Questions about Electricity  

You could let the architect/contractor make all your decisions about the electrical needs of your new home. What you will most likely get is the industry standard provisions based upon a generalized average US household. For example, there are industry standards for the number and location of outlets in a room for any given size. There are also industry standards for placement and number of light fixtures. While these standards may be adequate, they will not take into account your personal needs and desires. You need to spend time deciding just how you will use each room and what electrical needs will be. It is much cheaper and far less hassle to install the electrical system during construction.

Consider the following:

• First, what type of lighting do want? Are the standard fixtures in the middle of the ceiling what you want, or do you like "track" lighting? Perhaps you prefer standing lamps? Have you decided upon high ceilings with a sophisticated ventillation system or will you want overhead ceiling fans.

• How about the "master" bedroom? Do you only sleep there. Or do you read and/or watch TV in bed? This will alter how you place electrical outlets in the room. Where should switches be place to avoid crawling into bed in the dark?

• What about the major appliances? Do you have a place in mind for a washer and dryer? What type of power will they require? Maybe you'd like an extra freezer for the venison from your most recent deer hunt ... well, perhaps from your last visit to Cost-U-Less.

• And what about when the power goes out? What provisions should you make for both short-term and long-term alternative power sources. If you buy a generator, where should it be located and how will it be tied into the electrical system of the house?

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