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swamy_va53

lighting and electrical plan review

4 years ago

Hi Houzzers!


I just got this electric plan for my new construction. I would love to get your feedback on lighting placement, recessed lights vs. flush mounts, etc. Thank you!


If the img is not clear, here is a link to it: Plan URL



Comments (5)

  • 4 years ago

    Typically, the best scenario is when the architect gives the lighting design to the electrical engineer to circuit, and then coordinates the power. The lighting should "match" the level of the house. Here, it seems to do that, but it certainly was designed by an engineer and there are some discrepancies. In my comments I will accept the floor plan as it is and approach it from how most people like to light/power spaces:

    - Exterior: Dark when putting the trash in the can (have to light the entire surrounding yard security lights for that, switched at front door only) or someone standing at the front door. Driveway does not have same lighted security the skinny side yards of the house has. Modern backyard living, especially since this is CA, would want more than 1 duplex outlet.

    - Interior rooms: Some dark areas, like the Powder, the reach-in closets needing to open the doors fully, bathtub(/showers) if they have curtains instead of clear glass.

    - General recessed lighting: In bedrooms is tough depending on where the bed sits. You may wind up with a hot spot right on your forehead on the pillow. In Living rooms a "5 die pattern" spreads evenly, but usually doesn't fit the furniture layout. FP's are natural places to accent with lighting. Always use dimmers in these rooms to adjust the mood.

    - Kitchen: Counters are not lit directly, will have shadows. Pantry dark at higher shelves. Island is showing ceiling mount fixtures above each stool, so I guess individual pendants touching your head.

    - General power/switching: Some switches are hard to get to or not where you'd expect them, like Powder, behind front door depending which leaf you use, Bath #3, coming in from garage. Back bedrooms have to hit 3 switches to light all the halls, and last one to bed has to run in the dark after shutting them off. Outlets can go below windows to meet the 12' rule. Some may be missing, like garage opener, DW+disposal, stove+hood, some long walls, high mounted tvs (but didn't forget about including bidet seats). Heights of non-general outlets need to be specified.

    - Misc: Smoke/CO don't appear to meet code.


    Swamy V thanked 3onthetree
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Even after going to your link, the plans are near illegible.


    I don't see any provision for under cabinet lights in the kitchen. I love mine and wouldn't go without them. They fill in for areas the overhead cans can't reach.


    I see no electrical receptacle on the front outside of the house. Such is required by code.

    Where is your interior mechanical space (evaporator/air handler for the heat pump)? Don't forget it needs power AND a receptacle nearby for service (by code).


    I assume this is someplace that never freezes?


    I assume the blue things (other than the dining room table) are skylights? What are the crosshatch things in the hallway and the master closet?

    Swamy V thanked Ron Natalie
  • 4 years ago

    Thanks again @3onthetree! I am trying to digest your feedback and respond

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks again @Ron Natalie for your feedback. Yes, the blue things are skylights. Crosshatch things are small closets (like coats closets)

  • 4 years ago

    If we open this in new browser tab pl open in new tab and zoom in the image gets clear. Somehow Houzz is reducing the quality of the image after uploading