When selecting lighting, remember to choose the lighting effect, not the fixture. Work with your interior designer or with a lighting consultant to plan the location and type of light you need in every room. House plans from www.slhouseplans.com come with an electrical plan, but definitely personalize it! Remember that many built-in fixtures, such as recessed downlights, are much less expensive than sconces or chandeliers. If you have a fixture allowance, you’ll be better off using simple, inexpensive fixtures, and lots of them, than a few expensive ones.
It’s also a great time to plan for any special electrical outlets. For example, you might want to install a flush, floor-mounted outlet in the living room or family room to accommodate a table lamp or floor lamp without the need for extension cords running to a wall outlet. You see this done in every Showhome and Idea House featured in Southern Living. Also, special outlets can also be installed for picture lights or for swing-arm lamps and/or the T.V. over the fireplace. Once the house is framed up, but before electrical wiring is roughed in, simply schedule a walk-through inspection with your builder and interior designer. This is the best time to verify location of all outlets, switches, and fixtures. Happy lighting!