New-build home: planning outlets, lights and data points before the deadline

Start with furniture, not outlets

Decide where the bed, sofa, TV, desk and dining table will go. Outlets and data points follow from that. A plan that shows the furniture also helps the builder's electrician understand why you want a point in a certain spot.

Room-by-room checklist

• Bedrooms: an outlet on both sides of the bed, a switch by the bed, a point for a wall-mounted TV.
• Living room: TV wall (outlet high plus data), outlets by the sofa, light over the dining table.
• Kitchen: several countertop outlets, island outlet, dedicated circuits for the range, dishwasher and microwave.
• Office: double outlet and a wired data point at the desk.
• Garage: a 240 V circuit for an EV charger, even if you don't own an EV yet; outlets for a freezer and workbench.
• Outside: weatherproof outlets, exterior lights, hose bib.

What US code already requires

The National Electrical Code, adopted with local changes, sets minimums: along general walls, no point should be more than 6 ft from an outlet; along kitchen counters, no point more than 24 in from one; GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and outdoors. The builder's plan already meets code, so think in terms of convenience beyond the minimum. The electrician decides what is allowed.

Move before you add

If a point on the builder's plan is in a useless spot, ask to move it rather than adding a new one. Moves are often priced lower than additions. Ceiling points (lights, fans) must be decided before the drywall goes up.

Bring a numbered list

Show up with a printed plan where every request has a number, and a matching list: room, what, add or move, and measurements if they matter. Compare it with the builder's options price list and decide what is worth it.