Congrats on your new home! Building a new home requires careful electrical planning. We can help you with the whole process or just the final touches.

Where should you start?

A well-rounded new construction electrical plan should include the following priority areas:

⚡ Panel & Future-Proofing

• Panel Size: Opt for a 200-amp panel as the absolute minimum, or upgrade to 400 amps if you plan on adding a pool, workshop, or multiple high-draw appliances.

• EV Charging: Have your builder pre-wire a 240-volt, 50-amp outlet in the garage so you can easily plug in an electric vehicle later. 

• Solar & Generators: We can run a conduit from the main panel to the attic or roof now to save thousands in labor if you install solar later. You can also pre-wire for an automatic standby generator. 

• Whole-House Surge Protection: Install a whole-house surge protector at the breaker box to safeguard sensitive electronics and smart appliances.

🔌 Targeted Outlet Placement

Many builders include the bare minimum number of code-required outlets. Be sure to request extras in these often-overlooked spots: 

• Kitchen & Pantry: Add outlets in your pantry (for a coffee station or microwave) and outlets on the kitchen island. 

• Closets & Closets: Place outlets inside master walk-in closets (for vacuums, clothes steamers, or phone charging) and broom closets (for cordless vacuums). 

• Exterior: Place waterproof outlets on all four sides of the house, plus under the eaves (controlled by an indoor switch) for easy holiday lighting.

• Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Put outlets directly behind bedside tables and consider a discrete outlet near the toilet for a bidet. 

💡 Lighting & Low-Voltage

• Layered Lighting: We would love to discuss a layered lighting plan for your home, including dimmer switches for every overhead light and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen.

• Smart Switches: Consider smart switches that allow you to control lights from your phone.

• Network Cabling (Ethernet): While running cables, ask to pre-wire Cat6 or Cat6A ethernet cables to key areas (living room, office, and spots for ceiling-mounted wireless access points).

A well-planned electrical remodel touches several essential areas across the home:

1. Core Safety & Power Upgrades

• Electrical Panel: Homes over 35 years old often have 100-amp panels that cannot handle modern appliances. Upgrading to a 200 to 400-amp panel is usually required.

• Re-Wiring: If your home has outdated wiring (like knob-and-tube or ungrounded cloth-wrapped lines), it must be replaced.

• Dedicated Circuits: High-draw areas and large appliances require their own circuits to prevent breaker trips and fire hazards. Ensure dedicated circuits for:

  • Kitchens (ranges, refrigerators, microwaves)

  • Laundry (washers/dryers)

  • HVAC units and hot tubs

  • Home offices

2. Room-Specific Code & Convenience

• Kitchens & Bathrooms: These wet areas require GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets to prevent shock hazards, as well as multiple 20-amp small appliance circuits.

• Living Areas: The National Electrical Code mandates that wall outlets be no more than 12 feet apart.

• Lighting: Every room typically requires at least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet. 

3. Smart Tech & Future-Proofing

• AFCI Protection: Modern standards require Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters in most rooms to protect against electrical fires.

• Smart & Connected Living: Pre-wire for smart motion lighting, security cameras, and motorized window shades.

• EV Chargers: Pre-wire your garage for a Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charger to prepare for future transportation needs.

• Convenience Features: Consider floor outlets for living room sectionals and additional exterior outlets for seasonal holiday lighting. 

4. Planning & Permitting

• The Electrical Plan: Before opening walls, work with an electrician to map exactly where furniture, outlets, and switches will go.

• Permits: Substantial electrical work requires local permits and inspections by your city to ensure it meets standard building codes. 

That was a lot- we are happy to go through it and make some recommendations on which rooms you are renovating and what new appliances or electronics you are adding.