Electrical Installation for New Builds: What to Consider

Planning Electrical in Your New Build

Getting the electrical design right at the planning stage saves money and prevents future regrets. Once walls are plastered, adding extra sockets or moving lights becomes expensive.

Socket Placement Strategy

Living Areas

Per room minimum:

• 6-8 double sockets for living room
• 4 double sockets for dining room
• Consider furniture layout before fixing positions

Don't forget:

• TV position (behind for hidden cables)
• Beside sofas for charging
• Floor boxes for central seating
• Home office corner

Kitchens

Modern kitchens need serious electrical capacity:

• 6-8 worktop sockets (above counter height)
• Dedicated circuits for oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge
• USB sockets for device charging
• Under-cabinet lighting circuits
• Extractor fan connection

Bedrooms

• Either side of bed (for lamps, charging)
• Dressing table area
• Wardrobe lighting circuit
• TV point if desired

Bathrooms

Strict regulations but essentials include:

• Shaver socket (zone regulations)
• Towel rail connection
• Extractor fan
• Mirror light
• Underfloor heating thermostat

Lighting Design

Types to Consider

Lighting Control

• 2-way switching: Control from multiple points
• Dimming: Essential for living spaces
• Smart control: Future-proof option
• Automated: Movement sensors, timers

Future-Proofing Your Installation

EV Charging Preparation

Even if you don't have an EV now:

• Install dedicated 32A circuit to garage/drive
• Much cheaper during build than retrofitting
• Adds value to property

Smart Home Readiness

Essential infrastructure:

• Cat6 cabling to each room
• Central AV cupboard location
• Neutral at every switch position
• Structured cabling hub

Consider provisions for:

• Smart lighting systems
• Multi-room audio
• CCTV/alarm integration
• Solar/battery preparation

Home Office

Remote working is here to stay:

• Dedicated circuit
• Multiple double sockets
• Ethernet connection
• Good lighting circuit

Consumer Unit Specification

For a 4-bed new build, expect:

• 18+ way consumer unit
• Multiple RCBOs
• Separate lighting circuits per floor
• Dedicated circuits for:
• Oven
• Hob
• Immersion/boiler
• Shower
• EV charger
• Garage/outbuilding

Working With Your Builder

When to Engage Electrician

• First fix: Before plastering (cables installed)
• Second fix: After plastering (sockets/switches fitted)
• Testing: Before occupation

What We Coordinate

• Architect drawings for socket positions
• Kitchen designer for appliance connections
• Heating engineer for thermostat locations
• Smart home integrator for cabling

New Build Electrical Costs

Depends heavily on specification and smart home requirements

Common New Build Mistakes

• Not enough sockets - add 30% more than you think
• Wrong socket heights - consider elderly/accessibility needs
• Forgetting external - patios, garages, garden rooms
• No data cabling - WiFi has limits
• Skimping on lighting - dimmers and controls matter

Building in Devon? Call Grant's Electrical Solutions on 01626 374 059 for new build electrical design and installation.