Electrical work on a new home happens twice. The first stage, rough-in, happens once framing is done and before insulation and drywall. The second, finish, happens after the walls are closed and painted.
At rough-in we set every box for outlets, switches, and fixtures, drill the framing, pull and secure the wire, and install the panel. Then the rough inspection happens, while every wire is still visible. Missing it means opening walls later, so the timing with the builder's schedule matters.
At finish, also called trim-out, we install the devices and fixtures: outlets, switches, covers, lights, fans, and appliance connections. Circuits are energized, tested, and labeled in the panel, and the house is ready for final inspection.
The best time to talk about device locations is before rough-in. Moving an outlet on paper costs nothing; moving it after drywall costs a patch and paint. We review the plans with you or your builder before the first box goes on a stud.
