How to plan power points and lighting for a renovation
The best time to plan power points and lighting is early in a renovation, before walls are lined and cabinetry is ordered. Walk through each room, imagine a normal day there, and mark where you will plug things in, where you need light and where switches should sit. Then share that plan with your electrician so it becomes part of the build.
A common complaint is that the builder only installed a handful of power points. Adding them later is usually more disruptive than getting them in at the right stage, so a few hours of planning can save frustration for years.
Start with a “day in the life” walkthrough
Stand in each room and think about what you do there from morning to night. Where does the coffee machine live? Where will you charge phones? Which side of the bed does each person sleep on? Where will the vacuum be plugged in? These everyday habits tell you more than any rule of thumb.
Note furniture positions too. A power point hidden behind a wardrobe or sofa is not much use.
Room-by-room checklist
Use this as a starting point and adjust it to your household:
- Kitchen: benchtop power for appliances, dedicated points for the fridge, dishwasher and oven, a point inside the pantry, and task lighting over benches.
- Living room: points either side of the TV area, near the couch for charging, and dimmable lighting.
- Bedrooms: double points both sides of the bed, a point for a desk, and switches you can reach from the bed if you like.
- Bathroom and laundry: plan positions with your electrician, as wet areas carry extra safety considerations.
- Home office: plenty of points at desk height, plus good task lighting.
- Outdoors: weatherproof power for the barbecue area and garden lighting.
- Future needs: a point near where a split system air conditioner may go.
Not sure what you’re looking at? Ask a licensed electrician.
0431 569 629Common renovation regrets to avoid
Homeowners often tell electricians the same things after a renovation: not enough power points on the kitchen island, nowhere to charge devices beside the couch, a hallway switch at only one end, or no outdoor power where the barbecue ended up. Most of these come down to planning the electrical layout before the furniture layout was settled.
Another common regret is forgetting about the future. If you might add a split system, an electric vehicle charger, a home office or outdoor lighting in a few years, mention it now. Even if the work is not done straight away, your electrician can plan with it in mind.
Lighting and switch placement
Plan lighting at the same time as power. Think about switches at both ends of hallways, a switch at the door of every room on the handle side, and outdoor lights you can turn on from inside. The LED lighting planning guide goes into layers, colour temperature and dimmers in more detail.
Check the bigger picture: switchboard and wiring
More power points, an induction cooktop or air conditioning can add load. In older homes, your electrician may recommend a switchboard upgrade or replacing old wiring while walls are open. It is far easier to do then than after the painting is finished.
Our renovations and rewiring page explains how we work alongside renovation projects, including wet areas.
Brief your electrician early
Bring your marked-up plan, photos of fittings you like, appliance specifications and your build timeline. Ask how the electrical work fits with your builder, plasterer and cabinet maker. We help homeowners renovating in Eltham, Heidelberg and Greensborough plan electrical work at the right stage.
Frequently asked questions
When should the electrician be involved in a renovation?
As early as possible, ideally at the planning stage and before walls are lined.
Can I add power points later?
Usually yes, but it can be more disruptive once walls and cabinetry are finished.
Do I need a switchboard upgrade for a renovation?
Not always. A licensed electrician can check whether your existing board suits the added load.