Electrical Walkthrough: What to expect and how to prepare

One of the key steps during the building process is the electrical walkthrough. While your design plans will already include a detailed outline showing where your power points, light fittings, and switches are located and how many of each, this meeting gives you something no drawing can, a real-life, walk-through experience in your future home.

It’s your chance to visualise how your spaces will work day to day. Where will you charge your phone? Will there be enough lighting over your kitchen bench? Do you need sensor lights in your hallway? These are some of the small but important details that will shape how comfortable and functional your home feels.

Our contractors bring a wealth of knowledge and best-practice layouts to your plan, but everyone lives differently. This walkthrough gives you the opportunity to personalise the design in a way that supports your daily routines and sometimes, even the smallest change can make a big difference.

That said, it’s important to note that making changes at this stage can come at a cost. That’s why we encourage you to be prepared. By thinking through how you’ll use each space ahead of time, you can make confident decisions during the walkthrough and prioritise any extras. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you through what to expect during your electrical walkthrough, what to prepare beforehand, and how to make the most of this important stage in your build.

When does an Electrical Walkthrough happen?

The electrical walkthrough happens after framing is complete and before insulation and GIB installation. You’ll walk through your home with your Location Homes Project Manager and our qualified electrician. Together, you’ll confirm the placement of:

• Power points 
• Light switches and lighting
  Internet and Television points
• External lighting
• Feature lighting (like pendants or wall lights)
• Appliance connections
• Other tech (security, EV charging, home automation, etc.)

We’ll guide you through the technical parts, but your input is key. You know how you want to live in your home, and we’re here to make that happen.

How to Prepare: Key Things to Think About

A bit of preparation will help you feel confident walking on site. Here’s what to consider before the big day.

Room by Room Planning
Walk through your floor plan and mentally place your furniture in each room. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Where will my bed, TV, couch, or desk go?
• Will I need outlets beside these?
• What lights do I want in this space? Overhead, wall-mounted, pendant?

Kitchen & Dining
This area has high electrical needs:

• Where will your small appliances sit (kettle, toaster, blender)?
• Do you want power points in the pantry?
• Will there be under-cabinet lighting?
• Is there enough lighting for food prep areas?

Living Room

• Will you mount a TV on the wall? Add power and data behind it.
• Would you like mood lighting or dimmers for movie nights?

Bedrooms

• Double power points on each side of the bed are standard, would you like USB outlets as well?
• Is there enough lighting, especially in wardrobes?
  Do kids need data points for study?

Bathrooms

• Vanity lighting: over-mirror or side-mounted?
• Heated towel rails
• Power points inside drawers or cupboards are popular for charging toothbrushes

Laundry & Garage

• Is there enough lighting over the bench or sink?
• Will you need power for a chest freezer or tools in the garage?
• Would a motion sensor light at the garage entrance be helpful?
• EV charger

Outdoors

• Sensor lighting for driveways and entrances
• Power for a spa pool, or outdoor kitchen
• Deck or landscape lighting for ambience and safety

Extra Considerations

Smart Home Integration
Are you thinking about smart lighting, security systems, or home automation? Even if you’re not installing these right away, it’s worth pre-wiring them now.

Solar Power
If solar is on your radar, we will allow space in your electrical board and consider all other requirements. Future proofing this now can save you money down the track.

Heat Pumps & Appliances
Make sure you’ve decided on the location of heat pumps, kitchen appliances, and anything else that needs a connection. Bring appliance specs with you if possible.

What to Bring to Your Walkthrough

Here’s a quick list to make sure you come prepared:

1. A printed or digital copy of your current electrical plan - your electrician and project manager will also have a copy of this
2. A rough furniture layout (even hand-drawn is fine)
3. Appliance details and/or Spec sheets
4. A list of must-have features (USB plugs, dimmers, etc.)
5. A notepad or phone for taking photos and notes

Some Handy Tips 

This meeting is a relaxed, collaborative process—we’re here to guide and advise. During the room to room walkthrough you will have the expertise and knowledge of our electrician at your disposal.

• Don’t rush. This is your opportunity to fully customise your home. Take your time.
• Ask questions. You don’t need to know all the answers—we’re here to help.
• Think about your routines. Picture walking through your home in the morning, coming home at night, or entertaining guests.
• Prioritise function. Beautiful lighting is great—but start with what you need for daily life, then add the wow-factor where you can.

Any changes you make during the walkthrough will be confirmed in writing afterwards, along with any price changes (if applicable) for upgrades or additions.

Your electrical walkthrough is more than just ticking boxes, it’s about tailoring your home to suit your lifestyle. Whether it’s making sure you have enough outlets for all your devices or choosing the perfect pendant light for your kitchen island, every decision you make now contributes to how your home feels once you move in.

At Location Homes, we’re here to walk you through it, literally. With expert guidance and a personalised approach, we’ll make sure your home is wired for comfort, convenience, and the future.