If you’re an avid fan of home renovation shows, you will know the importance of placing power points and electrical switches in an easy-to-access location, with judges often giving contestants flak for their poor choice of positioning. Unfortunately, much like these contestants, electrical planning is often an afterthought for many new builds and renovators, with other decisions like kitchen cabinetry, tiling and paint colours taking precedence. The truth is, home electrical can make or break a home. If you’re planning a new build or remodel, electrical outlets should always be considered early in the process to ensure functionality. With that in mind, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you have the right electrical layout that will complement the overall look and feel of your home.
1. Carefully consider the electrical layout
Kitchens are an electrical hub with various needs for different tasks and nothing is more frustrating than being limited by the number of power points you have access to. From major to small appliances, it’s important to consider and plan your kitchen’s electrical layout with thought and purpose. It may sound obvious, but it’s important to install outlets where you know you’ll be using them. For example, if you do most of your food preparation on your kitchen island, why not invest in a pop-up outlet which is a great way to tie in functionality and provide a discreet and tidy appearance.
Poor placement of outlets can result in messy extension cords and constant plugging and unplugging of appliances, so you need to determine what your priorities are. Perhaps you require a place to charge and store your phone, therefore you may wish to consider including a USB charger with a smart shelf for an easy charging solution. Another thing to consider is where you plan on plugging in simple every day appliances like your toaster and kettle so they can be easily accessed and used. Perhaps you need multiple outlets in one location, so why not consider a quad outlet for heavy use areas. Whatever your needs, there are a number of options to suit your requirements. With a little planning, you don’t have to compromise on style for practicality.
2. Select the right fixtures