Checklist before the electrician starts on site

Decisions to make before electrical work

Start with the current room layout and how the home will be used. Kitchen, living room, bathrooms, wardrobes, utility room, garage and outdoor areas all need different planning. Decide where appliances, desks, TV, router, mirrors, lighting, gate, intercom, cameras, alarm and possible EV charging will go.

The electrician also needs information about technical systems: heat pump, ventilation, heating controls, solar, battery storage, shutters, garden irrigation and automation. Missing decisions often become temporary solutions or wall cutting later.

Sockets, switches and technical points

Electrical points should be planned on room drawings. The number of sockets is not enough. Mark heights, door swings, furniture, worktops, beds, mirrors and equipment that will stand near walls. This prevents switches and sockets from ending up behind furniture or doors.

Lighting needs separate planning. One ceiling light is different from several circuits, LED strips, wall lights, stairs, motion sensors or garden lighting. The later the decision, the higher the risk of extra cost.

Photo documentation before plastering

After electrical work is complete and before plastering, take photos of every wall with cables. Capture whole surfaces and details near the distribution board, boxes, wall crossings, ceiling and floor. These photos help later with drilling, furniture installation, repairs and warranty questions.

Photos should be attached to the electrical stage, not left randomly in a phone gallery. In a few years, knowing where a cable runs may be more useful than the invoice itself.

How to avoid extra costs

Extra costs usually come from additional points, changed locations, technical systems not discussed earlier, smart home, alarm, shutters or internet. Before work starts, confirm what the quote includes: number of points, distribution board, testing, documentation, fittings, chasing and corrections.

If a change is needed, record it immediately: what changed, who approved it, how much it costs and whether it affects the plastering schedule. BuildIQ keeps these decisions next to the stage they belong to.

What to confirm before the electrician visits

Before the first cable is pulled, confirm room layout, furniture positions, major appliances, technical systems and where the site can still change without rework. If the layout is still moving, electrical points will likely move too.

It also helps to confirm which items are outside the base scope. Smart home extras, future charging points, outdoor lighting, gate controls and wall-mounted equipment often become costly only because they were not separated early.

What to confirm before the electrician visits

Before the first cable is pulled, confirm room layout, furniture positions, major appliances, technical systems and where the site can still change without rework. If the layout is still moving, electrical points will likely move too.

It also helps to confirm which items are outside the base scope. Smart home extras, future charging points, outdoor lighting, gate controls and wall-mounted equipment often become costly only because they were not separated early.

Common questions before the electrician

When should the electrician start? Usually after the building is closed and before plastering, when room layout and technical systems are clear.

Should you plan more sockets? Usually yes, but not randomly. Plan sockets around functions, furniture and devices.

Should you photograph cables? Yes. It is one of the simplest ways to document covered work.