What is an Electrical Plan?

An Electrical Plan is a detailed drawing that shows the layout and positioning of all electrical elements in your home. This usually includes power points, lights, switches, appliances, data cabling, alarms, and other electrical fittings that will go into your home. 

An Electrical Expert or Interior Designer will work with your building plans to:

  • Create a custom electrical layout that fits your lifestyle
  • Provide a detailed Electrical Selections Schedule (if requested)
  • Make sure your setup complies with AS/NZS electrical standards
  • Help you prepare documentation required for your final approvals (if required)

They will guide you to ensure your electrical layout suits how you will actually live in the space - not just where walls happen to be.

Why It's Important

You May Need It for Approvals

Some councils or certifiers require an electrical layout as part of your documentation package.

Your Electrician WILL Need It

Down the track, your electrician can’t just “wing it.” They’ll install based on what’s documented. If there’s no clear plan, you risk:

  • Costly variations
  • Delays
  • On-site confusion
  • Power points in the wrong places



As an owner-builder, you are responsible for making these decisions.

Why Engage an Electrical Design Consultant?

You can try to plan it yourself — but electrical layouts are one of the most commonly regretted parts of a build.

An Electrical Design Consultant (this could be a specialist electrical firm or an experienced interior designer) will:

Review your floor plans in detail

Understand how you intend to use each room

Recommend practical switch and power layouts

Plan feature lighting properly

Ensure compliance with Australian standards

Future-proof your home (EV chargers, solar, smart wiring, etc.)

Prepare a clear, build-ready electrical plan

What to Look For in an Electrical Design Consultant 

You’re looking for someone who:

  • Has experience with residential homes
  • Offers custom advice, not just boilerplate plans
  • Can provide a visual layout of lighting and power (not just text)

MAJOR TIP: Lock-In Your Electrical Before Finalising Construction Plans

Do this before your construction drawings are finalised. You want to make sure that your electrical plan aligns with your structural items like slab and frame.


Why? Because once framing starts:

  • Moving switches = wall changes
  • Adding power points = variation costs
  • Changing lighting = ceiling redesign
  • Upgrading circuits = extra expense


Locking in your electrical early saves time, prevents costly variations, and avoids frustrating rework. Remember that electrical planning isn’t just about compliance - it’s about lifestyle too.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Electrical Design Consultants for your Electrical Design & Selections Schedule, you’ll need:

  • Finalised set of plans (usually this is your approval set)
  • A list of any specific inclusions you’d like (e.g. ceiling fans, EV charger, smart lighting)
  • Site information, including meter box location and incoming power supply

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can’t I just ask my electrician to work it out on-site?

    Electricians can install what's on the plan — but they won’t plan your layout for you.


    As an owner builder, it’s your job to decide what you want and where. An Electrical Design Consultant helps you figure that out ahead of time, and prepares a clear plan that your electrician can follow without confusion or back-and-forth.


    Fixing electrical mistakes after plaster is installed is expensive - it can be even more expensive if you need to adjust your framing.


  • What happens if I don’t do an electrical plan


    You may experience issues like:

    • Not enough power points 
    • Switches in awkward locations 
    • Poor lighting coverage 
    • Overloaded circuits 
    • Extra variation costs during construction 

    It’s far cheaper to design properly than to fix later. Fixing electrical mistakes after plaster is installed is expensive - it can be even more expensive if you need to adjust your framing.


  • When should I engage an Electrical Design Consultant?

    Ideally after your floor plan is drafted and before your final construction drawings. The earlier, the better - as long as your floorplan is locked-in.


  • What does an Electrical Design Consultant actually do?

    An Electrical Design Consultant:


    • Reviews your floor plans in detail 
    • Discusses how you plan to live in and use the space 
    • Designs the layout of power points (GPOs), light fittings and switching, feature lighting, data/TV points, smoke alarms, appliances and hardwired items, plus more if required
    • Plans circuit distribution and general load requirements 
    • Considers future needs (EV charging, solar, smart home wiring)
    • Prepares a clear, build-ready electrical layout drawing

    Most importantly, they complete works according to your agreed scope of works — meaning what they deliver depends on what you’ve formally engaged them to provide.


  • Will they tell me what light fittings to choose?

    Not necessarily. Some do provide this in an Electrical Selections Schedule, as part of their process. Best to clarify this up front before accepting a quote.


    Some consultants (especially interior designers) may assist with fixture selection if it’s included in your agreed scope. Others focus purely on layout and technical planning. Always confirm what’s included before engaging.


  • Do they deal directly with my electrician?

    They can — but only if arranged. Some consultants coordinate directly with your electrician to clarify the plan. Others simply provide you with the completed drawings for you to issue to your trades. Again, this depends on your agreed scope of works. 


    Usually your electrical plan is completed well before you start to look for or engage with an electrician.


  • Why is the scope of works so important?


    Because not all consultants offer the same level of service.

    Before engaging, confirm:

    • What drawings are included 
    • Whether revisions are included
    • Whether fixture selection is included 
    • Whether coordination with your electrician is included 

    Your Electrical Design Consultant will complete works according to your agreed scope — so clarity upfront prevents misunderstandings later.


Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 2-5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.