Insights from the Jobsite

Choosing Service & Panel Locations
Optimal placement of the service meter and panel balances installation efficiency with architectural constraints. Shorter distances reduce conduit and wire costs but must suit the layout and aesthetics. Ideal interior panel locations—like garages or mechanical rooms—offer vertical access to attics and crawl spaces. Wire chases can further cut labor and materials.

Smart Home & Automation Systems
Home automation improves control, convenience, and safety with features like remote lighting, HVAC, security, shades, and A/V integration. Options range from DIY systems like Lutron Caseta ($5K–$10K) to high-end setups like Lutron Homeworks ($25K–$150K), scalable to project size and client needs.

Lighting Design & Fixture Selection
Lighting choices—type, quality, finish, and quantity—greatly affect aesthetics and cost. Budget projects often use 4–6" LED downlights or surface-mount fixtures for functional coverage. High-end homes may feature specialty fixtures and premium trims for added visual appeal. Fixtures are often owner-supplied, but contractors can offer a lighting allowance, typically $5K–$50K depending on scope.

Finish Selections & Pre-Planning for Electrical Upgrades
Upgraded device finishes (e.g., custom trims, non-standard colors) elevate design but add cost and lead time, so early selection is key. Similarly, planning ahead for future upgrades—like generators, heat cables, or spas—helps minimize cost and complexity by allowing infrastructure to be installed with the base scope, avoiding rework and change orders.
Have a Project in Mind? Let’s Talk
If you’re planning a new custom build, remodel, or just exploring partnerships, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call at 208-290-5150.