[toddmanqa]

I have a 1500 sq ft. house in Albany, NY, with a 200 AMP circuit panel with plenty of open spots for new circuits.

I'm planning an addition and am working with a licensed architect. He's promised me 'building permit'-ready plans, that don't include HVAC, electrical, or plumbing details. He's told me that the general contractor that will do the job will have his subcontractors for those services provide the details for those plans.

I'd like to get some advice from some experienced electricians on things that I should consider NOW, before the building plans are drawn up.

Are there things that you've seen architects forget in plans that I should remind him about?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Todd

 

[Leah Frances]

Here's my 0.02$. Mostly, based on what I hate about my house's electrical - not based on any rules or code. And remember, you will never wish you had less capacity, fewer circuits or fewer outlets.

- You should have outside recs on every exterior wall of the house

- You should have at least one fixed light fixture in every room - switched recs be damned. Most areas of the country can ALWAYS use a lighted ceiling fan.

- Consider putting duplex recs or more in areas that WILL need more than two plugs (TV, computer).

- In that vein, plan for more than one circuit to your desk/computer area - lots of laser printers have really high demand.

- Don't gang more than three switches unless you are willing to live with labels.

 

[J. V.]

Yes, There are many things to consider when installing the electrical. Receptacle spacing and placement, panel clearances, kitchens, bathrooms and code cycle.

Your electrical contractor should provide a lay out that is approved by the local building dept. This is not required in every jurisdiction. Call the AHJ and ask about this. Better to get it right the first time, than having to go back and correct something as small as adding or moving a receptacle.
Assuming the GC hires licensed reliable contractors, you should have little concern.

 

[ScottR]

I agree with just about everything Leah said, especially:

And remember, you will never wish you had less capacity, fewer circuits or fewer outlets.

E.g., you might want separate circuits for each bedroom's recepts., and maybe another shared circuit for lighting. That's just from my experience; growing up I had multiple computers in my bedroom. If my sister used the blow dryer in her room, we'd both wind up in the dark.

There was a guy on the forum recently that had a saltwater fish tank in his son's bedroom; he was having a problem with overloaded circuits.. You never know what'll get plugged into your receptacles these days (let alone 10 years from now).

Just my 2c.

 

[vsheetz]

Ensure the breakers in the panel are well labeled as to where they go and what they do - it's a pain to go back latter and figure it out...

 

[Leah Frances]

Ensure the breakers in the panel are well labeled as to where they go and what they do - it's a pain to go back latter and figure it out...

Clap clap clap.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

How big is the addition?
What is the addition? New kitchen, bathroom, other ???
What's going in the addition?

 

[toddmanqa]

Questions answered

The existing house is about 1600 square feet--the addition should be another 1100 square feet.

Top floor of the addtion will be master bedroom, bath, and walk-in closet.

Bottom floor of the addition will hold a new kitchen, eat in kitchen area, laundry room (moved from basement), and family room. Old first floor will lose the kitchen and gain a formal dining room in it's place. Old dining room on 1st floor will be converted into an additional bathroom and room for up/down stairs.

Regards,

Todd