Electrical Upgrades & Home Improvement Projects
Did you know that the most popular area of the home to remodel is the kitchen? Other popular areas are bathrooms and primary bedrooms. While you may be envisioning new cabinets, vibrant paint colors, and gorgeous finishes, these areas frequently require electrical work as part of the renovation process. In fact, issues with the electrical system often prompt people to embark on more elaborate remodeling projects. For example, if you want to upgrade your kitchen appliances or re-organize the kitchen, you may find that your current electrical system isn't up to the task.
Below we consider three of the most common electrical system remodeling projects and what homeowners should know about them.
#1: Repairing, Replacing, or Adding Outlets
One of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners about their electrical system is not enough outlets or outlets in all the wrong places and none where you actually want them. When planning your renovation, spending a little extra time on your electrical design can go a long way in making your space more user-friendly and comfortable.
Things to consider about your outlets when planning your remodel:
- Do you have any broken or dead outlets?
- Are there areas where you wish you had an outlet but don't?
- Where will all of your appliances and furniture live?
- What will your lighting configuration be?
- Do you need a charging station anywhere?
- Do you want outlets that also feature USB connections?
Other common outlet projects are repairing and updating old outlets. Older homes often have problematic outlets. Whether it's an outlet that's dead or a standard outlet where you need a GFCI outlet, if you are remodeling the area, it is worth going to the extra trouble of having an electrician resolve all of your outlet issues. Not only does this improve the overall safety of your system, but it also ensures you get the most out of your new space.
#2: Installing New Switches & Dimmers
Did you know that new lighting can positively impact your mood? Better lighting that brightens your space and meets your needs can transform your space and how you feel about it. Consequently, another popular remodeling project is upgrading a home's lighting. This is more than buying new area lamps and fixtures. Modern lighting fixtures have many different options when it comes to operation.
The sky's the limit from dimmer switches to integration into home automation systems. No matter what type of lighting you want to be installed, we highly recommend that you work with an experienced electrician like ours at Lightning Bug Electric.
Our electricians can help with all types of lighting projects, including:
- Recessed lighting
- Hanging chandeliers
- Ceiling fan installation
- Dimmer switch installation
- Switch & lighting fixture coordination
- Installation of additional switches
#3: Circuit Breaker or Service Panel Upgrades
After outlets and lighting, circuit breaker upgrades are incredibly common in home renovations. As we mentioned earlier, kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most commonly remodeled areas of the home. As we have come to rely so heavily on electrical appliances, these remodeling projects often require a second look at your existing circuit breakers and service panel. If your home is older, your current kitchen and bathroom circuits likely do not have the power to handle all your new appliances or the new electrical demand that will be placed on them.
Appliances that may necessitate a service panel or circuit upgrade include:
- Larger appliances than your existing ones
- Smart refrigerators
- New ranges and ovens
- Wine fridges
- Built-in microwaves
You may also need to upgrade your service panel or kitchen circuits to manage new load requirements of additional small appliances, such as coffee makers, espresso machines, toaster ovens, air fryers, pressure cookers, etc. Though these appliances are usually fine with existing setups, it is worth consulting with an electrician to avoid circuit overloads if you plan to have multiple small appliances installed and potentially running simultaneously.
Why You Need to Work with a Licensed Electrician
No matter what type of home remodeling project you are working on, we recommend that you consult with a licensed electrician before beginning. Hiring an electrician to manage any wiring work, outlet repairs, lighting installations, or anything to do with your circuit breakers is also important. Electrical systems can be hazardous, and most homeowners do not have the training or equipment to manage electrical work safely.
If you are planning a home improvement project that involves your electrical system, reach out to Lightning Bug Electric for guidance. Our electricians love helping homeowners bring their projects to the next level, and we are ready to help you today.