6 min read · Intermediate · Related: Managed IT Services

Updated October 2026 · Tampa Bay–tested steps

New Office Network From Scratch: The Checklist

Moving or opening? Internet, firewall, Wi-Fi, drops, and phones — the order that prevents day-one disasters.

  1. 1. Order internet 30+ days out

    Business fiber and cable installs take weeks, construction longer. Order before setting the move date around connectivity — openings get delayed a month by this single mistake.

  2. 2. Cable before furniture, Wi-Fi before users

    Run Cat6 to every desk, printer, camera, and AP location while walls are open ($125–$200 per drop beats $400 retrofits). Plan access-point spots on a floor map, not by guessing.

  3. 3. Stage everything before move day

    Firewall rules, Wi-Fi networks, printers, and phones configured and tested the week before. Move day should be plug-in-and-work, with us on-site for the inevitable surprises.

  4. 4. Cut over phones and test externally

    Port numbers Friday evening, test inbound and outbound Monday from outside lines. Keep one old line live a week as the rollback parachute.

New Office Network From Scratch: The Checklist — When to Call a Pro

  • Full build-out: design, cabling coordination, install, and day-one support.
  • Multi-floor or warehouse spaces needing surveyed wireless.
  • Tight timelines where staging and after-hours cutovers matter.
Get help with this(813) 702-3155

Guide FAQ

8–12 weeks for new construction, 4–6 for existing space. Internet orders and cabling lead times drive the schedule.
10-person offices typically run $3,000–$8,000 all-in (cabling, firewall, access points, setup) — scoped fixed before we start, obviously.
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