Typically a builder will not schedule the electrical rough until all of the appliances have been finalized and ordered. Is this a spec or semi-custom home? Did you purchase it after construction was started?

It's not typical for electrical to be relocated after rough-in. All fixtures, appliances, sconces, etc. should be specified and dimensioned before the electrician wires for them. If you make changes, I do not think the electrician should be obligated to move anything free of charge. What does your builder say?

Sounds like the electrician told you what he thought you wanted to hear so he could do his work at the time that suited him.

Thanks - I GC’d my build and so this is all new to me. I specifically asked the electrician why the lighting for the vanity or island was not placed where it should be. He told me this gets all figured out post drywall and where he placed the wire should be close to where it should be so no need to figure this out in detail until post drywall. For the appliances I already new what I ordered during electrical install but my electrician never asked me for the specs of my appliances.

I hate to state the obvious, but as the GC, it is your responsibility to make sure that your trades have all of the information they need before they start. I don't think they should be obligated to work for free to accommodate your changes because you didn't know what you didn't know with regard to building a home. Your electrician may have told you it's typical to make changes after drywall, but did he tell you it was at no additional cost to you?

No he didn’t say it will cost more at all. I just thought it was part of his process. The changes was because he didn’t install the electrical wire (for lighting) coming out from the wall in the right spot even though I gave him my kitchen and bathroom plans during the rough ins and we had discussed what type of lighting was going where.

As a licensed homebuilder, my process was simple: before drywall, I'd go through the build with the electrical contractor and he'd mark up each switch, outlet and receptacle. Any changes afterwards are at my expense. That concentrates your mind!

Its per plan unless cabinet details are complete, appliances & light fixtures are selected w placement determined the electrician has all they need to be accurate.

We have had clients disregard plans, avoid decisions & orders. Costly to both the wallet and schedule.

You are the GC, It was on you to tell him where you wanted the fixtures before the walls were closed in.

Our electrician walked the job with us before he did any work and then we all walked the job before drywall to be sure of placement. Your electrician should have done this with you.

Nobody cares about that new build more than you - KEEP your eyes on the prize!

The problem with learning by experience is that you get the test before the lesson. Folks in the residential construction industry are "learning" all the time. Contractors are just more keenly aware of what their continuing education costs.

I was very hands on with my custom build and picked a GC that works well with very involved customers. The electricians did the basic rough wiring and I then met with them to place any electrical boxes in the exact location, before drywall. There were some fixtures that I hadn't decided on and those just had a wire through the drywall or a temporary box and we paid to have those adjusted later and to have the drywall guy come back and repair any leftover holes.

I think your electricians took the easy route to get the house wired quickly and figured they could make some extra money by doing the final placements later. All details that should have been worked out before you hired them. Now you know for the next house!!

What your electrician is describing for a process of rough-in electrical is for a whip. That is sufficient for most builds on specific appliances and fixtures - when not told otherwise that is how it is done.

Thanks all. Appreciate the insight.

I assume the locations of outlets (receptacles or lights) and switches are determined by a discussion between the GC and the electrician. In my recent build, for the most part, this was OK, but the GC was no architect and some of the locations are just ugly. And no discussion with me.

We walked through with the electrician and plans in hand and marked the location of every electrical box on the appropriate stud with a sharpie, as well as noting switching locations for three or four-way circuits. Still ended up with a couple in places I didn't realize were going to be awkward.

I'd expect cost changes, even for minor additions, to be discussed and approved before work. A $6,500 jump without notice isn't normal.

" A $6,500 jump without notice isn't normal "

@Jim Larsson where did that figure come from? This is an old post and nowhere were dollars mentioned. Is that what was charged by your electrician?