Understanding the common WiFi mistakes during home renovations helps homeowners avoid slow speeds, weak signals, and connection dropouts when construction work begins. Renovations often require moving furniture, opening walls, adding new appliances, and shifting layouts—factors that affect how your WiFi performs. This guide highlights the errors people make when relocating modems, adding walls, installing new materials, or failing to plan the network. You’ll learn how renovation choices impact your signal strength and how to prevent issues before your home upgrade interrupts internet performance. These insights help maintain fast, reliable connectivity throughout the renovation process.
Why Renovations Can Disrupt Your WiFi Network
Most people focus on flooring, paint, lighting, and layout during a renovation—but forget that WiFi performance can drastically change once construction begins. Wireless signals behave differently when new walls are added, appliances are relocated, wiring is changed, or routers are moved temporarily.
WiFi problems during renovations often appear as:
- Slow speeds
- Rooms with weak signals
- Frequent dropouts
- Buffering during streaming
- Devices disconnecting
Planning your network early prevents these issues.
WiFi Mistake #1: Moving the Modem to the Wrong Location
One of the most common renovation mistakes is moving the modem or router without considering future coverage. Many people push their router to a corner, inside a cabinet, or behind furniture to “hide” it during upgrades.
This reduces signal strength because WiFi needs open space to spread evenly.
Signals weaken when placed near:
- Solid brick walls
- Metal appliances
- TV cabinets
- Thick timber frames
- Low or hidden shelves
For professional help with inspections, upgrades, or relocation support, you can refer to Wi-Fi Repair services here:
WiFi Mistake #2: Adding Thick Walls Without Network Planning
New plasterboard, tiles, insulation, bricks, and mirrors all affect WiFi differently. Thick materials can significantly weaken signals and create dead zones.
Some materials that block signals include:
- Concrete
- Tiles
- Stone
- Metal
- Bricks
- Dense insulation
- Water pipes
Many homeowners only realise that WiFi is struggling after walls are already finished.
WiFi Mistake #3: Installing Too Many Electrical Devices in One Area
Renovations often involve adding:
- Smart home devices
- Cameras
- New lighting systems
- Smart fridges
- Air-con units
- TVs and monitors
Too many devices nearby can create interference. Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices also disrupt WiFi channels.
External resources such as ACMA WiFi interference guidelines and TP-Link wireless signal advice explain this interference in more depth.
WiFi Mistake #4: Forgetting About Ethernet Cable Placement
Renovations are the perfect time to install Ethernet cables, yet many homeowners skip this step. Once the walls are closed, running cables becomes harder.
Ethernet helps:
- Boost speeds
- Improve gaming performance
- Add stability
- Reduce WiFi congestion
Placing at least one Ethernet point near entertainment areas is always beneficial.
WiFi Mistake #5: Poor Router Elevation
WiFi spreads outward and downward—not upward. Many people place their router low on the floor or behind the TV after renovations.
Low placement often causes:
- Slow internet upstairs
- Weak hallway signals
- Poor performance in outdoor areas
- Devices randomly disconnecting
Routers perform best when elevated on open surfaces.
If you’re adjusting TV setups or furniture layouts during renovations, the About Us page here provides background about the service team many homeowners rely on:
https://brockystv.com.au/about-us/
WiFi Mistake #6: Buying New Smart Devices Without Checking Compatibility
Renovations often include new appliances and smart home upgrades. Many devices, especially older ones, only support 2.4 GHz signals.
This leads to:
- Setup issues
- Slow connectivity
- Repeated disconnections
Planning for dual-band support or mesh systems can avoid these issues.
WiFi Mistake #7: Installing a Mesh System Incorrectly
Mesh systems are helpful, but they must be placed strategically. Many homeowners cluster nodes too close together or too far apart, creating coverage gaps.
Mesh nodes should be placed:
- Halfway between the router and the weak zone
- Without thick walls between nodes
- Away from electronics
- At similar height levels
Incorrect spacing reduces mesh performance significantly.
WiFi Mistake #8: Ignoring Dead Zones Until the Renovation Is Complete
Dead zones often appear after new walls or appliances are added. Many people assume these issues are temporary—but they remain until addressed.
Common dead zone areas include:
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Outdoor patios
- Garage areas
- Laundry rooms
Identifying signal gaps early helps avoid long-term problems.
External tech guides, such as CNET WiFi optimisation advice, help explain dead-zone behaviour .
WiFi Mistake #9: Cluttered Cables & Poor Cable Management
Renovations often create cable chaos—especially when furniture and electronics are moved.
Cluttered cables can cause:
- Electrical interference
- Overheating
- Limited airflow
- Damaged connectors
Using conduit, cable sleeves, or wall channels helps protect network cables and maintain stable speeds.
WiFi Mistake #10: Not Rebooting or Resetting the Network After Renovations
After moving modems, adding devices, or adjusting wiring, the network often needs a reset.
Recommended steps:
- Restart modem
- Reboot router
- Update firmware
- Re-scan channels
- Reconnect devices
- Reposition antennas
A simple reset can fix many unexpected issues.
When to Call a WiFi Technician
Call a professional if:
- Your signal problems continue after testing
- Speeds vary dramatically between rooms.
- Your modem loses signal during peak hours.
- Smart home devices keep disconnecting.
- Renovations altered your wall layout significantly.
A technician can test WiFi strength, relocate the modem, improve cable routing, or recommend better hardware.
Final Thoughts & Professional Help
Renovations change your home layout—and your WiFi is affected more than most people expect. From poor modem placement to thick walls, cluttered cables, interference, and mesh system issues, many renovation decisions unintentionally weaken the signal. Fixing these problems early ensures smooth internet speeds across every room.
If your WiFi performance is unstable during or after renovations, reach out to Brocky Internet for fast diagnosis, repairs, and expert setup.
You can view all services and book support on the homepage of Brocky Internet .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did my WiFi get worse after renovating?
New walls, appliances, and modem relocation can weaken or block signals.
2. Where should I place my WiFi router?
In an open, central, elevated location away from walls and electronics.
3. Does insulation affect WiFi?
Yes. Dense insulation materials reduce WiFi strength significantly.
4. Should I install Ethernet during renovations?
Yes. It’s the best time to add cables before walls close.
5. Can mesh WiFi fix dead zones?
Yes, but node placement must be correct for full coverage.