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Commercial Electrical Design

Electrical Systems

Designed for Long-Term Performance

Thoughtful Planning. Code-Compliant Systems. Built for the Long Haul.

Whether you’re planning a new commercial building or expanding an existing space, electrical design is the foundation of a safe, efficient, and code-compliant system. At BTE Electric, we help business owners, general contractors, architects, and engineers develop electrical designs that make sense for today and tomorrow.

We proudly serve clients across Mid-Michigan and Traverse City with commercial electrical design and planning services tailored to their unique operations.

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What Is Commercial Electrical Design?

Electrical design is the blueprint for how your building will be powered. It includes planning for:

  • Lighting layout and control systems
  • Power distribution (panels, transformers, service size)
  • Dedicated circuits for equipment and HVAC
  • Emergency and exit lighting
  • Site lighting and signage
  • Backup power (generators, UPS)
  • Energy efficiency strategies
  • Code compliance and safety systems
  • Conduit and wire routing
  • Future expansion planning


Our team collaborates with you from concept to final inspection to ensure your system is not only functional, but also efficient, safe, and built for growth.

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Common Questions About Commercial Electrical Design

Q. When Do I Need Electrical Design Services?

ANSWER: We commonly assist with electrical design during:

  • New building construction
  • Major renovations or additions
  • Tenant fit-outs
  • Facility expansion
  • Energy efficiency upgrade
  • Equipment upgrades or relocation
  • Code compliance projects

ANSWER: Yes, most commercial jobs require engineered drawings stamped by a licensed electrical engineer to receive permits and pass inspections. We work with trusted partners to coordinate those drawings if needed.

ANSWER: Absolutely. We often work as part of a design/build team, collaborating with architects, general contractors, and other trades to align electrical systems with the overall project goals, budget, and schedule.

ANSWER: A good design isn’t just about code compliance, it’s about future-proofing your investment. That means:

  • Planning for energy-efficient lighting and controls
  • Making room for potential equipment upgrades
  • Providing clean, organized panel layouts
  • Separating high-demand circuits properly
  • Building in capacity for future expansion
  • We think like builders, not just designers.

ANSWER: Many of our commercial clients hire BTE Electric as their design-build electrician. This means we handle both the electrical planning and installation, offering:

  • Faster timelines
  • Fewer change orders
  • One point of contact
  • Full transparency
  • Budget-aware solutions

ANSWER: Electrical design costs vary depending on project size, complexity, and whether it’s plan-and-spec or design-build. Here’s a general breakdown:

Project Type Typical Design Cost
Small office/retail space $1,500–$3,000
Mid-size facility $3,000–$7,500
Large/complex projects Custom quoted

We offer free initial consultations and clear, written proposals so there are no surprises.

ANSWER: 

  • Decades of hands-on experience in commercial power and lighting
  • Design-build expertise that saves time and money
  • Coordination with architects, engineers, and GCs
  • Fully licensed and insured, with a sharp focus on code and safety
  • Local crews serving Mid-Michigan and Traverse City
  • Real-world solutions, not over-engineered, not under-planned


We don’t overcomplicate things, we design what works.

Ready to Plan Your Project?

Whether you’re in early planning stages or already have a construction timeline, BTE Electric is here to help. We’ll walk your site, review your goals, and develop a tailored electrical design plan that keeps your project on track. Contact us today to get started on your commercial electrical design.