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Getting Wired: What Is the Rough-In Stage? From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-113

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Once you've determined your new home's electrical needs and planned ahead of time for the electrical system, it's time for the rough-in stage. Host Jeff Wilson explains this initial step in this segment.

Rough-In is a term that refers to the initial installation of all the wiring, electrical boxes and other elements needed to circulate power throughout your house. The rough-in is performed by a master electrician and his team of electricians.

Once the electricians begin the rough-in phase, which will take approximately a week, they pull all the wire through the joists, studs (figure A) and outlet boxes into the switch boxes. Then they tie the electrical panel (figure B) and break up all the circuits per load. You'll see rough-in boxes (figure C) everywhere initially but all the devices will eventually go.

It's vital that professional electricians perform the rough-in because of the strict codes concerning electrical wiring and systems. Not only is there a national electrical code with safety standards for all home under construction, each city or state also may have its own additional codes that address how electrical system should be installed.

Constructive Advice: Having licensed electricians on your home building team will assure that your electrical system meets with all necessary codes, which in turn will ensure the highest level of safety for you and your family.

During the rough-in stage, you electrical team will work from an electrical plan designed by your electrical contractor. This plan will reflect each light switch, light fixture, outlet and other electrical elements that the team will be installing during the rough-in stage.

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	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Rough-In Steps

1. In step one your electrician will mark (figure D) each place inside and outside the house where an electrical element is needed. This will be done in accordance to the home's electrical plan.

2. In step two the homeowner should go on what's called a "walk-through" with the electrical contractor and builder. A walk-through will be a tour of the house to see where electrical elements have been marked for placement. Any changes you want can be made at this point.

   Some things to look for during an electrical walk-through include:

   • Whether or not the number and type of fixtures to be installed in a room are enough?

   • Light switch placement.

   • If changes are desired, making them now will be simpler and less expensive than making them once the drywall is up?