When building a new home, you should get actively involved in the planning stages to ensure that your contractors don’t overlook some details. For example, one major decision that you need to make is the location of electrical outlets. When ignored, you might end up moving into your new house only to realize that the electrical outlet placements don’t go well with your furniture plan.
Worse still, you might realize that you have fewer outlets that don’t efficiently meet your needs, so you are forced to use extension cords or a power bar. Ensure that there are electrical outlets in the following areas to ensure that your house is well-wired for convenience.
1. Your Kitchen
The kitchen holds many small and large electric appliances. First, determine where you intend to place the refrigerator, dishwashers, oven, and stove. Then, install strong enough outlets to handle such devices. Next, consider your cooking needs to know how many outlets you need for the smaller appliances. Finally, find out how many items you need to run simultaneously and those you only take out when necessary.
Install outlets on the countertops and around your kitchen island to power microwave, mixers, toaster, beaters, and coffee machines. Any outlets on the countertop surfaces should have GFCI protection.
If you enjoy hanging lights in your kitchen, you can add an outlet on top of your kitchen cabinets. That is also a good spot to plug in security cameras and LED lighting. If you have a walk-in pantry, install an outlet to charge your cordless vacuum or dust busters.
2. The Family Room or Bar
You will need several charging locations in your family room. If you have a fireplace, be sure to add extra outlets to plug in a lighted sculpture or install a wall clock. For houses with a home bar, you need plugs to power a blender. Include some outlets to run a small refrigerator or your ice maker. If you want to add a lighted bar sign, you will need an extra outlet toward the entrance.
3. Your Living Room
Nowadays, it seems like everyone has a device that needs charging. The living room is where your family spends the most time and hosts guests. It would be best to place plenty of electric outlets in every corner of your sitting room. Place additional outlets in the middle of each wall.
If you want to hang a TV on the wall, place an outlet behind the screen to avoid hanging messy cords. Those families that enjoy decorating the house during Christmas should decide where the tree will go and place an outlet. Based on your furniture arrangements, if the end tables are in the middle of the living room, consider adding outlets on the floor to power table lamps.
4. Bathrooms
Consider your family members’ grooming needs to determine the number of outlets required in your bathroom. It would be best if you had enough plugs for blow-dryers, electric toothbrushes, and shavers. The technician should install GFCI-rated outlets for use around water. Keep in mind that crossing cords in the bathroom can be hazardous, so you need outlets in easy-to-access areas.
Some of the best places to install electric outlets in the bathroom are around the vanity cabinets and drawers. You also need to install an outlet near the toilet for a night light, especially if you have younger children. In addition, this outlet will enable you to charge your phone while you are in the shower.
5. Install Some Outdoor Outlets
If your family loves doing holiday decorations outside, placing some outlets under your house’s eaves is a good idea. This way, you’ll eliminate dangling cords and extensions that can cause tripping. Place some outlets on both sides of the door to help with Christmas lighting. Connect some GFCI outlets closer to the ground to power landscaping equipment. Also, install at least an outlet in all the sides of the house to power pressure washers, lighting, or yard equipment. Ensure that there are enough outlets, especially if you plan for an outdoor kitchen, a fountain, or pergolas.
6. Your Home Office
You will need multiple outlets in your home office to power electronic devices like monitors, phones, computers, and printers. The outlets should be slightly above your desk height for convenience. Determine a suitable place to fix your lighting and install an outlet there. Since not everyone loves their desk close to the wall, you can install some outlets on the floor.
The number of outlets will differ based on how much time you spend in your home office. If you constantly work from home, install several outlets. If your job involves operating equipment like the sewing machine, cameras, and special lighting, install powerful enough outlets to support such demanding appliances.
7. All Bedrooms
Figure out where you intend to place your bed, dressers, and other furniture in the bedroom. You should ensure that there is at least one outlet on both sides of the bed to power the lamp and charge your phone. If your bedroom will have a wall television or you plan to use a laptop in bed, include enough outlets to power those devices.
Plan for a multi-way light switch to help you turn the lights on once you get to the door and turn them off from the comfort of your bed. If you have a walk-in closet or dressing room, put outlets there.
8. Garage
Most people often forget the garage during electrical planning. You will need an outlet at the center of the garage ceiling for your door opener. If you plan on using power tools like air compressors and vacuums, place enough outlets in the garage walls.
9. Add Outlets to the Entryway
Most people only use the entryway while taking off their shoes and coats. However, placing outlets here creates a perfect space to charge your phone or other electronic devices to keep them ready for use. Then, when you have too many guests who need to charge their devices, they can use the entryway.
Bottom Line
Other areas that you shouldn’t forget to place outlets include the laundry room to power your washing machine, dryers, iron, and steamer. In addition, install outlets in the hallway and near the stair railing for lighting. Your electricians should also plan for future expansion by placing an electrical service box that allows quick connection of more outlets.
Electrical outlets might not be the topmost priority during new home construction, but they make a big difference in your house. Work with your designers to develop a unique electrical plan for your home and locate outlets in places accessible for everyone. If you are just about to build a home or are in the process, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced electrician.
You can always reach out to Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning for professional electrical services to ensure that your new house meets your needs. We specialize in lighting installation, wiring inspections, electrical repair, lighting maintenance, outlets, and switches. In addition, our company also provides duct cleaning and AC and heating system installation, repair, and maintenance services throughout Kirkland, WA, and the nearby area. Contact us today to book an appointment and try out any of our services.