Once the plaster goes up, every change costs more. Cutting, patching, sanding, repainting. Sometimes a whole wall.
Before plaster, moving a light is free. It's a line on a plan.
Here are the 23 calls I walk through with every renovator and new build client. Go through them before rough-in.
Switchboard and power
- 01
Does the switchboard need upgrading?
Old boards often can't take a new kitchen, air con or an extension.
- 02
Spare room on the board.
Leave space for circuits you'll add later.
- 03
Safety switches on every circuit.
Not just some.
- 04
Solar and battery ready.
Run the cables now, even if the panels come later.
- 05
EV charger circuit.
Garage or carport. It's a much bigger job after the build.
- 06
Air con circuits.
Where the units and the outdoor compressor go.
Lighting
- 07
A lighting plan for each room.
General light, task light, and one feature.
- 08
Warm or cool light.
Pick one colour temperature and keep it through the house.
- 09
Which lights get dimmers.
Living, dining and bedrooms, usually.
- 10
Ceiling fan spots.
Centred over the bed or couch, with bracing in the ceiling.
- 11
Outdoor lighting.
Paths, deck, BBQ, garden, facade.
- 12
Sensor and security lights.
Plus power for cameras and a video doorbell.
Switches
- 13
A switch at every doorway.
Two-way switching for halls and stairs.
- 14
Switch height and plate style.
Match your tiles and joinery lines.
Powerpoints
- 15
Both sides of every bed.
With USB if you want it.
- 16
Kitchen bench power.
More than you think. Plus power in the island.
- 17
Appliance spots.
Fridge, microwave, coffee machine, dishwasher.
- 18
Oven, cooktop and rangehood circuits.
Induction often needs its own.
- 19
The TV wall.
Power, data and a hidden conduit for cables.
- 20
The home office.
Desk power, USB and a data point.
Data and safety
- 21
Data points and Wi-Fi spots.
Where the modem and access points live.
- 22
Smoke alarm spots.
Interconnected, so one sets off the rest.
- 23
Bathroom extras.
Exhaust fan, heat lamp, heated towel rail, shaver point.
How to use this list
Print it. Walk each room with your plans. Mark every point.
Then do it again with your electrician, before rough-in. That's what my design walkthrough is for.
Planning a reno in Adelaide?
I'll walk your plans with you and give you a written scope. No surprise variations. Call 0417 397 165.