MEP rough-in + service upgrade (SCL)

What MEP rough means

With framing done and the addition dried in, the trades go in the open walls and ceilings:

• Electrical runs cable from the panel to every device, fixture, switch, and outlet location. Smoke and CO detectors get wired. Kitchen circuits (range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, disposal) are pulled. Bathroom GFCI/AFCI circuits go in.
• Plumbing sets vent stacks, drain lines, water lines, and gas lines. Tubs and showers get rough-in valves; toilets and sinks get supply stubs. Kitchen sink, dishwasher, refrigerator water, pot-filler if specified.
• Mechanical sets the new HVAC equipment (or expands existing), runs ductwork, sets bath fans and the range hood duct.

Service upgrade (if applicable)

Most older Seattle houses have 100A or 125A service. A whole-house remodel + new kitchen with modern appliance loads usually requires a service upgrade to 200A. The electrician coordinates with SCL:

1. Electrician submits the service upgrade application.
2. SCL quotes any work on their side (replacing the service drop, the meter, sometimes the transformer).
3. SCL schedules the cut-out and reconnect.
4. The electrician swaps the panel and meter base; SCL re-energizes.

Most service upgrades are simple. A small fraction need a transformer upgrade upstream, which can extend the timeline to 4–8 weeks.

Inspections

Each trade gets an inspection before drywall:

• Electrical rough — verify circuits, boxes, fire-blocking, smoke/CO wiring, kitchen circuit count.
• Plumbing rough — verify drain slope, vent terminations, gas-line pressure test, water-line stub locations.
• Mechanical rough — verify duct routing, equipment locations, ventilation airflow paths.
• Energy / insulation pre-cover — verify air-sealing details before insulation goes in.

Why the kitchen MEP is more involved than other rooms

The kitchen has more circuits, more plumbing fixtures, more ventilation than any other room. It's also where appliance specs change late — owners pick the actual range three weeks before delivery, after MEP rough is done. That's why the appliance schedule from step 2.4 has to be locked before MEP rough; changing the range from 30A to 50A after rough is a wall-open change order.

When this is done

When all four roughs (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy/insulation) are inspected and signed off, and SCL service work is complete.