Top 10 Mistakes When Planning An Electrical Remodel
- Electrical
Top 10 Mistakes When Planning An Electrical Remodel
Updating your home’s electrical system can bring multiple benefits, including reduced power bills, greater convenience and a safer, more efficient use of power. However, there are a number of mistakes that homeowners commonly make when planning large-scale electrical work. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure that the project is on time, on budget and a perfect match for your family’s needs. The following tips can help homeowners make the most of their electrical overhaul. Keep these top 10 mistakes in mind when planning an electrical remodel to avoid a botched job that may end up costing you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to fix in the future.
1. Hiring The Wrong Person For The Job
A home’s electrical system has many different components, and each part of the system must be properly installed in order to ensure safety and proper function. If mistakes are made, there is a serious risk of malfunction or fire. Unlike having custom cabinetry or top-of-the-line carpeting installed, shoddy electrical work is hidden behind the walls, and may not be immediately detected. Hiring a qualified and skilled electrician is critical to both safety and proper function
2. Attempting Your Own Electrical Remodel
There are many areas of home improvement in which a handy homeowner can save a great deal of money by doing the job themselves. However, your home’s electrical system is not an area where a DIY approach is wise. There are a multitude of things that can go wrong, and having to call in an electrician to address those issues will only drive up the cost of the project.
3. Failing To Plan For Budget Overages
Every homeowner knows that home improvement projects rarely stay on budget. A number of different circumstances can require more money than anticipated, and building those unexpected costs into one’s budget is essential. Home remodeling professionals suggest including a budget overage amount of between 10 and 25 percent. Having that flexibility can make it easier to absorb any unexpected costs, and hopefully provide a much-appreciated overage at the end of the project.
4. Overlooking Building Codes & Regulations
Government regulation of electrical work is there to protect the public from harm. Even though adhering to various building codes and regulations can be a pain, the end result is a safer building and a reduced risk of harm to the occupants. Failing to plan for these requirements can mean a project that is both longer and more expensive than necessary.
5. Not Considering The Existing Electrical Layout
Each and every electrical remodel is unique, and some projects are far more complex than others. However, in order to get the most out of your new system, it is necessary to consider how the existing system is laid out. For example, in some cases it is possible to make use of part of the existing system, while adding certain updated components or making changes where needed. Even when the entire system will be replaced, understanding how the current system is routed can help avoid costly changes necessary to work around other utilities or construction features.
6. Choosing Cost Over Quality
Everyone wants to save money, especially during home improvement projects where savings can be put to use in other areas of the home. That said, when it comes to electrical services, the old adage applies: you truly do get what you pay for. The skills and experience of a professional electrician may cost more at the onset of a project, but the value will last for many years to come, in the form of an electrical system that is safe, effective and does not require multiple repairs.
7. Not Factoring Your Lifestyle Into the Plans
The primary purpose of an electrical remodel is to gain a system that is safe, dependable and in line with the family’s needs. In order to attain that goal, it is necessary to take the time to consider how each room within the home will be used. A kitchen has very different electrical needs than a bedroom, and some families have unique power needs that should be factored into the project plans.
8. Not Getting Service Estimates in Writing
Electrical overhauls are an investment in the safety and value of your home. While in the planning stage, it is critical to get a written estimate of the cost of the project. This gives both the homeowner and the electrician a clear idea of the scope of the project, as well as the expected costs. Having a written estimate makes it easier to discuss and plan for any changes to the project that may occur once the remodel is in process.
9. Using Cheap Materials
Most people don’t give much thought to the materials used in their home’s electrical system. After all, the vast majority of these materials are out of sight. It is important to understand that there is a range of quality in electrical components, just as there is with any other type of construction materials. Choosing quality materials will improve the efficiency, function and safety of the new electrical system.
10. Not Conducting A Home Inspection
A professional home inspection provides the homeowner with a wealth of information about the overall condition of the construction and systems within the property. This is a critical step, both at the time a home is purchased and after significant repairs or remodeling. When it comes to an electrical overhaul, a quality home inspection can provide homeowners with the information needed to plan the project, as well as the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the end result was properly completed.
Call Ryan Gath Electric For Electrical Remodel
Guarantee the safety of your new space after an electrical remodel by hiring a professional to carry out the upgrades. A safe and professional electrical remodeling job will not only protect your home against fire and other hazards, but will provide you with enough power to conveniently operate all your electronics simultaneously without anymore blown fuses or tripped breakers. The licensed electricians at Ryan Gath Electric offer same-day wiring services when available. So don’t risk costly repairs down the line by settling for a botched electrical job. Call Ryan Gath Electric for a free inspection estimate today.
