Tips for Adding Electrical and Plumbing to Your Shop

When we build custom shops in the Spokane area, one of the most common requests I hear is:
“Can I add electrical and plumbing now—or later?”

The short answer is yes, you can do either. But planning for utilities up front saves time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. At Stimson Contracting, we’ve added power and water to everything from backyard hobby shops to full-scale commercial spaces. If you’re thinking about building a shop—or upgrading one you already own—these are my top tips for adding electrical and plumbing the right way.

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Table of Contents

1. Start With the End in Mind

2. Understand Your Power Needs

3. Plan for Future Expansion

4. Decide on Permanent vs. Temporary Power

5. Coordinate Your Layout With Utilities

6. Add Conduit During Construction

7. Choose the Right Fixtures and Panels

8. Design a Plumbing Plan for Efficiency

9. Don’t Forget Drainage and Venting

10. Conclusion: Build With Utilities in Mind

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1. Start With the End in Mind

Before we run a single wire or pipe, I ask:

What will you really be doing in this space?

Are you welding? Washing vehicles? Running a business? Your intended use determines everything from panel size to drain placement. When you plan early, you avoid tearing into finished walls or concrete later.

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2. Understand Your Power Needs

Workshops often need more than a single 110V outlet. Depending on what you’ll be powering, we might recommend:

• A 200-amp service panel

• Dedicated 220V circuits for welders or compressors

• Separate circuits for lighting, HVAC, and tools

• Outdoor GFCI outlets for added safety

We’ll calculate your load requirements before trenching or wiring begins.

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3. Plan for Future Expansion

Even if you’re not adding plumbing or heavy equipment now, it’s smart to run conduit and water lines during the initial build. That way, adding a bathroom, sink, or outlet later won’t require demo.

Future-proofing options include:

✅ Extra breaker slots
✅ Empty conduits for later wiring
✅ Stubbed plumbing lines under slab
✅ Backup generator access or EV charger prep

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4. Decide on Permanent vs. Temporary Power

If you’re starting with a shell or shell-plus build, we can install:

• A temporary power pedestal during construction

• Permanent power once the structure is enclosed and inspected

We’ll work with your utility provider to coordinate everything.

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5. Coordinate Your Layout With Utilities

Your electrical panel, outlets, water lines, and drains should be strategically placed based on how you’ll use your space. Consider:

• Tool and workbench placement

• Vehicle access and clearances

• Appliance or HVAC locations

• Bathrooms or wash bay areas

Good planning = fewer extension cords, tripping hazards, and plumbing reroutes.

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6. Add Conduit During Construction

Burying conduit during the build saves time and money. We often install:

• Underground electric from house to shop

• Water supply lines

• Drain lines to septic or sewer

• Sleeves under slabs or driveways

Doing this during framing or foundation work avoids future headaches.

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7. Choose the Right Fixtures and Panels

Don’t skimp on quality components. We recommend:

• LED lighting with high lumens for task areas

• Outdoor-rated outlets and weatherproof boxes

• Surge protection at the panel

• Smart thermostats and lighting controls

For plumbing, go with PEX lines and frost-proof fixtures—especially in Spokane’s cold winters.

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8. Design a Plumbing Plan for Efficiency

If you’re adding plumbing, we help you plan for:

• Water heater placement (tank or tankless)

• Floor drains in wash bays or bathrooms

• Sloped floors for proper drainage

• Stub-outs for future sinks or utility rooms

Simple, smart layouts keep everything flowing smoothly.

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9. Don’t Forget Drainage and Venting

A shop with plumbing must have proper:

• Vent stacks for sewer gases

• Floor drains tied to code-compliant systems

• Backflow prevention devices

• Adequate slope and clean-outs

This part’s not flashy, but it keeps your shop dry, clean, and code-compliant.

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10. Conclusion: Build With Utilities in Mind

Adding electrical and plumbing to your shop doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does have to be planned right. Whether you’re building a shop from scratch or upgrading an existing structure, utilities should be part of the conversation from the start.

At Stimson Contracting, we help Spokane-area clients design custom shops that work for them—complete with safe, efficient, and code-ready electrical and plumbing systems. We’ll help you think through the details now so you can avoid surprises later.