Electrical Considerations to Think About During Home Renovation

01 Apr Electrical Considerations to Think About During Home Renovation

Anyone who’s renovated their home before knows that things look worse before they get better. The same is often true of electrical work.

Before your renovations are underway, consider if your home’s electrical systems need any updating. Now would be the right time to make these changes.

Take this opportunity to adjust any electrical issues at the same time as your renovations. You’ll thank yourself for it later!

Upgrade The Lighting

It can be tough to install new light fixtures without the help of an electrician or contractor.

First of all, switch out any incandescent bulbs to LEDs. Not only will they last longer, but they’re brighter and more energy-efficient. You can even purchase smart bulbs that allow you to change their colors and intensity using your smartphone.

What if the bulbs aren’t in a good location? In the kitchen, you need a lot of light to see what you’re cooking on the stovetop or in the oven. A fixture that hangs too far back from these areas makes it tough to see what you’re doing.

The location of the light switches themselves might be a concern. For example, consider a bathroom renovation. If the switch is inside the bathroom on the far wall, you have to stumble in the dark just to turn it on. Moving it to another wall or outside the room may be more convenient. 

Does Your Home Have Enough Electrical Capacity?

To answer this question, start by identifying the age of your home. If it’s older than 50 years, it was probably built during a time when electricity requirements were lower. Today, we have a higher demand for energy to fuel our desktop computers, home entertainment systems, and kitchen appliances.

Keep in mind the electrical load of your home. If you’re installing high-power appliances, you may need another electrical panel. 

Take a range hood, for example. This device removes smoke, steam, and grease from the air, which is perfect for a kitchen. But as useful as a range hood is, it also draws a lot of electricity (between 5-7 amps). It may need a dedicated circuit to avoid overpowering the breaker. 

While you’re renovating, why not take the opportunity to replace outdated fuse panels? Systems like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring are unreliable and often break down. Performing upgrades can reduce the risk of fires or service outages. Consider purchasing energy-efficient machines if this is a concern for you.

Do You Need More Outlets?

You’ve got big plans for your newly renovated room. It could be a home office, a new playroom for the kids, or a hobby room dedicated to all your favorite things.

But before you go ahead with those plans, make sure your home has enough outlets to power your space. Nothing is more annoying than setting up a new electronics system, only to realize that the wall plug is too far away.

Don’t crowd your floors with endless extension cords. Install a few extra outlets to save yourself from tripping on wires. For additional convenience, install USB ports on the outlets.

Add GFCIs To Kitchens & Bathrooms

When it comes to electrical hazards, you can never be too safe.

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is essential for any watery areas in your home, like kitchens and bathrooms. If water is spilled onto an appliance or plug, the GFCI will immediately cut off electricity. It’s an effective way to prevent electrocution or damage to your home.

If your home lacks this protection in high-risk areas, consider asking your contractors about installing them.

Be Careful With Demolition

Before knocking down a wall, find out if there is any electrical wiring within it. This is why you should always contact professionals for demolition work: they can identify whether the wall is load-bearing or contains plumbing/electrical systems. Then, they can cautiously remove the wall without jeopardizing the safety of your home.

Find Professional Contractors

With any home renovation, you’re better off working with the experts. Contact New Generation Kitchen & Bath and put your project in the hands of the professionals. We can help you with each step of the process, from designing the space to installing fixtures.

It’s best to think ahead during a renovation or remodel. Your home’s electricity is often overlooked during these projects, but if they’re left unfixed, it could cause problems later on. The last thing you want is for an electrical fire to ruin your hard work.