Things to Keep in Mind During a Mechanical & Electrical Walkthrough

As framing of a residential or commercial project nears completion, a client should expect a mechanical and electrical walkthrough with their builder. This on-site walk will review the wall framing and the structure’s heating/ cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. This is a good opportunity for the builder to understand any added client needs and clarify how the systems will work in the home/ building.

Prepare for your Walkthrough

To prepare for your walkthrough, coordinate with your Interior Designer and Builder about the location of freestanding furniture, built-in case goods, and wall details. Understanding your finished space will ensure that mechanical and electrical outlets are located correctly during frame stage to compliment your design, avoiding the need to move them once the walls, ceilings, and floors are finished. With a variety of mounting options available for finished plumbing, your builder will need to understand your plumbing selections at this time. Will the tub faucet be mounted on the wall, floor, or tub deck? Will the sink faucet be counter or wall mounted? It is also important to have your light fixtures selected for the home. Knowing whether a room will feature hanging or wall mounted fixtures will affect the location of the electrical boxes that will be installed at this time. It is best to include the Builder and Interior Designer at this walk through if possible, so each choice is reviewed and discussed in relation to the rough-in needed.

And Don’t Forget…

Be sure to include the exterior spaces in your walk through so that you have adequate access to plumbing and electricity around a pool, outdoor kitchen, hobbies, or for holiday lights. Remember to photograph the frame and mechanicals in your home/ building prior to insulation and exterior cladding. This record of system locations will be helpful for future home maintenance and to avoid drilling into pipes or wiring as you hang wall decor.

At Pearce Scott Architects, our team offers a fresh approach that is grounded in decades of experience. We are intensely client-focused, and our projects integrate the contemporary elements of creativity and craftsmanship, passion and precision, and drama and detail. In our professional process, every project begins and ends with you, the client. We deliver an experience that is tailored to your unique vision and needs. From concept to completion, your priorities, passions and dreams drive everything we do, which is why our first job is to listen. We love to answer questions and invite you to learn more about our process and our commitment to client-focused practice and values. Please contact us at 843.837.5700 or come visit us in downtown historic Bluffton.