Electrical Planning for New Builds and Major Renovations
5 min read · Electrical · Published 2026-04-14
Getting the electrical scope right before the slab is poured saves expensive rectification later. Here is what to plan before your electrician starts rough-in.
The electrical rough-in stage happens while the walls are open. It is the cheapest time to run extra circuits, install conduit for future cabling, and size the switchboard for loads you plan to add in five years. Doing it later means cutting into finished walls. Planning it now means you never have to.
We handle full electrical scopes for new builds and renovations through our new builds and renovations service, serving builders and owner-builders across growth corridors like Coomera and new estates in Pimpama.
Switchboard sizing for the future
A new build is the ideal time to install a switchboard sized not just for the house today but for what you will add. Budget for solar, a battery, an EV charger and a pool or spa if there is any chance of those loads. Breaker slots cost almost nothing at rough-in and a great deal to add later. Discuss your five-year plans with your electrician before the board is ordered.
What to decide at rough-in
These are the decisions to make before the plasterer arrives, because adding them afterwards means cutting walls.
- Outlet count and positions in each room
- Dedicated circuits for high-draw appliances: oven, cooktop, dishwasher, dryer
- Outdoor GPO positions for entertaining areas, garden and shed
- Data and TV outlet positions and runs to the router location
- Air conditioning positions for indoor and outdoor units
- Conduit for solar, battery and EV charging cables if not installing immediately
- Under-slab conduit for connections to garages or outbuildings
Smart home and lighting control
If smart switches, scene lighting or automation is part of the plan, the wiring requirements are different from standard lighting. Neutral wires are needed at every switch location for most smart switch brands, and dedicated data cabling may be required alongside electrical wiring. Deciding this at rough-in, not after fit-off, avoids significant rework.
Certification and compliance
New residential electrical work in Queensland must be designed and installed by a licensed electrical contractor and certified on completion. We manage the Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) as part of every new build scope.
Key takeaways
- Size the switchboard for future loads, not just today's house.
- Smart home and conduit provisions must be decided at rough-in stage.
- A CCEW is required for all new residential electrical work in Queensland.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you work directly with builders?
- Yes. We are set up to work with builders and owner-builders. We coordinate rough-in, fix and fit-off stages around the build programme.
- What is the difference between rough-in and fit-off?
- Rough-in is the first fix: cables and conduit installed while walls are open. Fit-off is the second fix: outlets, switches and fixtures connected after plastering and painting.
- How quickly can FitElec attend?
- We are open 24 hours for urgent electrical work and book standard jobs within days. Call Jayson on 0425 663 172 for a current schedule.
- Where does FitElec work?
- FitElec is based at Palm Beach and services the whole Gold Coast, from Coolangatta to Coomera and everywhere in between.
Related services
Questions? Call FitElec on 0425 663 172 — Gold Coast's licensed electricians.