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dormmom

lighting plan for a new build

3 years ago

Need ideas on where I should have outlets and electrical for fixtures in a new house build

Comments (10)

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    huh? hard to answer w/o seeing the rooms.

    who is doing your plans? do you have an architect? Have you asked him?

    do you know how the furniture will be done?

    what about the kitchen? are you doing an island?

    bedrooms are easy enough. bathrooms-double island? you prob want one on either side, or something in the middle under the mirror. you'll have to look at examples.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Layout furniture in every room to determine where lamps and other devices that require electricity will/may be. Do not forget to locate some outlets where a vacuum cleaner can be plugged in easily without having to move furniture. In kitchens, put in more than you think you will need.

    dormmom thanked Mark Bischak, Architect
  • 3 years ago

    There are code requirements for where, how many, and what type of electrical power is needed. Then you go above that for specific needs. Lighting is similar. Your process of how this build is set up will determine how your very basic question is answered.

  • 3 years ago

    Thank you for all your great advice. Because we have just begun the build I have no photos. There will be an island with a sink in the kitchen. I'd be interested to hear from others experiences on where they wish they had added outlets or electrical during their build or remodel. This will be a two levell-reversed living floor plan in order to take full advantage of the ocean views. But because we are in PNW area good lighting is important 8 months out of the year.

    Thanks again for the help.

  • 3 years ago

    4" led cans or task lighting should be 6" in from the edge of the counter for the sink and other work zone spaces. This avoids your body shadowing your work. Aim for wide spot bulbs of 3500k color with enough output to get at least 450 lumens at the counter surface. Put them on dimmers.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    IMO LED 4000K is a must in kitchens and bathrooms. As fir the rest I agree a lighting designer is worth every penny just like a kitchen designer. The KD should if possible be na independent one where the design is the top of the list then they access the cabinet company that fits the needs. I have never used dimmers in a kitchen but I do like lighting on different switches . When you sit down with the lighting expert make sure before the meeting you think about all the times you wish you had more receptacles and make sure those are in the plan. If you work from home or have home offices they have very specific electrical needs so do media rooms or gaming areas .

  • 3 years ago

    For your electronic communications/internet devises, including laptops, put outlets throughout the house where you may plug a device in (kitchen counters; near all chairs and sofas; and a main charging station for nighttime - usually by the beds, in each bedroom (including guest)) this could require enough outlets to plug in phone, pads, lamp, etc on both sides of beds). At least two outlets on each of the three walls in a garage -more if it is a large garage or you use power tools regularly. If you use battery-powered lawn tools, think about where you can set a table or shelves for the batteries with several outlets nearby. If you plan to have a home office, determine where a desk will be. Have enough outlets for task lighting, computer, monitors, etc, and electronic devises like phones, etc. Hard-wire under-cabinet lighting for the entire kitchen on multiple wall switches at main entrances to kitchen. If you do Christmas or other outdoor decorations, put protected outdoor outlets for those. Protected outdoor outlets on all porches and decks. Even if basement is unfinished, put sone wall outlets in for exercise equipment, dehumidifier, or other uses.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Using contractor jargon like "new house build" is confusing. Are you designing a house or are you already building it? Who is respnsible for the design and construction documents?

    Instead of photos show us floor plans, etc.

    Who is responsible for the design and construction documents?

  • 3 years ago

    When we built our interior designer presented us with a lighting plan and we then tweaked it to our needs. When we did the walk through once house was framed we further tweaked it based on how it felt in the home. There are tons of things to think about. We are also PNW and really wanted our main floor to be bright and light. I think the combination of cans and fixtures we have meets our needs. We also have many on a dimmer on the main floor which is nice. 4.5 years later we still don’t have an entry light because I still can’t make a decision. It’s very unlike me but I’m frozen in indecision for this one spot. Post your floor pics pan for lighting ideas.