The houses we wire are usually 3000 - 3500 square ft. We use a SQD QO 200 AMP 40 SPC 40 Circuit panel. We keep our circuits light and usually come close to filling up the panel. If they finish the basement we set a 100 AMP sub.

We are about to do a house that is slightly over 4000 sq ft and we know that the 200 AMP is not going to be enough. Our idea was to use a 225 AMP panel (3/0 Copper SEU) and a 100 AMP sub.

My question is - is there a better way?

One suggestion I got was to use 12 wire everywhere and load up on 20 AMP circuits. Then you can set a 200 AMP service. WOuld anyone in their right mind use more 12 wire than necessary?

Open to more suggestions. Thanks.