When to Install Security Cameras in a New Build (Australia)

The best time to install security cameras is after the roof is on but before the plaster goes up.
This is the sweet spot where everything’s open, but the structure is in place for proper wiring.

Once the roof is up, your home has enough framing for your installer to mount conduits and junction boxes safely. Before plastering, every wall cavity is accessible, meaning cables can run exactly where they need to go without cutting or patching later.

This is also when electricians are roughing in. If your builder allows it, your licensed security installer can coordinate with them so the job happens cleanly and without double-handling. Everyone’s on-site, and you save time and labour.

Timing it right keeps your system tidy, invisible, and future-proof. It’s the stage smart homeowners plan for, and the one most people regret missing.

Your build stage has a big impact on the cost of your security camera system.

When the house is open, cables go in fast. When it’s finished, every wire becomes a puzzle.

During construction:

• Open framing makes cable runs straightforward.

• Roof on, walls open means clean access and lower labour.

• Closed walls mean your installer is working blind, which takes longer and costs more.

• Double-storey homes are especially tricky once plastering’s done.

That’s why installers always say: “It’s never cheaper later.”

Retrofits take more time, more labour, and often need visible conduit or patching.

If you plan early, you’ll save hundreds and get a cleaner, more professional finish. A quick chat with your builder about access for your installer can make a world of difference.

Security installation on a new build involves coordination, not competition.

Your builder, electrician, and security installer each play a role, but you want the right person leading the charge.

Start by asking your builder when the electrical rough-in is scheduled. That’s the perfect time for your installer to come in. Some builders don’t allow outside trades on-site, so it’s worth checking early. A quick conversation can save headaches later.

Your electrician handles power points and general wiring. Your security installer handles camera placement, data runs, and system design. Having them coordinate avoids messy overlaps or forgotten cables.

If your builder insists on using their own electrician for cabling, your installer can provide a wiring plan to make sure everything’s in the right place for future connection.

Just don’t let the builder “own” the whole process. Security design is a specialist job, not an add-on.

Letting an unlicensed trade handle your cameras can lead to:

• Poor coverage (like a camera staring at a fence).

• No compliance or warranty protection.

• Cheaper hardware that fails quickly.

• No local support when things go wrong.

If your builder offers to “bundle in” a system, ask who’s actually installing it.

It’s common for builders to subcontract to electricians and add a markup, leaving you with a generic system that doesn’t perform well.

At ProtectFind, we only recommend licensed, vetted security installers with proven experience in new builds. You get professionals who know how to wire, position, and configure everything to Australian standards.

Two-storey builds make planning even more important. Once plaster is up, running cables between floors is almost impossible without opening walls or using external conduit.

Wireless systems have their place, but they’re no match for wired reliability. Heat, rain, and Wi-Fi range can all cause issues for wireless systems in Australian homes. If you’re already building, now’s your chance to do it right.

For single-storey homes, retrofitting is easier but still costs more than wiring during construction.

Plan it, pre-wire it, and you’ll thank yourself every time you check your cameras without dropouts or dead zones.

If you’re building a home, here’s how the process usually flows.

Knowing where your security installer fits helps keep things smooth and on schedule.

New Build Security Timeline:

1. Framing → Structure goes up.

2. Roof On → Time to start planning your security layout.

3. Pre-Wire Stage → Your licensed security installer runs cables while the walls are still open.

4. Plaster → Walls close up and wiring should already be complete.

5. Painting → Installer waits until all finishes are done.

6. Fit-Off → Cameras, NVR, and systems installed and tested.

7. Handover → Your new home is secure and ready to move in.

This timeline makes sure your system is wired neatly, tested properly, and installed without double-handling or damage. Once the plaster’s up, every hour of labour costs more.

Getting your timing right is everything.

The best stage to install security wiring is after the roof is on and before the plaster goes up. That’s your window for a clean, affordable, professional setup.

Here’s what to remember:

• Pre-wire now, even if you plan to install later.
• Work with a licensed installer, not just an electrician.
• Coordinate early with your builder and sparkie.
• Run extra cables for future-proofing.

Miss that window, and you’re not just delaying the job, you’re making it harder and more expensive for no good reason.

This is where most builds quietly go wrong.

ProtectFind is an independent directory that helps you find licensed security installers who understand new builds and when to get involved.

If your build is at framing or heading toward pre-wire stage, now is the time to line this up.