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What is the most common electrical appointment mistake?

The most common mistake is accepting the standard power point allocation without considering how the household will actually live. Standard allocations are often minimal, and adding power points after handover is several times more expensive than during the build. Bringing a floor plan and planning room by room helps avoid this.

Why do buyers forget outdoor power?

Outdoor and alfresco power is easily overlooked because the focus tends to be on indoor rooms during the appointment. However, weatherproof outlets are inexpensive to install during the build and costly to retrofit. Planning outdoor power for BBQs, heaters, garden tools and entertainment is worth doing at the appointment.

Can I fix lighting layout issues after the build?

Lighting layout is difficult and expensive to change after walls are closed, because it involves ceiling cut-outs, new cabling and plaster repairs. Getting the lighting plan right at the electrical appointment — including the number, position and type of fittings — is important.

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Lighting, Electrical & Power

Common Electrical Appointment Mistakes

The oversights that cost buyers the most after move-in — and how to avoid each one before you meet with your builder.

5 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

The most common mistake is accepting minimal standard power point allocations.
Outdoor power, garage ceiling outlets and EV wiring are frequently forgotten and costly to retrofit.
Lighting layout can't easily be changed after walls are closed.
Data points and security camera pre-wiring support modern home needs.
Bringing a floor plan to the appointment prevents placement decisions made under time pressure.

Mistakes and Their Impact

The electrical appointment is a time-limited session where decisions are made under pressure. Without preparation, it's easy to accept standard allocations or overlook practical upgrades that become costly to add later. The following are the most common mistakes buyers report, along with the impact of each.

Common Electrical Appointment Mistakes

Mistake	Impact After Move-in
Too few power points	Reliance on extension leads and power boards after move-in; expensive to add later
Forgetting outdoor power	No power for BBQs, heaters, garden tools or entertainment in alfresco areas
No garage ceiling outlet	No provision for a future EV charger, battery or ceiling-mounted equipment
No future EV wiring	Retrofitting a dedicated circuit after handover costs several times more
Poor lighting layout	Dark spots, glare or uneven coverage that can't be easily changed after plaster
Forgetting data points	Reliance on Wi-Fi only; home office and smart home performance affected
No allowance for security cameras	No pre-wiring for cameras or a doorbell; retrofitting requires external conduit
Not bringing a floor plan	Decisions made on the day without reference to furniture and appliance positions

Too Few Power Points

This is the single most common mistake. Standard allocations are often minimal — one or two points per room — and buyers who accept them on the day frequently find themselves relying on extension leads and power boards after move-in. Adding power points after handover is several times more expensive because it requires cutting into finished plaster.

Forgetting Outdoor Power and Garage Ceiling Outlets

Outdoor and alfresco power is easily overlooked when the focus is on indoor rooms. A garage ceiling outlet — useful for a future EV charger, battery or ceiling-mounted equipment — is also commonly missed. Both are inexpensive during the build and costly to retrofit.

No Future EV Wiring

With EV adoption increasing, a dedicated circuit to the garage is a relatively low-cost upgrade during the build. Without it, retrofitting requires surface conduit or accessing finished walls, at several times the cost. Even if you don't own an EV now, the wiring provides future flexibility.

Poor Lighting Layout

A lighting layout that's too sparse, poorly positioned or lacking dimmers can't easily be changed after plaster. Getting the number, position and type of fittings right at the appointment is important, because corrections later involve ceiling cut-outs and plaster repairs.

Forgetting Data Points and Security Camera Allowances

Relying on Wi-Fi alone can affect home office and smart home performance. Planning wired data points in key rooms during the build is efficient. Similarly, pre-wiring for security cameras and a smart doorbell avoids the need for external conduit and surface cabling after handover.

Watch Out

Almost all of these mistakes share the same root cause: deciding under time pressure without a plan. The single most effective way to avoid them is to prepare a room-by-room checklist and floor plan before the appointment.

Electrical Appointment Checklist

A printable, room-by-room checklist to take to your appointment.

Get the Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

All information is independently compiled as a general guide. Costs and inclusions vary between builders, regions and specifications. Always confirm details with your builder.