Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical System During Remodel – Part 1

Since most of a home’s electrical system is behind walls, homeowners tend to overlook this area when they’re planning a remodel or renovation. However when a project involves opening up ceilings or walls, it’s the perfect opportunity for performing electrical upgrades for safety and meeting power demands.

Below are five aspects of your house’s electrical system that will likely require an upgrade when you are remodeling or renovating. Remember to only work with a reputable local licensed electrician to get the best results for your project.

Electrical Outlets

If you have young children, their electrical usage will probably rise as fast as they grow. They will need more places to plug in their technical devices. The ideal time for installing additional electrical wall outlets is when a space is being remodeled. The following summarizes the places that typically require more outlets:

• Children’s bedrooms that have tablets, televisions, and video games
  
  
• Home office room equipped with a computer, printer, and other electronics
  
  
• Kitchens that have newer appliances that tend to be larger
  
  
• Outdoor areas with entertainment center, fans, and kitchen

If you are depending on power strips and extension cords for power, you should think about installing more outlets. In addition to more convenience, you and your family will be safer from electrical fires. Call a licensed electrician ahead of time for planning the installation of outlets before you remodel or renovate.

GFCIs

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) helps ensure safety by immediately cutting off electricity when a powered electrical device comes into contact with water or other liquids. Although GFCIs are now standard for bathrooms and kitchens, an older house might not be equipped with GFCIs.

A licensed electrician can easily replace an existing outlet with a GFCI while you are remodeling or renovating your home. Installing GFCIs in every room where liquids are present will make everyone in your house safer. There may also be a local building code requirement that GFCIs should be installed whenever there is remodel or renovation of a home.

Part 2 will cover three more electrical upgrades for your home during a remodel or renovation.

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.