Building a new home in one of the Illawarra's growing estates is exciting, and there are a lot of decisions to make. The electrical plan often gets less attention than the tiles and the benchtop, yet it is one of the hardest things to change once the walls are lined. This checklist helps you think it through room by room.

Before you start: think about how you live

Electrical plans from standard builder packages are a starting point. They are not designed around your household. Ask yourself:

Where will furniture actually sit?
Who works from home and where?
Where do devices get charged overnight?
Will you add a pool, spa, sauna or outdoor kitchen later?

Planning for future additions now, even just running conduit or cabling, saves cost and disruption later.

Power points

Enough outlets in every bedroom, especially beside beds, with USB charging if you like.
Plenty of outlets along kitchen benches and in the pantry for appliances.
Outlets for the TV wall, at the right height, plus one for the soundbar and streaming devices.
Power in the garage for a second fridge, freezer and tools.
Outlets in the linen cupboard or hallway for a robot vacuum or cordless vacuum charger.
Weatherproof outdoor power points on the alfresco and in the yard.

Our power point installation page has more on USB outlets and placement.

Lighting

Downlights spaced evenly in living areas, with dimmers where you want mood lighting.
Pendants over the kitchen island and dining table, positioned once you know the furniture layout.
Wall lights or feature lighting in hallways and entries.
Two-way switching at both ends of halls and stairs.
Sensor lights at the front door, side paths and garage.

Customers have told us Kalani fitted downlights inside and out on their new home. Our lighting page covers options.

Smoke alarms

New homes in NSW generally need hard wired, interconnected smoke alarms as part of the building approval. Many families add more than the minimum, including one in every bedroom. Make sure they appear on your electrical plan.

Ceiling fans and climate

Ceiling fans are an efficient way to stay comfortable in coastal summers. Even if you are not buying them yet, have the electrician install switches and fan-rated mounting points in bedrooms and living areas. Plan air conditioning circuits early too.

Smart home and security

Wi-Fi coverage and data points for the home office and TV.
Doorbell camera wiring at the front door.
Security camera positions under the eaves.
Smart lighting and app control if you want it.

Running cabling before plaster goes on is far easier than retrofitting.

Outdoor areas

Lighting for the alfresco, garden and paths.
Power for a barbecue, outdoor fridge or heater.
Cabling for a future pool pump, filter and lighting.

The switchboard

Make sure the switchboard has room for future circuits and safety switch protection on all circuits. Spare space now means fewer problems when you add a pool or sauna later.

Local new estates

Kalani works on new homes in Calderwood, Tullimbar, Shell Cove and Haywards Bay, both directly for owners and as overflow work for builders. His renovation and new home electrical service covers rough-in, fit-off and extras.

Walk the frame

Before the walls are lined, walk through the frame with your plan and picture daily life. It is the last easy chance to move things.

Building soon? Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. Send your plans and he can help you check the electrical layout.

New home electrical checklist