This is one area our interior designer really helped us with. I didn't even think it was needed but I'm so thankful for the expert planning on things like dimmers, multiple switches controlling the same lights etc. Well worth it.

Get the help from a pro! That is a regret I have and I did a whole house and don’t regret anything else! There are so many choices to make-not just placement questions, but style and size of lighting etc. It’ll be worth the money.

I wish, but when I looked online before our electrical walk through I couldn’t find anything super useful because it’s so personal. Still in the construction phase, but one thing I did find helpful was making a list of all the good tips I got from Houzz/online. Examples: outlets in the eaves for Christmas lights with a switch in the coat closet, switch for garage/yard lights by the master window facing the yard, auto open lights for closets. I also thought carefully about how we would use each space (can a vacuum be plugged in easily, would I need to charge anything there, am I going to put a mirror there which means). Which reminds me of another step I took before the walk through - making a furniture plan. This led me to move some outlets/switches that would be blocked by furniture. Last thing I did after the walk through was diagram how the switches should be ordered (ie this switch operates the outdoor light, this one the fireplace bench lights, etc.). I wanted to be sure it was logical and not random (I based it on proximity to the light fixture).

It’s been a lot of work, I will admit; I didn’t expect to have to learn to read electrical symbols on blue prints. Not sure if a lighting designer would have been able to lighten the load since I didn’t look into it (and I’m admittedly a bit of a control freak!). We’re still not occupying the space though, so not sure what regrets I might have once we’re in :) Good luck!

I recommend you have your architect/designer produce an electrical plan in the design phase so you have a basis to start from. If you have a lighting designer, that's even better.

Walk the home with your builder and electrician in the framing stage and revisit the plan in context. You'll have a better feel for where you want the switches located and the electrician can ensure any changes don't violate code requirements. Rather than draw the locations on a plan, simply mark them on the framing at the walk-through.

The number of receptacles required by code is generally sufficient to ensure the vacuum cleaner can be plugged in, so I wouldn't pay to have code-required receptacles drawn either; your electrician knows where they need to be. Rather, focus on those receptacles that you know you'll need for TVs and A/V equipment, computers, appliances, etc. and include them on the plan.

Think how you will use the house. When you go to bed will there be an easy trail of switches to turn off, do you want to have a low level of mood lighting, do you like to switch on lamps from a wall switch, if you want to raid the fridge at 3AM can you find your way, that sort of thing.