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Install whole-house audio.
Multi-room music — Sonos, Bluesound or Crestron — speakers in each zone, controlled from one app.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any home automation starts on whole-House Music & Audio Distribution.
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Speaker quality mismatch
Premium hidden speakers in some rooms, basic in others. Match quality throughout.
WiFi bandwidth
Multiple Sonos zones strain WiFi. Wired backbone for premium.
Subscription costs
Streaming services per room potentially.
Wiring during build vs retrofit
New build: easy cable run. Retrofit: difficult and expensive.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Sonos 5-room standardOne speaker per room
£1.5k–£3.5k
Bluesound premium 5-roomAudiophile
£3.5k–£8.5k
Crestron whole-houseBespoke programming
£10k–£50k
In-ceiling speakers per roomHidden audio
£200–£1.5k
Central amplifier 8-zoneFor wired systems
£1k–£5k
Cat6 structured cablingFor premium
£1.5k–£5.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Home Automation explained
Whole-house music distribution plays audio in every room — Sonos, Bluesound, or premium structured systems. Expect to pay £1,500–£15,000+ for UK whole-house music installation.
What Does the Work Involve?
Specialist designs system. Wireless (Sonos, Bluesound) or wired (Crestron, Control4) backbone. Speakers in each room or distributed via central amp. Volume control per room. Smart home integration. Streaming services.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos 5-room standard | 1,500 | 3,500 | One speaker per room |
| Bluesound premium 5-room | 3,500 | 8,500 | Audiophile |
| Crestron whole-house | 10,000 | 50,000+ | Bespoke programming |
| In-ceiling speakers per room | 200 | 1,500 | Hidden audio |
| Central amplifier 8-zone | 1,000 | 5,000 | For wired systems |
| Cat6 structured cabling | 1,500 | 5,500 | For premium |
| Whole-house 8-zone audio | 3,500 | 20,000 | Standard mid-range |
How Long Does It Take?
Sonos whole-house: 1-2 days. Wired structured: 1-2 weeks. Premium Crestron: 4-8 weeks.
DIY or Professional?
Sonos DIY-friendly. Wired structured premium specialist.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
CEDIA member. Premium audio installer (Linn, Naim, Crestron Premier).
UK Regulations
Part P for electrical. CE marking products.
Common Problems
- Speaker quality mismatch: Premium hidden speakers in some rooms, basic in others. Match quality throughout.
- WiFi bandwidth: Multiple Sonos zones strain WiFi. Wired backbone for premium.
- Subscription costs: Streaming services per room potentially.
- Wiring during build vs retrofit: New build: easy cable run. Retrofit: difficult and expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wireless or wired?
Wireless (Sonos): easier retrofit, easier expansion. Wired: more reliable, premium audio, professional install.
How long does whole-house audio last?
Sonos: 7-10 years before update issues. Premium wired: 15-25 years.
Sonos vs premium?
Sonos: best value for mid-fi. Premium (Bluesound, Linn): audiophile quality, premium price. Crestron: ultimate.
Multi-room cost typical?
5-room Sonos: £1,500-£3,500. Premium whole-house: £5,000-£25,000.
Voice control work?
Yes — modern systems all support Alexa, Google, HomeKit.
Subscription required?
For streaming: yes. Local music libraries possible. Streaming most popular UK.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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