All things electrical (not lights) + water lines

We did lots of things correctly -- but electrical items are EXPENSIVE to change or modify... so if at all possible -- include them in the contract with your builder.

Barn -- remember that slab for a barn/shop -- we forgot that we would need to run electrical, as well as water to the barn.  The extra breaker and drop for the barn -- 100 Amp Circuit -- $400

Special outlets -- we added some isolated ground circuits for the TVs and computer plugs

Additional outlets and TV Cable -- we added extra outlets at the far end of the porch

Surge Protection -- we did not do this, but I would recommend looking into Whole House Surge Protection -- yes, warranties and insurance may cover a lightning strike, but the headaches of replacing that stereo speaker that took hours to set up... just some food for thought... it is an extra $700-$1000

Water lines -- to add an extra refrigerator line in the garage -- add $100

Add two duplex outlets above kitchen cabinets wired to switches for later use for cabinet lighting -- $50-100

When you do a walk through with the builder on electrical -- and preferably include extras in the initial contract.... things to consider:

Bathrooms

• Add an outlet that is close to the ground in the bathrooms (if permitted by code) for a motion sensor LED light
• make sure that the plugs near sinks make sense and won't be under the towel holder or in the way if you are installing framed mirrors
• Decide if you want sconces (these are recommended to make us look our best) or overhead bar lights -- electricians poke lots of holes if they have to change -- just believe me on that one

Garage

• Do you have special welders, refrigerators, or other equipment that needs a special circuit

Walk-in Closets

• Automatic switches that turn on and off when you open doors -- we had them and oh how I miss them -- particularly on the pantry -- where the switch is in the wrong place

Switch Locations

• Make sure that they are where you want and expect them
• example:   guests staying in the front two bedrooms have to walk through the living room to get to the light switch
• There are two sets of switches on one wall and on the other wall, there is only one set of switches
• Kitchen lights over the bar -- the switch is in a unique location
• Master bathroom switch -- it is on the wrong wall 

  

  Just a bit of a reach....

• Light fixture locations -- identify where and make sure they make sense

Dimmers

• Consider adding dimmers for your recessed lights.  When LEDs are dimmed, they use significantly less energy -- LEDs must be dimmable and the switch must be compatible with LEDs.  On a side note -- install the same brand, type, and wattage of LEDs for all that are on the same circuit (light switch).  Different manufacturers use different drivers for the luminaires (bulbs) so they may dim at different rates.

Smart Lights

• This will likely become more popular in the future... we bought one that changes colors and plays music (rather poor music quality) just to check it out.  Light is cool -- music not so cool -- but light can change to the beat and tone -- so that is cool
• UPDATE 2020:  We have added three Caseta switches in our house.  For the front lights -- we have two smart switches -- one for the uplights and one for the front porch lights.  These are currently set to come on at sunset and off at 11 p.m.  Can also program them to come on when your cell phone gets close (fence setting).  We also have one in the master bedroom that is also a dimmer.... so cool --- lay in bed and ask Alexa to turn off the lights.

Walk through

Double check and bring the most anal person you know to help you walk through before the sheetrock goes up.  We were missing the lights on the front columns and did not notice until after rock was up.... OOOPS!  And now they are unlevel!