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If you’re in the process of building a new home or renovating an existing one, electricity and its placement needs to be a priority and not an afterthought.
Although completion time has slowed due to the national trade shortage, a backlog of insurance claims and building material delays, those who choose to build a house from scratch in Australia are usually rewarded with their dream home – in fact, that’s arguably why many people take on these types of projects in the first place.
Once you’ve made a decision to build a house instead of buying or renovating, the real work starts. From finance to frames, the experience can quickly become overwhelming for those who aren’t sure where to begin. With a medley of items to tick off the to-do list, prioritising electricity in the new build can often be left until the last minute.
Like it or not, the decisions made during a build will have an impact on how you live and enjoy your home, and even a poorly placed light switch can make it feel like the finished product doesn’t live up to your expectations. To avoid a potential headache further down the track, be sure to follow the fundamentals of a good electrical plan.
For those unfamiliar with the term, the concept of an electrical plan is more or less the same as a standard floor plan, except the focus is on the wiring and electrical aspects of a new build. Otherwise known as an electrical drawing, this important document is a highly technical outline that shows information about power, lighting and communication for an engineering or architectural project.
While not everyone has the budget or resources to invest in an electrical plan, applying some foresight to the electrical functions of a new build is still a must. If you’re unsure on what types of things should be considered, we’ve covered a few of the basics below.
Avoid Over Illumination – Although it may sound crazy to say that rooms can be too well lit, the reality is that it can and does happen. Instead, start by thinking of the function of each room – will a bedroom require the same amount of downlights as a living room? More often than not, the answer is no, so get organised and save yourself some money by not over doing it.
Powerpoint Placement – Have you ever visited an older cottage or holiday home and found yourself infuriated by a lack of powerpoints or poorly placed outlets? If you’re not careful, the same thing can happen during a new build. Don’t be afraid to sit down with a piece of paper and calculate how many you’re going to need and where you’re going to need them.
Consider Automation – With smart homes predicted to be the properties of the future, many people are surprised to learn just how little it costs to automate a few of the electrical components of a new build. From outdoor sensor lights to temperature control and even doing away with standard door locks, automation can also help to add value to the property.
Invest In Mixed Lighting – The higher your ceiling is, the dimmer your lights become because of its distance from the floor. A lazy electrician will often recommend adding the same downlights to every room, but the reality is that this isn’t generally the most effective or aesthetically pleasing option. Instead, get creative and consider things like a statement pendant.
Prioritise Energy Efficiency – With the price of power skyrocketing right around the world, new builds should prioritise energy efficiency as a means to both keep the bills down and to future proof the value of the new home. Depending on your climate, consider investing in things like solar power, insulation, LED lighting and even window glazing.
If you’re on the hunt for a decent sparky to help you illuminate your home without spending a small fortune, finding a reputable and local electrician to get the job done can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, the team at Shield Electrical offer a solution.
Here at Shield Electrical, we are a Brisbane based electrical contracting company, and pride ourselves on being shockingly good at watt we do. For us, friendly and reliable customer service isn’t just a nice add on – it’s how we do business. Don’t take our word for it though, just ask our clients.
Established in 2015, Shield Electrical is lighting the way when it comes to providing electrical work with world class customer service. With our headquarters based in the central suburban pocket of Coorparoo, our team of qualified industry professionals are readily available to deliver quality workmanship, fast quotes, and affordable pricing.
Whether you’re on the hunt for an electrician for domestic services, residential, commercial and industrial construction, security systems or even just further energy saving tips, get in touch with us at Shield today to source practical solutions that don’t break the bank.
