New Construction Electrical in Wisconsin: Complete 2026 Guide
Building a new home? The electrical system is one of the most important—and expensive—components. Here's what Wisconsin home builders need to know.
New Construction Electrical Costs
- • Per square foot: $4-$8
- • 1,500 sq ft home: $8,000-$12,000
- • 2,500 sq ft home: $12,000-$18,000
- • 3,500+ sq ft home: $18,000-$25,000+
- • Premium features add 20-50%
NEC 2020 Requirements for New Homes
- 200A service minimum: Required for most new homes
- AFCI protection: All 15A and 20A circuits in living areas
- GFCI protection: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor, laundry
- Tamper-resistant outlets: Throughout the home
- Smoke/CO detectors: Hardwired, interconnected
- EV-ready: Many jurisdictions now require EV charging prep
The Construction Electrical Timeline
- 1Planning Phase - Service sizing, panel location, circuit planning. Coordinate with builder, HVAC, and plumber.
- 2Underground/Service - Service entrance, meter base, main panel. Utility coordination. First inspection.
- 3Rough-In - All wiring, boxes, and circuits installed in walls/ceilings. Rough inspection before insulation.
- 4Trim/Final - Devices, fixtures, cover plates installed after drywall. Final inspection for occupancy.
Questions to Ask Your Electrician
- • Is 200A service enough, or should I consider 320A/400A?
- • How many circuits will be included?
- • What's included vs. what's an upgrade?
- • Are recessed lights included, and how many?
- • Is EV charger wiring included?
- • What about structured wiring (ethernet, coax)?
- • Generator transfer switch prep?
- • Smart home wiring provisions?
Why Detailed Planning Matters
Changes after rough-in are expensive:
- • Moving an outlet before drywall: $50-$100
- • Moving an outlet after drywall: $200-$400+
- • Adding a circuit before rough-in: $200-$400
- • Adding a circuit after drywall: $500-$1,000+
Walk through with your electrician during framing to finalize all locations.
Related Resources
Building a New Home?
Let's discuss your electrical needs early. We'll help you plan for today's needs and tomorrow's possibilities.
Schedule Planning MeetingBuilding a New Home in SE Wisconsin?
Get your electrical planned right from the start. Early involvement saves thousands in change orders and ensures your new home is wired for today and tomorrow. Couillard Electric serves Sheboygan County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, and surrounding SE Wisconsin communities.