It may be worthwhile to replace your existing electrical system to satisfy all required recommendations and current safety regulations, whether you’re remodeling your present house or rebuilding an older property. Here’s a rundown of some of the most typical electrical improvements for home renovations, so you can bring your house up to code and rest easy knowing you’re protected against electrical fires and surges.
1. Outlets
If you live in an older house, there’s a good possibility you have outdated outlets that aren’t grounded properly. When remodeling your home, upgrading outdated two-prong outlets can help avoid electrical shock, fires, and surges.
Another factor to consider is the number of people in your household. Consider your electricity requirements ten years from now. If you want to expand your family, your electricity requirements may vary as well. Installing more outlets in each area of your home during a home repair or remodel is a great way to save money. You might wish to update and add outlets to the following rooms:
Home Offices
With a large section of the country’s workforce moving to minor roles, the home office has never been more popular. The needs of contemporary technologies such as laptops, printers, and desktop computers have also altered. Adding more outlets in your home office will help you avoid overloading power strips and utilizing extension cables, both of which may be dangerous if overused.
Children’s Rooms
Most adults cringe when considering how dependent today’s youngsters are on technology. More outlet space is required in the room for video games, modern entertainment systems, and even better lighting systems.
Patios, decks, and outside spaces
This is exceptionally crucial. If you have any outdoor locations, you should install GFCI outlets to guarantee safe if your outlets come into touch with water or humidity. GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. If any plugged-in gadget comes into contact with water or other forms of moisture, these intelligent outlets will switch off the energy immediately. It’s a must-have for outdoor spaces.
Kitchens
The kitchen is another room in the house with enormous and demanding appliances. The same regulation applies here as it does in outside areas. Because the kitchen is a high-traffic area with a lot of water and moisture, you’ll need extra GFCI outlets to accommodate the load of large appliances. Refrigerators, toaster ovens, ice machines, and microwaves are appliances.
2. Stations for Charging
Welcome to the millennial age, when everyone has at least one mobile device that requires constant charging. Charging stations are becoming increasingly frequent in new construction. This not only frees up additional outlets but also allows you to keep all of your mobile gadgets, tablets, and cellphones in one place rather than scattered over the living room and kitchen.
3. GFCIs
As previously stated, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are required in kitchens, restrooms, and outdoor spaces. All new construction and remodels must now include these incredibly effective safety measures. GFCIs, rather than tripping your breakers, are designed to turn off quickly if the outlet comes into contact with moisture, preventing electrical shock and fires. The nice part about GFCIs is that they are pretty affordable and straightforward to install by your electrician.
This is something you can accomplish on a budget. Ensure your house has the correct number of GFCI outlets and that they are in the right places. Your electrician will be able to inform you about current GFCI installation and standards as well as local construction rules and protocols.
4. Update on the Electrical Panel
While contemporary houses are unquestionably more energy-efficient, it does not mean that all modern appliances are growing more complex and require more electricity to perform effectively.
Your home’s electrical panel has to be improved to manage the increased demand caused by these gadgets and devices. On average, today’s homes consume 30 percent to 50 percent more energy than in earlier decades, according to reports. Changing or upgrading your electrical panel and breaker box is an excellent investment that will keep your house safe and surge-free for many years.
5. Updates to Electrical Wiring
Old wiring is a significant safety danger, and this is most frequently the case in older buildings. When you consider the demands that all of our latest technology and gadgetry place on outmoded wiring, it’s no surprise that it becomes overloaded, which might cause your fuses and breakers to blow. Because the walls are likely to be open during renovations, your electrician will have simple access to replace your home’s electrical system and wiring.
6. Switches for lights
These days, it’s not simply about ‘light switches.’ Increasingly, homeowners strive to create the ideal ambiance in each of their rooms. To master the art of ambiance, you must first understand what type of lighting to use in specific settings. There are many different light switches available today, from dimmer switches to sensor lights and 3-way panel sliders. Before you shop for electrical supplies, inquire with your electrician about numerous lighting solutions and which light switches are appropriate for your family’s and lifestyle’s demands.
7. Upgrades to the lighting
Changing the lighting in your house may ultimately transform it. With the correct lighting services, you can turn negative, uninviting space into a welcome sanctuary of light.
When it comes to lighting changes, both inside and outside the house, you have a lot of alternatives. Upgrades to lighting that you might wish to think about include:
Upgrade your light fixture
Many rooms have one modest flush mount light fixture. While a flush mount fixture has nothing intrinsically wrong with it, it may not always have the capacity to illuminate all areas of space adequately. A ceiling fan with lights or other multi-light fixtures may considerably brighten a room by replacing one of these simple fixtures.
Light fixture addition
For bigger rooms such as living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, one central light fixture is typically insufficient. Our electricians can install extra lighting, such as recessed lighting, so you can start enjoying your larger rooms without the need for multiple lamps.
Outside lighting improvements
Whether you want to use your outdoor spaces more effectively with landscape lighting or boost the security of your house with outdoor lights, outdoor lighting upgrades may help you accomplish both.
Upgrades to energy-efficient lighting
Upgrading your lighting to energy-efficient solutions can help you save money on your power bill.
If you’re unsure which lighting upgrades would be ideal for your house, our electricians can consult with you and present you with various alternatives.
8. Smart Home Upgrades
Smart house improvements are one form of an electrical update that is gaining popularity. These modifications can simplify handling several aspects of your house, like your thermostat and lighting.The following are examples of smart electrical upgrades:
Smart thermostats, smart smoke alarms/carbon monoxide detectors, smart lighting systems, smart home security, and smart sprinkler systems are all options available to you during your consultation with our electricians.
9. Protectors Against Surges
Surge protection for your entire home is significant for preventing damage to your appliances and devices. Even in a large-scale electrical storm, power strips may not be sufficient. Installing whole-house surge protection is the only method to secure all of your belongings completely.
As you properly arrange your house, electrical wiring diagrams, beautiful additions, and renovations to your home may boost the value while giving tax benefits for you. Code regulations, as well as energy-efficient specs, may help you save money on energy while also providing safety elements to keep you and your family safe while working on your home project.
