Electrical Upgrades to Add to Your Remodel Project

Americans are spending significant money on remodels in 2021. A Harvard study following housing trends projects Americans will spend a whopping $352 billion in 2021 on remodeling, compared to $290 billion in 2017. Decisions to remodel are generally driven by economic indicators and in this case, home values are appreciating, home sales are on the rise and the available stock of homes is aging. In addition, the pandemic caused people to spend more time at home, considering renovations that might bring greater comfort and pleasure from existing homes.¹

The most popular home improvement projects are:

• Yard/Landscaping
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Bedroom
• Deck/patio
• Office

When you plan a remodel project, you may consider whether the project should include an Electrical Upgrade to your electrical service. Is it necessary?

• If your home is 25 years or older, chances are you are already in need of an electrical upgrade.
  • A contractor followed the building code at the time your house was built (with inspections to ensure safety requirements were met). However, over the years building codes change to address the power increases in the average home.
  • Your family uses more appliances, communication devices, and gadgets now than the average family twenty-five years ago. Walk around and notice home many power bars and extension cords are in use in your home.
• Unless your electrical service was oversized, certain remodel projects will require an upgrade.
• • If your remodel adds square footage–say a new workshop or home office–the project should require a service upgrade. The panel that was installed served the needs of the original space. By adding a room or more, the necessary lighting and outlets may overload the panel.
  • Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms are the most desirable upgrades. We use more appliances, both large and small, and desire better lighting and communication than when your home was built. New stoves and refrigerators are larger and draw more power than older versions. We also use more gadgets in our bathrooms than ever before.
  • Depending on how old your house is and whether it has been previously upgraded, your outlets may be as far as 12’ apart. The current building code requires a maximum space of 6’ and some homeowners prefer them as close as 4’ apart.

    Remodeling a room often requires that you ensure it complies with the current building code. Adding outlets may max out or overload your current panel.

Plan well, so your electrical upgrade can be completed as part of the remodeling project.

• Adding switches and outlets before the project begins, leaving them uncovered, can expose the family to potential shock hazards.
• Reopening walls for switches, outlets or a larger electrical panel as a follow-up to the remodel would be costly and annoying. The second round of construction dust will not be a welcomed sight.
• Completing the wiring and electrical upgrade simultaneously with the remodel is the preferred option. It will save time and money; the results will be a far superior process. Your new electrical system will accommodate all of the conveniences you desire as part of your remodel.
• Completing the electrical upgrade at the same time as the remodel is also the safest option, avoiding both exposed wires for an extended period or risking overloading an aging electrical service.

Each project and circumstance is different, but chances are there is room in the budget for this safety measure. All it takes is planning at the beginning.

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Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise for Guidelines for Choosing a Home Generator.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.

¹https://www.millionacres.com/real-estate-market/articles/new-data-forecasts-strong-activity-in-remodeling-for-2021/