When you are choosing a kitchen, flooring or paint colours, sockets and switches can be easy to leave until later. Bring the electrical layout into the conversation before the rooms are finished, while there is still time to discuss positions and access.
You do not need to have every fitting chosen. Start by explaining what is changing and how you want to use the space.
Put the furniture on the plan first
Mark the likely positions of beds, bedside tables, sofas, a television, desks and any fitted storage. In the kitchen, show the units and appliances you have chosen or are considering.
A socket can look well placed on an empty wall and end up behind a wardrobe. Think about the layout you expect to live with, and flag any rooms where you might move things around later.
Walk through your everyday routines
- Living room: where will the television, router, lamps and charging points go?
- Bedrooms: where will you use bedside lamps, phone chargers or a dressing-table mirror?
- Kitchen and utility: list the appliances, including the ones that sit on the worktop.
- Home office: allow for the desk position, screens, printer and other equipment you use.
Tell us where you currently find yourself short of a socket or wishing a switch was somewhere else. Those small frustrations are useful things to address in the new layout.
Decide what you want the lighting to do
Think about general room lighting, the places where you work or read, and any features you want to highlight. A kitchen worktop, desk and dressing-table mirror have different uses, so discuss them separately.
Mark where you would like to control the lights: at a doorway, beside a bed or from another part of the room. Bring examples of fittings or finishes you like, even if you have not settled on a product.
Make a list of equipment and future plans
Share the makes and models of appliances you have selected, or links to the products you are considering. Include equipment in garages, sheds or outdoor areas if it is part of the project.
If you are considering a home EV charger later, mention it at the planning stage. It can be discussed alongside your other plans, without assuming that it needs to be installed now. Our EV charging page explains how to start that enquiry.
Agree access and finishing work
Tell us whether you will be living in the property during the work and which other trades are involved. We can discuss how the electrical work fits into the wider renovation.
Before accepting a quote, make sure it is clear which rooms and fittings are included, how access to walls, floors and ceilings will be arranged, and who is handling plastering and decoration.
Our house rewiring page covers the scope and arrangements we discuss for full and partial rewires.
What to send with your enquiry
- Your postcode and a short outline of the renovation.
- A floor plan, or a rough sketch with the furniture and appliance positions marked.
- A few room photos and any existing plans or electrical reports you have.
- A list of sockets, lighting and equipment you would like to discuss.
- Your intended building schedule, so we can discuss the sequence and availability.
Planning a future project in Inverness or elsewhere in the Highlands? Send us your plans or message us on WhatsApp at 07887 494968. We can discuss the electrical work and agree the next step.