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On a new build, the plumbing and electrical decisions that cost almost nothing to plan early become hugely expensive to change once concrete and plaster are in. Here are the stages — and the choices that matter at each.
Plumbing, in phases
- Underground rough-in — drainage and supply before the slab. The drainage falls and routes set here are the hardest to change later, so get them right.
- First fix — pipes in walls and roof during the build.
- Second fix — taps, toilets, geyser and fixtures near completion.
Electrical, in phases
- First fix — conduit, cabling and box positions before walls close.
- Second fix — sockets, switches, lights and the DB board.
- Testing and COC.
Decide socket, light and point positions early to avoid costly chasing later.
Plan these early
Where the geyser and DB board go, whether to make the home solar-ready with an essential-loads board, backup water provision, and drainage routes. Cheap to design now, expensive to change later.
One contractor, both trades
The completed work needs an Electrical COC and a Plumbing COC for occupation, insurance and transfer. Using one team for both keeps it coordinated and compliant. Talk to us early in your build — see our services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plumbing happens in phases: the underground drainage and supply rough-in before the slab, the first fix (pipes in walls and roof) during the build, and the second fix (fitting taps, toilets, geyser and connecting fixtures) near completion. The drainage falls and pipe routes set early are the hardest to change later, so they must be planned correctly upfront.