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Trade 07 of 13

Electrical, how you really live in each room.

Wiring is cheap to move before drywall and expensive after. Think through every room as you actually use it.

In short

  • Plan for what you will add later: an EV charger, induction cooking, a heat pump, solar or a battery.
  • Switch and outlet locations are best marked on the framed walls, with you present.
  • Electricians also return at the end to fit switches, outlets and lights.
Drawing: ElectricalM123456
  1. PanelWhere power is split into circuits. Leave spare room for what you add later.
  2. LightsTheir own circuit, usually dimmable.
  3. OutletsGeneral circuits. Mark every location on the framed walls.
  4. Kitchen circuitsBig appliances get dedicated circuits.
  5. EV chargerPlan the circuit now, even if the charger comes later.
  6. GroundingTies the system to the earth for safety.
A simplified one-line diagram: the meter feeds a panel, which feeds separate circuits for lights, outlets, the kitchen and an EV charger. The panel is grounded.

What you will see

In the order it happens.

  • NoiseMedium
  • MessLight
  • Your sayHigh
  1. Step 1

    Boxes are mounted on studs at consistent heights, and wire is pulled through the framing.

  2. Step 2

    The panel is set and circuits are labeled.

  3. Step 3

    The inspector reviews the wiring before insulation and drywall cover it.

  4. Step 4

    At the end, switches, outlets and lights go in and everything is tested.

How it is done well

The techniques that matter.

  • The panel is sized for future loads, with spare room, not just for today’s.
  • Large appliances get their own circuits.
  • Lighting is layered: general, task and accent, with dimmers where they help.
  • Conduit is left in place for future needs such as solar, EV charging and low-voltage data.

The hardest parts

Where this trade earns its fee.

  • Bringing more power into an older house.
  • Fitting recessed lights into insulated ceilings and tight spaces.
  • Waiting on the utility for new service or a solar hookup, which can take months.

Think deeply here

Decide this before the trade starts.

These are the choices that decide whether the finished house matches the one in your head. Changing them later costs time and money.

  • A lighting plan with fixture types, not just locations.
  • Switch and outlet placement, including islands, floors and outdoor areas.
  • Future needs: an EV charger, solar, a battery and a generator inlet.
  • Low-voltage wiring for data, audio, security and shades.

Ask any builder

  • How much spare capacity is in the panel?
  • Will we walk the framed rooms and mark switches and outlets together?
  • Where do the conduits for solar and EV charging run?
Before thisPlumbingNext on siteHVAC

All the trades, in the order you will meet them

  1. 01Site work
  2. 02Foundations
  3. 03Framing
  4. 04Roofing
  5. 05Windows and exterior
  6. 06Plumbing
  7. 07Electrical
  8. 08HVAC
  9. 09Insulation
  10. 10Drywall and plaster
  11. 11Tile
  12. 12Cabinetry
  13. 13Floors and paint

General guidance, not a specification. Your drawings, your engineer and your building inspector govern every job. See the whole process · Trade secrets home

Inquiries

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Email the address. A written reading of the parcel is free, in two business days.

Email Matt the addressOr call Matt · 805 886 0988
  1. Same dayMatt confirms he has it, and flags anything obvious that is missing.
  2. Within two business daysA written reading of your parcel: jurisdiction, review bodies, constraints, an order of cost and the permit path.
  3. Then nothing, unless you askNo follow-up sequence, no call from anyone else. The assessment is yours to keep, and to take anywhere.

Updated October 2026

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