How To Install Rough Electricity in New Construction

Walk onto any new-home jobsite in the middle of construction and you’ll see a tangle of yellow,
white, and orange cables snaking through open studs. That organized chaos is the rough
electrical stagethe moment when your home’s future power, lighting, and comfort all
start to take shape. It’s also the point where building codes, safety rules, and practical
carpentry skills all collide.

Inspired by the way This Old House walks homeowners through big projects, this guide
breaks down how to install rough electricity in new construction: what happens,
when it happens, and what you should absolutely not skip. Whether you’re a DIY-inclined
homeowner, acting as your own general contractor, or just want to understand what your
electrician is doing, this walkthrough will help you follow the process step by stepwithout
turning your dream house into a cautionary tale.

What Is Rough Electricity (Rough-In Wiring)?

“Rough electricity” (often called rough-in electrical wiring) is the stage
after framing is complete but before insulation, drywall, or interior finishes go up. At this
point, the skeleton of the house is open and accessible, which makes it the perfect time to:

Install electrical boxes for outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
Drill holes through studs and joists for cable runs.
Run nonmetallic (NM) cable or conduit between boxes and back to the service panel.
Set up dedicated circuits for kitchens, baths, HVAC, laundry, and large appliances.
Rough in low-voltage systems like network, TV, doorbells, and smart home wiring.

At the end of the rough-in, all cables should be pulled, stapled, and neatly grouped in boxes
and at the main panelbut no devices are installed yet. There are no switches,
outlets, light fixtures, or trim plates. That comes later during the “finish” phase.

Crucially, your building department typically performs an electrical rough-in
inspection at this stage. The inspector checks box fill, cable support, routing,
grounding, and adherence to your local version of the National Electrical Code (NEC). If
something is wrongsay, overloaded boxes or improper staplesit’s much easier to fix now than
after walls are closed.

Safety and Codes: The Non-Negotiables

Before anyone touches a drill or unspools a single roll of cable, you need to address three big
topics: permits, code, and personal safety.

Permits and Local Requirements

In most areas of the United States, you’ll need:

An electrical permit for new construction or major wiring projects.
Inspections at the rough-in and final stages.
Work performed or overseen by a licensed electrician, depending on local rules.

Your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) may adopt the NEC with amendments. That means
details like outlet spacing, arc-fault/ground-fault protection, and bathroom circuits are all
based on the NEC but may be tweaked locally. Always verify with your building department“I saw
it on the internet” is not a valid code reference during inspection.

Key NEC-Style Rules You’ll Hear About

Exact requirements vary, but many U.S. homes follow roughly these patterns:

Receptacle spacing: General living areas are usually wired so that no point
along the floor line is more than about 6 feet from an outlet, and any wall section roughly 2
feet or wider gets a receptacle.
Small-appliance circuits: Kitchens typically require at least two 20-amp
small-appliance branch circuits to serve countertop outlets.
GFCI and AFCI protection: Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, exterior
outlets, garages, and similar areas often require ground-fault protection; many living areas
require arc-fault protection as well.
Box fill and cable support: Boxes have limits on how many conductors they can
contain; cables must be stapled or supported at specified intervals and near boxes.

These are guidelines, not a substitute for reading the current code or talking to a licensed
pro. Think of them as the “trailer” to the full movie that is your electrical codebook.

Personal Safety

Rough-in electrical work isn’t just another weekend DIY task like building a planter box. Before
you begin:

Shut off power before working near any existing circuits.
Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm circuits are off.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Work from stable ladders or platforms; avoid makeshift scaffolding.
Never work in a damp or flooded area with live power available.

If anything about the work feels confusing or beyond your comfort level, bring in a licensed
electrician. Saving a few dollars isn’t worth risking fire, shock, or failing inspection.

Planning Your Rough-In Like a Pro

Great electrical systems start with a pencil and graph paperor a good design app. Before you
drill a single hole:

Lay Out Circuits and Loads

Walk room by room and plan:

General lighting circuits: Typically 15-amp or 20-amp circuits serving
ceiling fixtures and can lights.
Receptacle circuits: General-use wall outlets in living spaces.
Dedicated circuits: For appliances like ranges, dryers, ovens, microwaves,
dishwashers, disposals, HVAC equipment, tankless water heaters, and EV chargers.
Specialty spaces: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, workshops, and garages
often have extra code requirements and additional circuits.

A detailed load calculation helps prevent overloading circuits and ensures your service panel is
sized correctly for the home’s future needs.

Design Convenient and Comfortable Layouts

This is your chance to make living in the house feel easy:

Place switches by doors where you naturally reach for them.
Plan three-way switches for long hallways and staircases.
Add extra outlets behind TVs, at desk areas, and near possible work-from-home setupseven if
you don’t have them yet.
Consider charging stations for phones, tablets, and laptopspossibly with USB or USB-C
receptacles.
Pre-wire for ceiling fans, smart thermostats, doorbells, security cameras, and Wi-Fi access
points while the walls are open.

Think of it as future-proofing. It’s far cheaper to add one more cable now than to open a wall a
year after you move in.

Step-by-Step: How to Install Rough Electricity in New Construction

Every electrician has their own rhythm, but most rough-ins follow a similar sequence.

Step 1: Mark Box Locations

Walk the framed house with a plan and a marker:

Mark every switch by the door where it will be installed.
Mark outlets along walls to meet spacing rules and to serve logical spots (behind sofas, near
nightstands, at kitchen counters).
Mark fixture locations on ceilings for lights and fans, plus junction boxes where multiple
lights will branch from one spot.

Think in terms of use: where will someone plug in a vacuum, charge a phone, or turn on a light
without wandering across a dark room?

Step 2: Install Electrical Boxes

Next, mount electrical boxes to the framing. While the NEC focuses more on safety than on exact
box heights, the industry has settled on comfortable standards:

Switch boxes: commonly 42–48 inches from the floor to the center of the box.
Outlet boxes: commonly 12–18 inches from the floor to the center.
Countertop receptacles: typically just above the finished counter height.

Use boxes rated for the number of conductors and devices they’ll contain. For ceiling fans, make
sure the box is specifically rated to support a fan’s weight and movement.

Step 3: Drill Cable Holes

With boxes in place, drill holes through studs and joists to create cable pathways:

Drill in the center of studs where possible, leaving enough wood on all sides.
Follow any local rules about hole size and distance from the edge of framing membersthis
protects structural strength.
Where a cable must run close to the face of a stud, plan to use steel nail plates (protective
plates) to prevent screws or nails from hitting the cable later.

Keep your holes in straight lines and at consistent heights. Not only does this look neater, it
makes future troubleshooting much easier.

Step 4: Run the Cables

Now the spaghetti begins. Run cable from box to box according to your circuit plan:

From the service panel to the first box on a circuit.
From that box to the next box, and so on, daisy-chaining devices.
From switches to light fixtures and fan boxes.
From dedicated circuits to appliances and special equipment.

Label each cable at both ends using tape and a marker. “Kitchen SABC 1” or “Bed 2 lighting
circuit” is far more helpful than “???” once the drywall hides everything.

Step 5: Staple and Protect

Electrical code generally requires cables to be supported and protected:

Staple NM cable at regular intervals along studs and joists, as required by your code.
Secure cables within a short distance of each box where they enter.
Install nail plates wherever a cable passes close to the edge of framing or where future nails
or screws are likely.

Staples should hold the cable snugly but not crush or damage the insulation. If the cable looks
pinched or flattened, replace that section.

Step 6: Bring Home Runs to the Panel

Each circuit needs a “home run” from the last device back to the service panel:

Route cables to the panel location without crossing sharp edges.
Leave extra cable length coiled neatly near the panel so the electrician can make final
connections later.
Group and label circuits clearly: “Bath GFCI,” “Kitchen Counter #2,” “Washer,” etc.

At this rough-in stage, breakers may not all be installed yetespecially if a licensed
electrician will handle the final connections. Never energize circuits until everything is
correctly terminated and inspected.

Step 7: Make Up Wires in Boxes

Inside each box, strip the outer jacket of the cable and prepare conductors:

Leave sufficient conductor length in the box to meet local code (often 6–8 inches).
Group grounds together and bond them to the box if it’s metal.
In multi-wire boxes, pre-twist and cap neutrals and grounds with appropriately sized
connectors.
Gently fold wires into the box so they’re neat and ready for devices during the final trim
stage.

At this point, boxes should be filled with neatly arranged conductors, ready for switches and
outlets after inspection and drywall.

Step 8: Prepare for the Rough-In Inspection

Before calling the inspector:

Verify that every planned outlet, switch, and light has a box and cable.
Check cable staples and nail plates wherever cables are near edges.
Confirm that box fill looks reasonable and not overcrowded.
Label panel circuits and, if required, leave plans available on-site.

A clean, organized job with clearly labeled circuits not only impresses inspectorsit also
makes your life easier when you go to troubleshoot or remodel ten years down the road.

Room-by-Room Rough-In Tips

Kitchen

Kitchens are the divas of the house when it comes to electrical needs. During rough-in:

Plan multiple small-appliance circuits for countertop outlets.
Include dedicated circuits for the refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, and
potentially a range hood or wall oven.
Rough in under-cabinet lighting, island outlets, and future pantry appliances while the
framing is open.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms combine water and electricitynever a casual pairing. At rough-in:

Provide at least one GFCI-protected receptacle near the sink (often on a dedicated circuit).
Rough in exhaust fans in each full bathroom.
Consider pre-wiring for heated floors, smart mirrors, or bidet seats.

Living Areas and Bedrooms

These rooms may seem simple, but they drive everyday comfort:

Add ceiling fan boxes to bedrooms and main gathering spaces.
Position outlets near likely furniture arrangements for lamps and chargers.
Pre-wire for TV, surround sound, or wall-mounted screens where desired.

Garage, Exterior, and Utility Areas

Don’t neglect the “behind-the-scenes” spaces:

Provide GFCI-protected outlets in garages and exterior walls.
Rough in circuits for garage door openers, freezers, or shop tools.
Plan exterior lighting for safety: entries, pathways, decks, and driveways.

Common Rough-In Mistakes to Avoid

Even pros have stories about rough-ins that went sideways. Some frequent missteps include:

Undersized boxes: Overstuffing conductors into small boxes can violate code and make device installation a nightmare.
Messy cable runs: Sloppy routing makes future repairs hard and can worry inspectors.
No labeling: Unlabeled circuits at the panel turn every future change into detective work.
Ignoring future upgrades: Not planning for EV chargers, hot tubs, or hobby spaces can mean expensive retrofits later.
Mixing low- and line-voltage carelessly: Data and TV cables need separation from power to avoid interference and code issues.

Taking a little extra time during rough-in to do things cleanly, clearly, and with an eye to the future pays off for the life of the house.

Jobsite Stories: Real-World Rough-In Experiences

If you talk to electricians and experienced builders, rough electricity in new construction comes
with plenty of storiessome wins, some “never again” moments. Learning from those experiences
can save you stress, money, and maybe a few forehead bruises from all the facepalming.

“I Wish I’d Planned for More Power”

One common regret from homeowners is underestimating future electrical needs. A house that
seemed “fully loaded” when it was built 10 years ago may now host EV chargers, smart home hubs,
dual home offices, and multiple big-screen TVs. Builders and electricians often recommend:

Planning one or two spare circuits and leaving space in the panel.
Running conduit to strategic areas like garages or exterior walls for easy future pulls.
Routing a few extra data cables to likely TV or office locations.

During rough-in, these steps are minor additions. After drywall and paint, they can become
major projects.

Lessons from Failed Inspections

Ask any inspector and they’ll tell you the same handful of problems show up again and again:

Cables not stapled within required distances from boxes.
Missing nail plates where cables run too close to stud edges.
Improperly supported runs across attic spaces.
Bathroom or exterior outlets missing required GFCI protection (or not wired accordingly at the panel).

Electricians who consistently pass inspections usually have a simple habit: they do a thorough
self-inspection before the inspector ever arrives. Walking room by room with a checklistand
fixing small issues on the spotmakes the official visit much smoother.

The Value of Clean Work

Experienced pros often talk about “clean work.” To an electrician, that means:

Straight cable runs, not random diagonals zig-zagging across studs.
Neat, centered boxes with consistent heights and depths.
Clearly grouped and labeled wires at each junction and at the panel.

Clean work doesn’t just look better in photosit makes the system easier to maintain and
upgrade. Many homeowners only see the final trim of outlets and switches; those who peek behind
the walls during rough-in can immediately tell which projects were done thoughtfully.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Some owners successfully rough in their own cabins, workshops, or small additions under the
guidance of local building departments. The most common feedback from this group is:

The planning and code research took more time than the actual wiring.
Having a pro review the plan before starting was invaluable.
They would gladly pay a professional for more complex spaces like kitchens and service panels.

On the flip side, electricians often get called in to “rescue” projects where DIY wiring went
too far off track. They may have to remove and redo large sections to satisfy code, which can
end up costing more than if they had done the rough-in from the start.

Why Rough-In Is the Perfect Time to Think Long-Term

Many pros treat rough-in as the home’s “one shot” moment. Walls are open, everything is visible,
and adjustments are relatively easy. Once the drywall is up:

Adding a new circuit often means cutting and patching walls or ceilings.
Moving a light or switch can involve fishing wires through tight spaces.
Upgrading to smart systems can be trickier if you didn’t plan for low-voltage wiring.

The best experiences come from homeowners and electricians who collaborate early. Walking the
framed house together to talk through lighting, outlets, and future gadgets often leads to
small tweaksan extra outlet here, a better switch location therethat make the house feel
tailored rather than generic.

In the spirit of This Old House, rough electricity isn’t just a technical stage to rush
through. It’s your chance to shape how the home will actually live: how it feels to walk into a
well-lit entry, how easy it is to plug in a mixer at the kitchen island, how comfortable it is
to work from home or relax in the living room. If you respect the code, prioritize safety, and
think a few years ahead, your rough-in will set your new construction up for decades of safe,
convenient, and flexible use.

Conclusion

Installing rough electricity in new construction is equal parts planning, craftsmanship, and
code compliance. From laying out circuits to drilling clean cable paths, from mounting sturdy
boxes to preparing for inspection, every step contributes to a safe and reliable system hidden
behind your finished walls.

Whether you’re doing a portion of the work yourself or simply want to understand what your
electrician is up to, seeing rough-in the way This Old House doesas a thoughtful,
deliberate processcan transform a jumble of wires into a well-organized, future-ready
electrical backbone for your home.