Remodeling your home is an exciting project. It can beautify your home, improve its function, and add value. On top of that, it’s just a great way to change things up and get a different look.
Most of those upgrades are for things that you see, like appliances, fixtures, wall coverings, and so forth. If you’re in full do-it-yourself mode, you may not realize what’s going on behind the scenes–and behind the walls.
During your renovation project, you will run into some kind of electrical work that needs to be done. In some cases, it’s simple. In other cases, though, it involves expensive and important electrical components that must be installed correctly for safe, effective performance.
Here are four electrical remodeling tasks you may encounter that could call for our professional help in Lakeland.
Relocating Wires
Most remodeling work involves opening walls, and many projects involve removing some walls. More than likely, any wall that comes out contains some wiring that must be relocated. That involves disconnecting it at each end and rerouting it through a wall that will remain after the project is done.
Sometimes that is simple, but if it includes more complex elements like a three-way switch, you’ll need someone qualified to take care of it for you. In addition, there could be a risk of damaging the connection locations at each end, making it worth your while to have us do the work.
Adding Fixtures
Inserting a new receptacle, light, or appliance isn’t simply a matter of cutting into the nearest wire and splicing some things together. Sometimes the wiring in the area is sufficient for the extra load, but sometimes the circuit does not need anything else added to it.
Other cases will require an entirely new circuit with a 220-amp breaker or other special considerations. This type of installation is far beyond what a homeowner should undertake. By leaving the electrical remodeling to us, you’ll get a safer, better setup.
Having us perform these types of upgrades will ensure that the circuit doesn’t get overloaded and that the setup at the fixture is done correctly and safely. We’ll properly size the wire, check the breaker, and get everything installed neatly and in compliance with code.
Upgrading Electrical Service
When you’ve made a simple switch-over between appliances of equal electrical demand, you might assume that there’s no need to upgrade the service to the home. In general, this can be true, but there are times when you should get a heavier service even when there wouldn’t appear to be a net change in use.
The most likely reason for this is when your service wasn’t heavy enough to begin with. This renovation project might not add anything to the load, but previous ones might have. The result is a system that’s just barely getting by.
Another issue is the “brown-downs” that take place when a heavy system like the HVAC unit comes on. Your old appliances might tolerate this drop in power fairly well, but newer ones might be damaged by these fluctuations in voltage. The same is true of your electronics.
Replacing Wiring & Connections
One common occurrence during a remodel is the discovery of outdated equipment. Receptacles, switches, and even the wire itself can all be too old for continued use. Many older homes have receptacles without the safety ground as well as aluminum wire that is too brittle and too soft for safe use. Wire nuts may have become loose, or you may discover they weren’t used at all.
As soon as you encounter such equipment, it is time to contact us. We can complete a full evaluation of the home’s wiring and determine what needs to be replaced to keep you safe, functional, and in compliance with Lakeland building codes. Letting us take care of these repairs will provide you with peace of mind.
When you decided to remodel your home, you had some priorities. You wanted to create a better look for the interior, exterior, or both. You probably wanted to modernize with features like smart home features, programmable thermostats, and upgraded appliances. You also wanted to add value to your home.
With all those considerations to keep in mind, you might not have spent enough time thinking about the logistical requirements of your plans. That’s where we come in.
As a professional electrical contracting company, we’re ready to perform all the electrical aspects of your remodeling project. We’ll plan things out with you and make sure you know exactly what will need to be done, when it will need to be done, and how much it will cost.
When the project is complete, you’ll have a home that is more beautiful, more functional, more valuable, and still totally safe and compliant with building code. Contact us today to get started.