You only get one shot at doing your electrical layout right during a home build or renovation. And these three features are the kind of upgrades you’ll be thankful for every time the power flickers, you buy a new vehicle, or you want to avoid calling an electrician for something that should’ve been simple.
Generator Wiring
If you live in an area where the power goes out even once a year, wiring for a generator is a no-brainer. Not only does it keep your lights on, it also protects your fridge, your HVAC, your internet. These are all the things you actually need when the grid goes down and the best time to set it up is before the drywall goes in.
It’s as simple as adding a transfer switch and running a dedicated circuit during rough-in. Whether you go for a full-home generator or a more modest backup setup, the wiring is what makes it all possible. Your neighbors will be lighting candles while you’re microwaving popcorn.
Install a 240v Outlet in the Garage
Even if you’re not driving an electric vehicle yet, you probably will in the future and a 240v outlet is what you’ll need to charge it properly. The standard 120v outlets just can’t keep up. Adding this wiring during construction is a no-brainer. It’s not just for EVs either! If you ever want to use high-powered tools, install a workshop, or upgrade your appliances, that extra power is ready and waiting. The cost to run the wire now is nothing compared to the labor and patching it would take later.
Add a Conduit to the Electrical Panel
This one doesn’t get talked about enough. A simple empty conduit that runs from your attic or crawlspace to your electrical panel gives you an easy way to add new circuits down the road. It doesn’t seem important today, but it makes a huge difference when you want to expand your system in the future. Electricians love it because it saves them from cutting drywall or fishing wires through finished ceilings, and that means you save on labor too. It’s an easy add that you’ll never regret.
Other Smart Features You’ll Want to Consider
Once you start thinking through your electrical setup, there are a few more features that are worth adding while you have the chance.
✅ Smart electrical panels let you monitor and reset circuits from your phone.
✅ Flood lights on all four corners of the house improve security and visibility.
✅ Outlets in the right places like behind a bidet, near your fireplace mantel for holiday lights, or even out at the mailbox for a small light add everyday convenience.
✅ And don’t skip low-voltage wiring for landscape lighting or doorbells. The more you plan ahead, the less you’ll wish you had later.
Don’t Overlook the Planning Phase
The electrical phase of a build is full of hidden opportunities like this. The hard part is remembering them all at the right time. That’s exactly why I created the Ultimate Home Building Checklist.
From electrical and plumbing to foundation, framing, finishes and everything in between, the checklist keeps you organized and on top of the details that really matter. Over 100 pages of practical advice, real product links, and smart reminders you’ll actually use.
