Plug points for new loft extension

[poppy1806]

We're having a loft extension which will be a bedroom with ensuite. We've been asked to decide where we want plug sockets and I haven't a clue! There are 2 possible positions for the bed (one would involve buying a special low loft bed) and if we put sockets either side of each possible position, one set may end up being blocked by a wardrobe. How many would you have?!

Double set on either side of the bed and at least one double on another wall.

Think about what you may want to plug in.

So next to bed: bedside lamps, chargers ( not left on overnight)

Other things : tv, stereo, hairdryer, straighteners, hoover

All round the room, have a double socket in each corner, then spaced at 2metre intervals or closer along the walls. You will want at least one at each side if the bed and at each side of a worktop or dressing table, at working height. You will need at least one where somebody might one day put a computer or TV.

The bedside and worktop ones might usefully have USB charging points in them

If they are more than 2 metres apart you will have gaps where you can't use an appliance without adding an extension lead, which is undesirable.

Because of the way UK power circuits are wired, it is possible, safe and economical to run the cable round the room with, effectively, an unlimited number of sockets on it.

The loft conversion should have its own lighting circuit, fused at 6A, and its own power circuit, fused at 32A. Both must be RCD protected, preferably individually on RCBOs so you will not be plunged into darkness if there is a trip. All this is easily done if included in the plan before work starts, but much more expensive to add later.

Also, have a think about whether you want a TV aerial point too (we did, we're still mainly Freeview watchers) and consider running Cat 5 network cable up if you want to use a wired network for your laptop/desktop instead of relying on the WiFi.

Also if you use an electric toothbrush, get a shaver socket put in your en suite, ours is in our shelving unit (our downstairs one is inside the bathroom cabinet)

My last loft extension tip is that semi flush lights are much nicer than spots - we have something like this:
www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-partners-maya-ceiling-light-3-arm/p150134

Ha! My DD has just removed those JL lights from her flat and put in pendant lights that are so much more up to date! Those lights feel cheap and are very flimsy. Do go for LED downLights . They have the huge advantage of producing little heat and are much safer then halogen lamps. You can get very shallow sealed led downLights so they are excellent for lofts if space is at a premium.

LED spots on a dinner are much nicer than those semi flush lights! Those are quite old fashioned and fussy.

Take PigletJohn’s advice on sockets. You want shit loads of sockets. Get it right now. It doesn’t matter if some get covered over by furniture.

I like them! And you get a nice even light too, spotlights don't feel bedroomy to me.