Understanding the Scope of Electrical Build-Outs: What Do They Entail?
An electrical build-out refers to the process of designing and installing electrical systems in a commercial property. The build-out process involves everything from planning the layout and circuits to selecting the appropriate electrical fixtures, accounting for future growth needs, and more.
Build-outs tend to be very complex processes with lots of moving parts. Whether you're setting up a new office space or renovating an existing one, a custom build-out is crucial for creating an efficient and safe working environment.
Considerations for a Custom Build-Out
You’ll need to hire a commercial electrician to handle your electric build-out because their specialized skills and expertise are essential for the complexities of this project. That said, when designing your electrical systems, several key considerations must be addressed:
1. Power Distribution
The electrical build-out plan should include an efficient power distribution system that properly distributes electricity throughout your property. To handle the power requirements of different areas within your building and properly distribute power, your contractor will need to carefully plan out the installation of main electrical panels, subpanels, and circuit breakers.
2. Lighting
Proper lighting is a must for creating a safe and productive working environment. Your custom electric build-out should take into account the types of lighting required for different areas, such as task lighting for workstations and bright lighting for common areas. Each of these lighting fixtures comes with unique power requirements and will need to be thought through carefully with your contractor. Energy-efficient options, such as LED lighting, should also be incorporated to reduce electricity costs.
3. Advanced On-Site Systems
Depending on your industry and specific needs, you may require advanced electrical systems such as HVAC controls, security systems, and automation technologies. These systems need to be integrated into your custom build-out for seamless operation and functionality.
5. Safety Measures
Safety must always be a top priority when designing a custom electrical build-out. A commercial electrical contractor will implement safety measures into your overall plan to minimize the risk of electrical fires and other health hazards. As such, you can expect them to plan out where to properly ground electrical systems, install circuit breakers, and incorporate surge protection devices. They will also properly label your electrical systems are properly labeled, and see that emergency shut offs are easily accessible.
The Role of an Expert Design-Build Electrical Contractor
You cannot even start to design a custom electric system for your property until you select a reputable design-build electrical contractor. These professionals have the expertise and licensing to handle both the design and build phases of the project, eliminating the need for separate designers and contractors. This streamlined approach allows for better communication, more efficient project management, and faster completion times. When designing an electric system, your contractor will work through the following series of steps to ensure electrical reliability and employee safety.
Assessing Your Building's Needs
A reliable electrical design-build contractor will begin by assessing your property's unique electrical needs. They will take the time to thoroughly evaluate your power requirements, specific use cases, and any special considerations that need to be taken into account. They’ll also look closely at any existing electrical systems to understand the current shortcomings and identify opportunities for improvement. By understanding your requirements, the contractor can create a custom electrical design that meets both your current needs and future expansion plans. This assessment is crucial in ensuring that your electrical system can handle the demands of your facility and will maintain efficiency in the long run.
Planning and Designing the Layout
Once the assessment is complete, the contractor will proceed with creating a layout plan for your electrical system. that outlines the placement of electrical panels, outlets, switches, and other components. This plan takes into consideration factors such as workflow, safety regulations, and accessibility. By designing an efficient layout, the contractor ensures that your electrical system supports the functionality of your space while complying with all relevant codes and standards.
They’ll then share the details of their layout plan with you and any other relevant parties to get your thoughts and input. If needed, they will develop new iterations of the plan so that your requests are heard and taken into account.
Installing and Integrating
Once the design is finalized, the installation and integration phase will begin. The physical installation of electrical components, such as wiring, switches, outlets, and circuit breakers, can be a labor-intensive process that may take up to several weeks, depending on the scope of the project. An experienced contractor will follow industry best practices and adhere to all safety regulations during the installation process. They will also ensure proper integration with existing systems, such as HVAC and security.
Quality Assurance and Testing
After the installation is complete, your commercial electrician will conduct thorough quality assurance and testing to double and triple-check that the electrical system meets the highest standards. During this stage, you can expect your electrical contractor to test electrical circuits, verify proper grounding, and check that all components are functioning as intended. An electrical contractor will have the necessary equipment and expertise to perform these tests and make any necessary adjustments for optimal performance and safety.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
One of the key advantages of working with a top design-build electrical contractor is the provision of ongoing maintenance and support. Electrical systems won’t last forever and often require regular maintenance for continued operation and to minimize the risk of downtime. A reputable contractor will offer maintenance packages that include routine inspections, preventive maintenance plans, and 24/7 emergency support. With that ongoing support, you can rest easy knowing that your electrical infrastructure will remain in peak condition and that any issues will be promptly resolved.
Contact P&L Electric to Get Started
Designing an electric build-out is a complex task that requires expert knowledge and experience. At P&L Electric, we have made a name for ourselves in Colorado and across the country as a leading electrical contractor with years of experience in design-build electrical projects. We specialize in creating custom electric solutions for commercial and industrial properties of all sizes. Our team is ready to assist you in creating an efficient and reliable electrical system that meets all your specific requirements.
Contact P&L Electric today to get started on your new electrical build-out.