Getting the electrical plan right before the drywall
The least expensive time to add an outlet, a ceiling box for a future fan, or conduit for a future EV charger is before insulation and drywall go up. A walkthrough at the framing stage lets you place switches where you'll actually reach for them and lighting where it will be useful.
New homes also need to meet current electrical code, including AFCI and GFCI protection, tamper-resistant outlets and interconnected smoke alarms. Rough-in and final inspections confirm the work before the house is energized and occupied.
What the work typically involves
Plan and walk through
Review plans and walk the framed house to finalize outlets, switches and fixtures.
Service and rough-in
Install the panel and temporary power as needed, then run circuits and set boxes.
Rough-in inspection
Pass inspection before insulation and drywall.
Trim-out and final
Install devices and fixtures, energize, test and pass final inspection.
Typical new construction projects
- Custom home builds
- Room additions and sunrooms
- Detached garages and workshops
- Garage apartments and in-law suites
- Owner-builder projects needing a qualified electrician
When to bring an electrician in
- Your builder is approaching framing completion
- You want features beyond builder-standard
- You're planning an EV, generator or solar-ready home
- You need a separate subpanel for an addition
- You want outdoor and landscape lighting prewired
Safety considerations
Job-site safety: Temporary power on job sites is a common hazard. Keep temporary panels closed, use GFCI-protected cords, and keep water away from open boxes and panels during construction.
What gets planned for your new home
- Service size for the finished home
- Circuit layout for kitchen, laundry and baths
- Smoke/CO alarm locations and interconnection
- Outdoor, garage and EV-ready circuits
- Future-proofing for generators and smart devices
Related electrical problems
Related residential services
Electrical Wiring
New circuits, repairs to damaged wiring and wiring updates for kitchens, additions and major appliances.
EV Charger Installation
Level 2 home EV charger installation, including load calculations, dedicated circuits and panel capacity checks.
Whole Home Generator
Permanently installed standby generators sized to power your entire home automatically during outages.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed (can) and LED wafer light installation for kitchens, living rooms, basements and remodels.
Frequently asked questions
At framing, before insulation. That's when outlet, switch and fixture locations are easiest and least expensive to change.
Yes. A dedicated circuit or conduit for a future EV charger and provisions for a transfer switch are simple to add during construction.
Yes. Additions often need panel capacity checks and sometimes a subpanel so the new space doesn't overload the existing service.