Read this before your renovation electrical walkthrough

Drywall is the point of no return for cheap changes. Use this list with your electrician and GC so the rough-in matches how you will actually cook, charge, and light the house.

1. Know your loads before you pick appliances

Induction ranges, heat-pump dryers, second kitchen circuits, and EV charging all land on the same service. If the panel or feeders are tight, decide upgrades now — not after the cabinets are templated.

2. Layer lighting: ambient, task, accent

Banks of identical pot lights read flat. Mix wash, counter task, and a feature punch (pendant, art light, stair LED). Tell your electrician which walls are furniture versus art so ceiling holes are not fighting the floor plan.

3. Switch logic beats more boxes

Three-way paths, dimmers that actually dim your LED spec, and smart bridges (if any) should be on a written switching schedule. Changing this after wire is pulled costs more than most fixture upgrades.

4. Low voltage meets electrical

Data, cameras, and AV backbones often share paths with line voltage. Coordinate sleeve locations and ceiling pockets before insulation so you are not notching studs under inspection pressure.

Nothing here is a substitute for on-site assessment. For Calgary renovations that need a careful electrical plan, start a conversation — we will tell you if we are the right fit.