Most home designs include the absolute bare minimum of powerpoints per room as standard and you really should add extra when you build the house. It is much cheaper to add them in early than to add them in later. Here is a list of extra power socket and data point locations you should keep in mind.
Master Bedroom
By default, this room often includes a powerpoint on each side of where the bed is intended to go. This is great for lamps and phone chargers and anything else such as a sleep apnea machine. However, many designs don’t have any spots for a television included.
Many designs for master bedrooms are not super big, but will often include wall space for a TV opposite your bed. Consider adding power points up high on your wall so you can mount a television up on your wall so you don’t have to see any cables coming up from the floor. If so, ensure you add any other antenna or internet data ports if necessary.
Kids Bedrooms
Most of the secondary bedrooms have just 1 double power point spot on one side of the room. We rely on power and electricity so much these days and most kids bedrooms are relying on extension cables and double adapters all over the place. It’s worth adding a second powerpoint on the opposite wall. It gives you more options on where you can place your bed as well, as everyone wants a nice bedside lamp.
Kitchen
Kitchens always have designated powerpoints for your microwave, fridge and dishwasher. Most people will have their kettle and toaster plugged in at all times taking up the remaining spare spots. Most people will have a big range of additional devices in the kitchen that you’ll want to use without having to unplug other devices. For example, if you use any of the following devices, you’ll probably want to add some extra powerpoints. Especially if you have a floating bench:
- Blender
- Airfryer
- Slowcooker
- Toasted sandwich maker
- Coffee Machine
- Food Processor
- Mixer
Broom cupboard
This is probably the most forgotten spot for adding a powerpoint, but if you use a stick vacuum, you will probably want to charge it somewhere out of sight.
Behind any couches
Often areas where a TV is located only has its powerpoints on that side of the room. If you want to charge your phone or laptop whilst in front of the TV, you’re generally out of luck. Add power points to areas where you’re going to sit so you can charge your devices whilst watching the TV.
Outdoor Power Sockets
You can install special waterproof powerpoints outside. These can be good for your front and backyards. In your backyard, you should have some that are available for when you are entertaining guests. This could be used for extra lighting, heating or bug zappers. It could also be used for outside fridges and televisions and basically anything.
A powerpoint out the front could be useful for using vacuum cleaners to clean your car. Typically an extension cable from your garage should do the trick.
Garage
It’s good to have a few powerpoint in your garage for adding extra fridges and freezers if you have a big family. This is also helpful for vacuuming inside your cars and any power tool work you choose to do in your garage. Many newer homes in Australia also have your NBN point in here, so there will be a powerpoint for that built by default.
Hallways
Depending on the type of vacuum cleaner you use and the size of your house, you might want to have some spare spots in hallways for the your vacuum cleaner.
Laundry
The powerpoints in the laundry are typically used to power your washing machine and dryer. Sometimes you want to charge other things in there but all the points are taken up, or these appliances are in the way. This can be a good place to add an extra powerpoint.
Extra data points and TV points
Whilst telephone points are not used much anymore, houses are now built with ethernet points right into the walls of the house, meaning it is easier to have WiFi throughout the house. Add these anywhere you’re likely to have a video game console or computer. You can also use these for WiFi extenders.
