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When does the lighting and electrical appointment happen?

The lighting and electrical appointment typically happens after your contract is signed and before construction begins. Your builder's selection consultant will schedule it. You'll make decisions about power point placement, lighting types, switch positions, ceiling fans, data points, and any future-proofing provisions like EV charging or smart home wiring.

How much do electrical upgrades typically cost?

Electrical upgrade costs vary between builders, but common ranges are: extra power points $80–$150 each, downlight upgrades $50–$120 each, pendant provisions $100–$250 each, ceiling fan wiring $150–$300 each, data points $100–$200 each, and EV charger preparation $300–$800. Always request a full electrical upgrade price schedule from your builder before the appointment.

What is a pendant provision and why do I need one?

A pendant provision is a pre-wired ceiling point where a pendant light will be installed after handover. The builder installs the wiring and a temporary batten holder during construction, and the pendant light is installed after the ceiling is painted. If you don't include a pendant provision during the build, adding one later requires cutting into the ceiling and re-wiring, which is significantly more expensive.

Should I pre-wire for EV charging during the build?

Yes, if you plan to own an EV now or in the future. Pre-wiring during the build costs $300–$800, while adding an EV charger circuit after the build can cost $1,500–$3,000+ because it requires trenching, conduit, and wall repairs. Even if you don't install the charger now, having the circuit ready saves significant cost later.

How many power points should I include in my new home?

Most builders include a standard allowance of 1–2 power points per room, which is rarely enough for modern living. We recommend budgeting for 3–6 extra power points per room, with particular attention to the kitchen (6–10 points), living area (4–6 points), bedrooms (4–6 points each), garage (4–6 points), and outdoor areas (2–4 points). Our room-by-room guide provides detailed recommendations.

Lighting, Electrical & Power — Guides for Australian Home Buyers

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Lighting, Electrical & Power

Your complete learning centre for the lighting and electrical appointment — prepare, understand costs, and future-proof your home.

16 guides 5 categories Independent & builder-neutral

The lighting and electrical appointment is one of the most important — and most underestimated — stages of building a new home. These independent guides explain what to expect, what standard inclusions really mean, and how to make informed decisions before meeting with your builder. From understanding the appointment process to budgeting for upgrades, planning power point placement, and future-proofing your home for EV charging, solar, and smart home technology, this learning centre covers every aspect of the electrical stage of your build.

Featured Guides

Start here — the most important reads in this learning centre

The New Home Lighting & Electrical Appointment Explained

What the appointment involves, when it happens, the decisions you'll make, and how to prepare so nothing is missed.

8 min readRead

Lighting & Electrical Upgrade Costs Explained

Real-world example pricing for power points, downlights, pendant provisions and more — with clear notes on why costs vary.

7 min readRead

How Many Power Points Does a New Home Need?

Room-by-room recommendations for kitchens, living, bedrooms, garages, laundries, outdoor and media rooms.

6 min readRead

The Appointment

2 guides

The New Home Lighting & Electrical Appointment Explained

What the appointment involves, when it happens, the decisions you'll make, and how to prepare so nothing is missed.

8 min read

Common Electrical Appointment Mistakes

Too few power points, forgotten outdoor power, no EV wiring, poor lighting layout and other costly oversights.

5 min read

Costs & Upgrades

4 guides

Lighting & Electrical Upgrade Costs Explained

Real-world example pricing for power points, downlights, pendant provisions and more — with clear notes on why costs vary.

7 min read

Why Electrical Upgrades Cost More Than Buyers Expect

Standard inclusions, labour, compliance and complex installations — a balanced explanation of what drives electrical pricing.

5 min read

Best Value Electrical Upgrades

Practical guidance on which upgrades generally offer good value — and the reasoning behind each recommendation.

6 min read

Electrical Upgrades That Often Surprise Buyers

Pendant provisions, kitchen island power, USB outlets, ceiling fan wiring, data points and smart switches explained.

6 min read

Power Points & Downlights

4 guides

How Many Power Points Does a New Home Need?

Room-by-room recommendations for kitchens, living, bedrooms, garages, laundries, outdoor and media rooms.

6 min read

Where Should You Put Extra Power Points?

Commonly forgotten locations — coffee stations, robot vacuums, Christmas trees, garage freezers, hallways and more.

5 min read

Downlights vs Batten Lights

What each option is, why some builders still include batten holders, and the long-term trade-offs to consider.

6 min read

How Many Downlights Does Each Room Need?

General guidance for kitchens, living, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, garages and outdoor areas.

5 min read

Lighting Design

1 guides

Pendant Lighting Guide

Placement, heights, types and costs for pendant lights over kitchen islands, dining tables and entryways.

6 min read

Future-Proofing & Smart Home

5 guides

Helpful Checklists

Electrical Appointment Checklist

A printable checklist covering lighting, power, data, ceiling fans, EV, solar readiness and smart home wiring.

All Build Checklists

Browse every checklist on Compare My Build.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Lighting, Electrical & Power

Featured Guides

The New Home Lighting & Electrical Appointment Explained

Lighting & Electrical Upgrade Costs Explained

How Many Power Points Does a New Home Need?

The Appointment

The New Home Lighting & Electrical Appointment Explained

Common Electrical Appointment Mistakes

Costs & Upgrades

Lighting & Electrical Upgrade Costs Explained

Why Electrical Upgrades Cost More Than Buyers Expect

Best Value Electrical Upgrades

Electrical Upgrades That Often Surprise Buyers

Power Points & Downlights

How Many Power Points Does a New Home Need?

Where Should You Put Extra Power Points?

Downlights vs Batten Lights

How Many Downlights Does Each Room Need?

Lighting Design

Pendant Lighting Guide

Future-Proofing & Smart Home

Smart Home Wiring Guide

EV Charger Preparation Guide

Security Camera Wiring Guide

Data Points Guide

Future-Proofing Your Home

Most Popular

Helpful Checklists

Electrical Appointment Checklist

All Build Checklists

Frequently Asked Questions

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