Building a new home is equal parts exciting and overwhelming, with most people only doing it once or twice in their lifetime. For many, their new home build is the result of years of hard work, planning and cultivation of dreams for their future. This often leads to multiple moments of stress, indecisiveness and, unfortunately, disappointment when elements fail or don’t turn out the way they were intended.
Electrical planning is done very early on in the building process, with rooms and fixtures having to be planned well before the end date of construction. With technology and home interior trends changing all the time, knowing your electrical plan and lighting can be difficult to foresee. This blog aims to break down our top 7 electrical tips for new home builds in 2022.
Have an understanding of your electrical use
Every household and family will use a different amount of electricity, understanding how much will be needed for your new home is crucial before your electrician can determine the type of wiring necessary. Consider writing down an electrical ‘wish list’ of appliances, features, electronics and outlets per room to provide a clear guide for your electrician to follow and avoid disappointment.
Plan for the future
Building is a very expensive endeavour, with some dream elements having to take the back seat while must-haves are prioritised. It’s completely normal to include additional wiring and plans for future ‘wishlist’ projects to be undertaken once after the build has finished and more financially viable to do so. This can include electric car charging systems, additional air conditioning, smart home automation and solar panel installation.
Be innovative with your outlets
If there is one thing Australian’s love, it’s having ample electrical outlets available to them. However, they don’t always make the most attractive interior element to a space if placed in the wrong position or not matching the decor. There are multiple ways outlets can be updated, from opting to use a more aesthetically pleasing cover to converting a two-plug outlet to a four with USB slots included. Where the outlets are placed can completely change the flow of the house in terms of practicality. Consider requesting a charging drawer in the kitchen and bathrooms to avoid cables on the bench, and don’t forget the all-important bedside table outlets.
Automate your lighting
Increase the simple luxury of your home by installing a smart home automation system for your electrical appliances and lighting. Controlled by a central device or mobile phone, these can be programmed to dim or turn on lights at particular times and create an ambience to your home. These are becoming increasingly popular due to the research showing how much lighting can be detrimental to sleep patterns and productivity levels.
Consider your home’s heating, cooling and ventilation systems
Make a conscious effort to communicate with your electrician about your home’s systems as early as possible. This way, the contractors can work together to make sure all load requirements and equipment is accounted for in the build process and nothing has to be compromised.
Remember exterior features
The home is beyond the inside of the walls of a house, extending the planning to the exterior of your property is important to reach a satisfying finish. From automated spotlights for safety and security to elevating street appeal and optimising entertaining hours beyond the daylight, well-executed exterior lighting is key.
Take photos behind your walls
Nothing is more frustrating than having to go through unnecessary electrical issues in your home when problems unexpectedly arise. Requesting photos of your electrical system from behind the walls, along with detailed diagrams of the home makes troubleshooting issues a lot easier. Especially if a different electrician than the one originally working on your house is being used.
Electrical planning for a new home is time consuming, but ultimately can save thousands and dollars (and hours) in the future. The Ehlerth Electrical team are well experienced in providing electrical plans for new builds and are on the forefront of electrical innovation. If you need help navigating this process, please reach out to the Ehlerth Electrical team today!
