skip to main content

Building a Home

Electrical walk through-how to prepare if you don't have designer

12 years ago

we have our electrical walk through in a little over a week and I'm feeling very overwhelmed. Is it a mistake to do this without a designer? I'm really not sure where I'll want sconces and other lighting. The house is rather large so that complicates things. Any advice would be great.

Comments (9)

lavender_lass
12 years ago
Threeapples- If you don't know what you want, then it might be best to get some professional help. Would you repair your own car? Of fix a leaking toilet? If you're a DIY person, armed with a wealth of knowledge and have planned everything down to the last detail...I'd still want to make sure you understood code and where you'll need GFCIs, etc. GFCIs are Ground Fault Circuit Interruptors and need to be installed in bathrooms and kitchens, where you'll be using outlets near water. It's supposed to immediately cut off the current to prevent electrical shock.

If you're not comfortable with all these details...I'd try to find a professional that is not only competent, but someone you feel comfortable with, too. You want someone you feel like you can bounce ideas off of and not be intimidated by...and feel like your questions are being answered to your satisfaction. Remember, you're paying for help, so don't be afraid to ask for it :)
threeapples
Original Author
12 years ago
Hi Lavendar. Our electrician and architect will be with us, but they don't have the eye of a designer, which is why I asked. We actually do have a designer, but have had a hard time getting ahold of them lately (another major point of frustration) so I'm not sure we'll be able to make this happen in time for our walk through.
Related Discussions
Electrical walk through -- what do I need to know?
Q
Comments (22)
We put in more than the required amount of outlets. There is at least one circuit per room for its outlets (the lights for the various rooms are shared across a few circuits). We added switch-controlled outlets in the bedrooms and living room (although we have ceiling lights anyway), ran an extra wire to every ceiling box in case a ceiling fan is installed down the road (to separately switch the fan and lights), and used multi-location dimmers just about everywhere. We supplemented our exterior lighting with floodlights and added a few exterior-mounted weatherproof junction boxes so we can add hardwired landscape lighting later. Don't scrimp on the exterior outlets, consider adding some under the eaves (on a switch) for Christmas lighting. Run extra circuits for these. Also, check out http://www.sillites.com/ if you like candles in your windows. Consider, if you'd like, having a photocell added to the north side of your house to have the exterior lights turn on and off at dusk and dawn. We forgot to do this and I always forget to turn off the exterior lights. In our bathrooms we have separately switched wall and ceiling lighting. The sconces on either side of the bathroom mirror are best for getting ready. We added recessed receptacles where our flat screen TVs will be mounted. We also added piping in the walls to pull our own data wiring (cable, phone, ethernet, HDMI, etc). Consider, as some have mentioned above, using double-gang boxes for some of your receptacles, especially on either side of the beds and where TVs, etc, will go in bedrooms. Where we have furniture to hold electronic equipment we've used triple-gang boxes. One thing I would stress is be generous with your circuits. I did all of our wiring here (passed final inspection too!) and I don't think there are more than seven receptacles on any single circuit (but that's just me).
...See More
Just did electrical walk-through
Q
Comments (6)
Mskitchen, I have a spreadsheet, too. I used the spreadsheet to make the maps of lighting on my floor plans (plus assistance from a lighting designer). I can't imagine having to go back a 2nd day to do more! Lzerarc, we're working with allowances for the fixtures. But the electrician went through the house before we got there and marked what was included in our contract for the wiring. And he was showing us where standard/code outlets were going in case we needed to add more. It was much easier to see it in real life than on paper. So we did have everything included in the bid as per code, basically. We did consider furniture placement (had that mapped out when we did the house plans!) and decorating. Kymike1, that's a good idea to have a switch for the overhead lights! However, in our bedrooms we'll have ceiling fans (with or without light kits) that have remote controls. We can then mount the remote in a cradle near the bed for both fan and light control! Chisue, we completely forgot pendants and electrical outlet discussions on our island. I think that was one of the last areas we were looking at and we were so hot and tired we were rushing. I've gone back to the builder and asked about both of those things. And yes, we have security lights and the electrician did suggest putting a light switch in our MBR, which we thought was a brilliant idea!! Thanks for the support, everyone. :)
...See More
Vintage kitchen advantage...you don't have to hide the fridge!
Q
Comments (40)
We're in the market for a fridge, and the main thing is that it be reliable. We're using a super cheap 14 cu/ft place-holder until the house is done, but the darn thing runs perfect! We would prefer a bottom freezer, but a top freezer would be OK. We fell out of love with the french door models, although they seem to be taking over. I'll have to check the reviews on the Artistry to see how it stacks up. We don't care about ice makers or water dispensers either. While talking pricey vintage look fridges, check out Elmira. Beautiful, but 4 times what I would spend.
...See More
Closing vs Final walk through vs certificate of occupancy....HELP!
Q
Comments (9)
A Certificate of Occupancy is granted by the city when the builder has met all of their requirements. You will not be involved in that process. Definitely ask for a key if you want it but don't be surprised if the builder wants to be sure nothing gets scratched or a window or door doesn't get left open at this late date. Don't let anyone rush you; say you need more time if you feel rushed. They signed a contract saying they would deliver a completely finished and working house so make them meet that obligation. Turn everything on and look in every corner, check every switch, door & knob and sight along every wall with a strong LED flashlight. Bring someone along to take notes. I don't know how to schedule a private home inspector; you need to ask the builder about that. I'm an architect and a builder would expect me to have inspected the house every few weeks especially before things were covered up. At this stage all you can discover are poor finishes or things that don't work and your contractor should have already found them. Remember, signing off on the house does not in any way relieve the contractor of his responsibility for building to the requirements of the contract documents. Don't sign anything that says otherwise. A walk-through should only be a courtesy.
...See More
lavender_lass
12 years ago
What does the architect think? He/she should have a pretty good idea where you would want sconces, under cabinet/task lighting, dimmer switches, hanging fixtures, etc.

Some people have posted lighting questions, on the kitchen forum and have gotten some good ideas. If you can't get in touch with your designer, are you under contract...or can you get another one? Hope things work out well, for your walk through :)
threeapples
Original Author
12 years ago
Not sure our architect will be able to make it, now that I just checked. I'll keep my fingers crossed that he can! I'm not under contract with the designer thankfully. Thanks, I'll update everyone. :)
dekeoboe
12 years ago
One big thing to know about ahead of time is what is in the contract as far a electrical is concerned. Are a certain number of cans included? What type of switches are included? Are dimmers extra? Then you can start to figure out how much it is going to cost if you want more than what is in the contract, and what rooms you are will to pay for upgrades and what rooms you are not willing to pay for upgrades.
beaglesdoitbetter1
12 years ago
We did our house without a designer. Our electrician was actually quite helpful on where many things are customarily put, since he often does large/fancy houses for our builder. Your electrician will know (or at least should know) where the code-required stuff goes, like CFGI receptacles, etc. and will tell you what you must have. There's also some level of common sense to it, I think. Like, where will you use lights!

Ours was not a problem because I had pretty clear ideas of where things should go. I believe it took about 4 - 5 hours. Our electrician said some people take 8-10 hours.
renovator8
12 years ago
It is best if the designer puts this information on the drawings. Then any review with the electrician is to allow the owner to visualize the design better and to mark the final locations especially if something got moved during construction or framing is in the way.

Perhaps you could find two times when your designer is available and see if the electrician can make one of them. IMHO opinion you and your designer should take the lead in this effort.
david_cary
12 years ago
Your builder and electrician can guide on what is "usually" done. If you have significant aspirations for something better/different, then you might want someone there.

If you are looking at staying within your builder's usual lighting/electric budget, then you most likely are not needing help.
threeapples
Original Author
12 years ago
Both our architect and designer have committed to being present, thank goodness! thanks everyone.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

LIFE How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

By Lisa Frederick

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don't be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

DOORS Let's Walk Through the Latest Door Trends

By Laura Gaskill

The functional feature has been getting a dose of flexibility, creativity and glamorous detail

LIFE Be Prepared With a Household Inventory

By Laura Gaskill

Document your household's contents the efficient way, then let your list help you streamline your belongings

TRAVEL BY DESIGN How to Prepare Your House for a Home Swap

Trading homes for your vacation? Leave yours in great shape for your guests and help them enjoy a happy break with these 12 tips

INSPIRING GARDENS A Spring Walk Through Piet Oudolf’s New Garden in the Bronx

By Paintbox Garden

This lush expanse of bulbs, perennials and grasses at The New York Botanical Garden is showing its color. Have a look

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: A Walk Through the Redwoods

By Mary Jo Bowling

Painted behind the bed, trees bring a calming air to a San Francisco master bedroom

HOUSEKEEPING 10 Chores You Can Whip Through During Commercials

By Becky Harris

Use ad time for getting tasks done, and it’s like fast-forwarding your house into cleanliness

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Walk Through a Granite Countertop Installation — Showroom to Finish

By Innovative Design Build

Learn exactly what to expect during a granite installation and how to maximize your investment

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Ways to Go Greener Through Design

By Margaret Everton

See How Functional (and Beautiful) Eco-Friendly Practices Can Be

Sponsored

More Discussions

I need help with front double door!

5

Polished Nickel Framed Shower Enclosure

8

pocket door questions

7

Windows too close to floor

14

What splurges in square footage do you love about your home?

2