Installing Power Points For Your New House
Are you currently in the process of building a home and wondering where or how to install power points in your new house? Never fear, we’ve compiled an extensive checklist that will ensure you don’t miss any important outlets. After all, I can think of nothing worse than needing to run an extension cable across a room of your brand-new house!
On a more personal note, my partner and I spent hours agonizing over our electrical plan… but still somehow managed to miss an outdoor power point at the front of our build! Given all the time we spent working on it, nothing could have been more disappointing. I suppose we’re only human though! Thankfully, we can use an electrical outlet in our garage for all our pressure washing and power tool needs, but it’s still frustrating. It was one of a few mistakes we made building our first home, but one we hope this list will help you avoid!
Living Room
- Install a double power point (possibly two) behind the TV for gaming systems, DVD players, TVs, etc. Here, we also recommend an aerial point. If you plan to mount your TV, you should place the power point further up the wall and not near the skirting.
- Electric recliners can be powered by powerpoints mounted on the floor or wall.
- There is a double power point beside the couch that can be used for charging phones and lamps.
- Use the corners to vacuum and place floor lamps.
- Look behind any bookcases, buffets, etc. for smart home devices/assorted electronics.
- Your Christmas tree can be placed in the corner/window of your home.
- You can keep it in the dining area if you want to work from home.
- Electric fireplaces/heaters are included in the provisions.
Kitchen
- 1 each for stovetops, fridges, range hoods, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, freezers, or any other white goods/appliances.
- For small appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and kettles, I recommend at least two double points (I would recommend three).
- The walk-in pantry/butler’s pantry is inside the appliance room.
- You can also charge your phones or electric knives on the side of a kitchen island/peninsula.
- Pop-up power points for the tabletop.
Bathrooms
- You can use the mirror to charge electric toothbrushes or hair tools.
- The same reason above applies to the inside of the vanity/cabinet.
- The wall behind the vanity. (Only if you want a backlit reflection).
Bedrooms
- There should be at least one double socket on either side of the bed to charge phones, lamps, alarms, and other electronic devices. Make sure that you have enough power points to accommodate all the possible arrangements of your bedroom.
- Double power point for TV opposite the bed. This is good even if you don’t plan to have a TV in your bedroom. Installing an airial outlet is also recommended. If you plan to mount your TV, you should place the power point further up the wall and not near the skirting.
- You can use the corners of your room to place fans, vanity lights, and other items.
- Children’s bedrooms should have power points for nightlights, humidifiers, and other items.
Office/Study
- One for each of the following: computers, printers and scanners; phones; and other electrical appliances. Tip: Some builders allow outlets to be installed on the floor, rather than the wall. This can make it easier to hide cables under a desk.
- Consider installing a power outlet in a corner to run floor fans and vacuums.
Laundry
- Each washer and dryer will need one.
- Charge cordless vacuums in or near the linen cabinet.
- Powerpoint for ironing
Outdoors
- In the alfresco/entertainment area for outdoor heaters, fridges, TVs, fans, etc.
- You should have at least one in both the front and rear of your house to power tools like pressure washers, circular saws, etc. You may be able to forgo a front-facing one if you already have one near your garage.
- Christmas lights near the eaves
Other
- Garage roller/garage door power point.
- Garage power outlets for deep freezers, drink refrigerators, and/or tools.
- You should have at least one in the hallway to use for lamps, doorbells, and vacuuming.
- Your modems will need power & data connections.
- Install power points on the ceiling to accommodate any pendants or downlights that you wish to install.
- If you plan to buy a projector, consider installing a power outlet in the ceiling or on the wall of your home theater.
- You will need to decide where to place some home security systems/alarms before you begin building.
- You may be lucky enough to include a swimming pool in your construction. Some pool equipment, such as heaters and so on, will require power. Some pool equipment, such as heaters, etc. may need power.
- Electric gates need a power supply!
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