Common Electrical Mistakes in New Builds & How to Avoid Them

Poorly placed sockets, underpowered consumer units, and a lack of future-proofing can lead to costly upgrades and frustrating limitations down the line.

At Smart Ohm, we work with homebuilders, developers, and self-builders across Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, York, and nationwide, ensuring new build electrical installations are done right from the start. In this blog, we’ll cover the most common electrical mistakes in new builds and how to avoid them to create a future-proof, efficient, and safe home.

Not Enough Sockets in the Right Places

The Problem:

One of the biggest complaints from new homeowners is a lack of plug sockets in key areas or sockets positioned inconveniently. Modern homes require far more power outlets than older properties due to multiple devices, appliances, and smart technology.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Limited sockets in living areas – Leads to extension lead overloads.
❌ No USB sockets – Misses the demand for easy phone and tablet charging.
❌ Poorly placed outlets in kitchens – Not enough sockets for appliances.
❌ No outdoor sockets – Makes garden power tools and electric BBQs a hassle.

How to Avoid It:

✅ Plan socket placement based on furniture layouts & appliance locations.
✅ Install USB-integrated sockets in living rooms, bedrooms & kitchens.
✅ Include plenty of kitchen sockets for toasters, kettles, coffee machines & smart appliances.
✅ Install outdoor weatherproof sockets for garden lighting, power tools, and EV chargers.

Underpowered Consumer Units & Insufficient Circuits

The Problem:

Consumer units (fuse boxes) distribute electricity throughout the home, but many new builds are fitted with underpowered consumer units that struggle to handle modern energy demands.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Not installing enough circuits – Can cause power trips & overloads.
❌ Ignoring future expansions – Adding circuits later can be expensive.
❌ No spare capacity for EV chargers, solar panels, or heat pumps.

How to Avoid It:

✅ Install a higher-rated consumer unit with room for future circuits.
✅ Plan dedicated circuits for high-power appliances (e.g., ovens, EV chargers, electric showers).
✅ Ensure full RCD & surge protection to meet safety regulations.

Poor Future-Proofing for Smart Home Technology

The Problem:

Modern homes are increasingly reliant on smart technology, yet many new builds lack the necessary wiring & infrastructure to support home automation, multi-room audio, and security systems.

Common Mistakes:

❌ No structured cabling for future smart home expansion.
❌ Lack of networking infrastructure for strong Wi-Fi coverage.
❌ Not pre-wiring for smart lighting, CCTV, or speakers.

How to Avoid It:

✅ Pre-wire for smart home systems (Control4, Lutron, or Crestron).
✅ Install Cat6 or Cat7 ethernet cabling for a strong, reliable network.
✅ Add wired connection points for TVs, security cameras & home offices.
✅ Include spare conduits so extra wiring can be easily added in the future.

Inadequate Kitchen & Bathroom Electrical Planning

The Problem:

Kitchens and bathrooms require specialist electrical planning due to high power usage and strict safety regulations. A poorly planned electrical system can limit appliance use and create safety hazards.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Not enough kitchen sockets – Leads to overloaded extension leads.
❌ No dedicated circuit for high-power appliances like ovens or dishwashers.
❌ Incorrect bathroom lighting & shaver socket placement.
❌ No heated mirror or towel rail wiring.

How to Avoid It:

✅ Install separate circuits for ovens, dishwashers & microwaves.
✅ Plan for under-cabinet lighting & feature LED lighting.
✅ Position shaver sockets away from sinks for safety.
✅ Pre-wire for heated towel rails & mirror demisters.

Ignoring Outdoor & Garden Electrical Needs

The Problem:

Many new builds overlook outdoor electrical planning, which can make adding garden lighting, security cameras, and EV chargers difficult later.

Common Mistakes:

❌ No weatherproof sockets for garden tools, lighting & outdoor appliances.
❌ No pre-wiring for security lighting & CCTV cameras.
❌ No dedicated circuit for future EV charger installation.

How to Avoid It:

✅ Install outdoor sockets & lighting circuits during the build.
✅ Plan for security lighting & smart outdoor cameras.
✅ Ensure wiring & fuse board capacity for an EV charger.

Weak Wi-Fi & Poor Network Coverage

The Problem:

New builds with thick walls or large open-plan layouts often suffer from Wi-Fi dead zones, especially if the router is in an inconvenient location.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Not installing hardwired network points for smart TVs & gaming consoles.
❌ Relying only on Wi-Fi instead of structured cabling.
❌ Not planning for mesh Wi-Fi or access points in large homes.

How to Avoid It:

✅ Install Cat6 or Cat7 data cabling for wired connections.
✅ Use mesh Wi-Fi systems or ceiling-mounted access points for even coverage.
✅ Position the router centrally and add wired connections to key rooms.

Not Installing Smart Heating & Energy Management

The Problem:

Many new builds rely on basic heating systems, missing out on energy-saving features like smart thermostats and zoned heating controls.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Single thermostat controlling the whole home – leading to wasted energy.
❌ No provision for future solar panels or battery storage.
❌ No smart radiator controls for zoned heating.

How to Avoid It:

✅ Install smart thermostats (Nest, Hive, or Control4) for remote control.
✅ Pre-wire for zoned heating & future energy-efficient upgrades.
✅ Ensure the home is solar-ready with battery storage integration.

Work with Smart Ohm for Expert Electrical Planning in New Builds

At Smart Ohm, we specialise in electrical design, smart home automation, and future-proof wiring for new builds. We work with developers, self-builders, and homebuilders across Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, York, and nationwide to ensure modern, energy-efficient, and smart-ready homes.

✔ Bespoke Electrical Design – Tailored to suit each home’s layout and future needs.
✔ Smart Home & Security Integration – Control4, CCTV, and whole-home automation.
✔ Professional Installation & Compliance – Ensuring safety & building regulation compliance.
✔ EV Charger & Solar Panel Ready Installations – Preparing homes for green energy solutions.

Get Your New Build’s Electrical Planning Right – Contact Us Today

If you’re building a new home, don’t make costly electrical mistakes. Let Smart Ohm help you design an efficient, future-proof electrical system.

🔹 Serving Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, York & nationwide for large projects