full rewire — bus cables are pulled alongside power lines to every box. The advantage is total cloud independence, reliability and unlimited automation scenarios.
How to prep your electrical installation for a smart home?
If you are renovating and considering a smart home even theoretically, take these steps during the electrical design: neutral wire to every switch box, deep back boxes (60 mm instead of 40 mm) for smart modules, FTP cable in a star layout to every room and spare conduits (pipes) from the distribution board to key points — an empty conduit costs a few euros and allows you to pull another cable anytime without chasing walls. We discuss the full rewire process in our article on flat electrical renovations.
For houses and new builds, consider an EMS (Energy Management System) — a system that manages consumption based on solar production and current electricity prices. Preparation costs €800 to €2,500. You can find complete electrical work prices in our construction price list.
What mistakes to avoid with a smart home?
The most common mistake is relying exclusively on WiFi solutions during a renovation — when the walls are open, cables cost a fraction of the price. WiFi devices make sense for a finished flat, not as a plan for new wiring.
The second mistake is shallow back boxes and missing neutrals at the switches — two small details that will block smart switch installation later. The third mistake is mixing ecosystems — devices from five manufacturers with five different apps. Before buying, choose one ecosystem (Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant) and buy compatible devices, ideally with Matter support.
The right approach to smart home prep?
A smart home can be built gradually, but the infrastructure is done only once — during the rewire. Neutrals in switches, deep boxes, FTP cables and spare conduits cost a few dozen euros during the project and keep all options open — from basic smart bulbs to a full bus system. The most expensive smart home is the one you didn't think about during the renovation.
FAQ - Common questions about smart homes and FTP cabling
How much does it cost to install FTP networking in a flat?
A complete computer network installation in 2026 costs €381.60 to €572.40 including Cat6 cables, data sockets and termination.
Is FTP cable worth it if I have fast WiFi?
Yes — cable provides a stable response under 1 ms, zero interference and full speed regardless of the number of devices. WiFi access points also need a wired backhaul for peak performance.
What do I need in my wiring for smart switches?
A neutral wire in the switch box and a 60 mm deep back box. During a renovation, have these prepared in every box — retrofitting them is expensive.
How much does a complete smart home system cost?
Basic WiFi solutions €100 to €500, mid-tier with smart switches €500 to €2,500, and full bus systems like KNX or Loxone €5,000 to €15,000 for a typical flat.
What is EMS and when is it worth it?
An Energy Management System manages home consumption based on solar PV production and energy prices. Preparation costs €800 to €2,500 and is worthwhile for houses with solar panels — ROI through consumption optimisation is typically 3 to 6 years.
Calculate the cost of your smart home prep
This overview gives you an indicative price range for 2026. The specific cost depends on the number of network points, the smart home tier and the scope of electrical work. Before you contact an electrician, calculate an estimate using the Numiq online calculator. You'll get a realistic idea of market prices, a stronger position for negotiation, and you can return to your calculations anytime by logging in.
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