Summer is the time when we often take a look at our home and realize it needs some help. This might be triggered by having the kids out of school and realizing you don’t have enough room to accommodate everyone in the house at the same time. You might consider finishing an unfinished basement or attic as a solution, or building an addition with an entertainment room. Or maybe you want to spend more time outdoors in the warm weather but you realize that your outdoor living space is not conducive to relaxing or entertaining. Perhaps a screen room or an outdoor kitchen would fill the bill.
Before you decide to do any home renovation, it’s important to assess the scope of the project you are undertaking and determine what professionals need to be involved in the process. If any of your projects involve wiring (most will), you’ll want to employ a professional electrician, because working with electricity is not a job for amateurs. Here are some issues to consider when deciding whether or not to start a project that will involve an electrician.
Budget
It’s estimated that 9% of an average kitchen remodel’s budget will be spent on electrical and plumbing. A typical kitchen remodel can run upwards of $20,000, so a bill of $1,800 or so could be expected. When considering major projects, make sure you have the funds to get the job done right and to work with professionals who can do the work safely and correctly.
Design Preferences
Do you know how your remodeling project will fit in with the style and design of the rest of your home? Do you and your family members all agree on the design? Too many people dive into a project before doing their research and developing a cohesive plan. This can lead to stalled projects, undesired results, and budgets that quickly get out of control.
Existing Capacity
Before deciding that you want to make your 150-year-old historic house into a “smart home” with everything remotely controllable from your laptop, take into consideration the existing electrical capacity. Some homes simply are not wired to accommodate modern technologies. If you really want to go high-tech, you may need to work with an electrician who can upgrade your service, install a new panel, run new wire, install new outlets, and install proper grounding if necessary.
Location
Planning a room addition or an outdoor kitchen? Major remodels such as these need to be carefully planned. Work with a professional electrician who can help you understand how your project will work with your home’s current electrical configuration, and what changes might be required. Being proactive and working with a pro before you start could save you thousands of dollars and lots of frustration.
Eric M. Krise Electrical Contractor in Elmer, NJ, provides full service electrical design, installation and repairs. We work with homeowners and general contractors on additions and renovations, and we’ll be happy to talk with you to show you how we can make the electrical system a true asset to your home renovation project.