Prepare Your Electrical Work Plans and Specifications—Always!

You can’t expect someone to bid on a job if you don’t specify exactly what you want done. It’s not enough to say, “Just add some receptacles and lights wherever you think we need them.” You have to specify where you want them, the types of fixtures you want, and even the styles of light bulbs. You don’t need detailed plans and specifications for everything. Adding a clothes-dryer circuit, for example, is pretty straightforward once you’ve designated where the laundry will be located. Details increase as the scope of the job increases. Installing a new service panel might mean a different location than an existing box. (This obviously is true when an old fuse box located off a back porch is replaced.) A complete update of your existing system, including running all new wire, would have to be detailed, especially when it comes to fixtures and their locations. The following list outlines a very basic plan:

Sample House Plan

Main service: 200-amp Square D QO service panel

Location: NE corner of basement Existing fuse box will serve as a junction box for any existing circuits to be retained. The door will be screwed shut. New circuits to be added: Washing machine, dryer

Kitchen: Add two 20-amp small-appliance circuits with GFCIs, white Leviton receptacles, and cover plates. Install nine recessed cans (white trim) with dimmer switch (white) and two 18-inch fluorescent fixtures over counters. Run outlet for range and separate circuits for microwave, refrigerator, and disposer.

Lighting: Add sufficient 15-amp circuits to bring bedrooms, living and dining room, and hallway up to code for receptacles (six-foot rule).

Office: Run dedicated 15-amp computer circuit.

Master bathroom: Run GFCI. Install six-light fixture over mirror and recessed can over toilet (white trim). Install Nutone QT-200 fan.

First-floor bath: Run GFCI. Install four-light fixture over mirror. Install Nutone QT-100 fan.

Living room: Install four wall sconces and one recessed can over fireplace.

Dining: Use existing chandelier. Check wiring for safety.

Bedroom hallway: Use existing fixture and check wiring. Use existing bedroom ceiling lights and check wiring.

Basement: Run 20-amp circuit for workshop. Install four-foot fluorescent fixtures. Install six ceramic light fixtures in basement ceiling, locations to be marked.

Garage: Run GFCI and one light over each car bay. Run wiring for two garagedoor openers (to be installed by others).

Front porch: Install new porch light (Nautilus style). Install GFCI for outdoor use.

Rear porch: Use existing light and check wiring. Install GFCI for outdoor use. Contractor will supply all labor and materials and will remove any refuse from job site. Job will be kept broom-clean daily. Billing will be done in two installments with a 10-percent down payment to be applied toward materials.