10 Electrical Things to Consider When Building

When deciding to build, the decisions you make now will have an impact on how you live in and enjoy your home in the future.  So take some time before finalising your electrical and lighting plan!

If you need help with that contact Lewis at Lake Road Electrical.

Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Do not over-light interiors

Ask yourself ‘What will you do in this room?’ and ‘How will you configure your furniture?’ before suggesting any lighting options. Start with function and adapt your lighting depending on the needs in the space to avoid over lighting your home — and put a dimmer on every interior light!

2. Consider mixing lighting solutions

Consider other lighting solutions — wall washes, low hallway wall lights, floor lamps, pendants, step lights etc. If you don’t have an expert to help you plan your lighting, I suggest taking the time to research all the lighting options out there before meeting with your electrician so you can develop a plan that works and will add interest to your home.

3. Be careful not to date your house

A common design idea we see on The Block has to be strip lighting, but you don’t want to go overboard.  Although, I wouldn’t recommend putting lighting in areas where it serves no real purpose.

4. Automate lighting

Add some automatic lights — having a sensor when you open the butler’s pantry and in the garage — so you don’t need to fumble in the dark. Small thoughtful details like this can make living in your home more comfortable.

5. Power point placement matters

We often see The Block judges giving the contestants flak for positioning power points in sight but truth is, sometimes they need to be.  For example I was asked for a power point behind the sideboard (out of sight and perfect for a table lamp). But ‘What if you want to work on a laptop or charge a phone?,’

So we ended up adding some additional power points that were close to the dining table and wouldn’t be a trip hazard.

My advice is to place the power points where it’s most practical.

6. Consider the switches

Lighting switches have come a long way and there are stylish options on the market now

Recently, switches with bluetooth capability have hit the market. This makes it possible to automate all of your lighting from your phone without the need for a centralised electronic unit, such as a C-Bus control and management system.

7. In-wall vacuum systems need to be planned early

These systems need to be put in before the walls are plastered so if you’re thinking about one, plan early. Measuring the distance from each outlet to ensure the vacuum hose reaches every room, in and around the furniture that would be placed there is a good place to start.

8. Decide where to place control panels

Another of the electrical and lighting things to consider when building is where to position control panels — heating and cooling, lighting, home security etc.

It’s a good idea to decide early what kind of technology you intend to use in your home so you know exactly what control panels you will have, l and choose the least obtrusive place to position them.

9. Make provisions if you’re unsure or budget restricts

Building is expensive and unfortunately by the time it comes to lighting and electrical, the budget can be blown and those ideas of an integrated sound system, theatre room or statement pendant light might be in the air. My advice is to make provision for these things by running the cabling you need to those areas — that way you can add them when the timing is right.

10. Walk through your decisions if you can

We suggest checking on our electrical and lighting positions once the house is framed. You can walk through the house room by room and see exactly where light switches, power points and lights would be positioned and spot any potential issues.

If you need some expert electrical advice for your new build or looking for an electrical partner for your new build, give the Master Electrician team at Lake Road Electrical a call today.