If so, be sure the electrical plan includes some “good to have” additions. When you include these improvements during initial construction you’ll save lots of money. These extras would just cost more money and time to add later. It is better to do them between the framing and drywall stages.
Here is a list of tips for your consideration before you start construction. If you’ve already started building a new house, try to get them in before you enclose the wiring with drywall.
Plan for convenience. Add light switches in the hallway outside the attic (or storage area) so that you don’t have to enter the area in the dark and then find the switch. With an exterior switch, you can turn the light on before you enter.
Plan for safety. Add motion-activated stairway lights with a switch at the top and bottom. Add motion-activated security lights to cover all sidewalks, garage doors, and areas around bedroom windows.
Plan for savings. Incorporate timer switches to ensure that lights, fans and other appliances to turn them off when not being used. Be sure to use up-to-date LED fixtures and bulbs throughout. LEDs will save money and will last 20-25 years or more. Also make sure you add bedroom ceiling boxes for future additions of ceiling fans or lights.
Plan for outdoor living. More indoor activities are being moved outside onto decks and patios. Put extra weatherproof outlets around those exterior locations. This allows you to avoid running extension cords across those areas. Eliminate that trip hazard and improve the appearance of your new home. Think about overhead lighting and ground-level outlets for your pool or hot tub, and add GFCI-protected outlets near them.
Plan for holiday decorations. Add outlets on mantles, recessed into bookcases and under the eaves outside. If you have a small tree that you plan to light, add an in-ground outlet near the base. Anywhere you plan to have electric holiday lights, ensure you have a handy outlet near there. Make these a dedicated circuit so you can turn them all on or off at once.
Plan for future maintenance. A wise practice for everyone building a new house is to take pictures of the wiring and switches in each wall. Just before the sheet rock goes in, go from room to room and take the photos. You’ll be glad you have those images handy when you need work done in the wall. The images will help any electrician “find” the wires and any other trades-person to avoid damages the wires.
If you need any kind of electrical advice about new construction or remodeling, contact us. We are glad to give expert advice and help you avoid making costly mistakes. After 40+ years in this business, we’ve seen thousands of situations like yours, and we will be happy to help. Call us at 801-367-1464 or fill out our contact form here.