Full electrical installation for a modern new build extension in Camborne, incorporating feature LED lighting, contemporary exterior wall lights, and complete electrical systems throughout the two-storey addition.
New build extensions offer the chance to implement electrical systems properly from the ground up. This project in Camborne involved working through both first and second fix stages on a substantial two-storey addition, with the homeowners opting for contemporary lighting solutions alongside all the practical electrical requirements.
The first fix stage meant getting cables and back boxes positioned throughout the extension whilst the walls were still open. Working around the builders and other trades, we ran cables for lighting circuits, power supplies, and the various feature lighting elements the homeowners had planned. Getting the routes planned correctly at this stage matters because once the plasterboard goes up, you’re committed to those positions.
One of the standout features involved LED border lighting for the stairwell area. This required running dedicated LED flex cable to a driver located in the garage, creating that indirect lighting effect that’s become popular in modern homes. The cable routing needed thinking through carefully – the light needed to run from a local switch whilst keeping the driver unit accessible for any future maintenance.
The bathroom electrical work covered multiple elements. We installed isolators for the bathroom supplies, positioning these where they’d be accessible but not intrusive. These stayed in the isolated position so the bathroom fitter could work safely when their turn came. We also fitted an LED wall washer plaster-in profile – the type that sits recessed into the wall and creates a dramatic wash of light down the surface. Getting these profiles positioned correctly during the boarding stage meant they’d integrate seamlessly once the plastering was done.
Exterior lighting formed another key part of the installation. The homeowners chose contemporary up-and-down wall lights for the external walls, which needed cable supplies routed through the cavity during first fix. The positioning balanced practical path lighting with the architectural lines of the extension. The fittings themselves needed appropriate weather resistance for the Cornish climate.
Downstairs, the utility room needed a spur connection for appliances. This type of installation requires proper circuit protection and cable sizing to handle washing machines, tumble dryers and similar equipment. Getting these practical elements right alongside the feature lighting creates a space that works properly rather than just looking good.
The recessed downlights in various rooms needed their positions marked and cables roughed in during first fix, then the actual fittings installed once the ceilings were ready. Spacing these evenly whilst avoiding joists and other obstructions requires coordination with the builders. Too often on new builds you see lights that end up off-centre because nobody checked what was happening above the ceiling.
Working on new build extensions in Camborne, you’re often dealing with a mix of contemporary design choices and practical family requirements. This project reflected that balance – feature lighting in the stairwell and bathroom, good task lighting throughout, exterior illumination for security and aesthetics, and all the power supplies needed for modern living.
The coordination aspect runs through the entire job. Some tasks could only happen at specific stages – the LED profiles before plastering, the back boxes during boarding, the actual fittings and accessories once decorating was done. Miss your window and you either hold up other trades or end up trying to retrofit something that should’ve been built in properly.
The garage location proved useful for positioning LED drivers and similar equipment. Having a dedicated utility space meant we could keep transformers and drivers accessible without them being visible in living areas. Older properties often require more creative solutions, but new builds usually incorporate these practical spaces from the design stage.
Testing each circuit formed the final stage before handover. Continuity checks, insulation resistance tests, and verification that RCD protection operated correctly all confirmed the installation would perform reliably. The LED systems needed checking for even illumination without flickering or colour variation – issues that sometimes only become apparent once everything’s powered up.
The finished result integrated the electrical installation with the building’s design. The feature lighting created the intended effects, the practical circuits supplied power where needed, and the exterior lights complemented the modern rendered finish. When electrical work is done properly on new builds, it becomes part of the architecture rather than an afterthought added once the structure’s complete.
