Electrical Gremlins And Old Homes

When you renovate your kitchen, you may think of things like new cabinets and countertops, but if you want your kitchen to function with the modern times as well as look modern or trendy, then you may need new electrical wiring too. Before you get too far along with your renovation plans, you may need to consult an electrician. Here's why.

1. An Electrician Can Help With Lighting Design

Good lighting is essential in a kitchen and it also acts as decor. You may want recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, or hanging lights over a new kitchen island. An electrician can plan the wiring for new lighting and can also help you choose lighting for the best illumination for work surfaces and to accent furnishings.

2. An Electrician Helps With Code Compliance

Your old kitchen may not need to comply with local codes since existing electrical systems are grandfathered in when codes are updated. However, when you renovate, new work has to be done to code, and that includes having the right kind and number of outlets. It's likely your needs will exceed the minimum code requirements, and an electrician's job is to give you an electrical system with enough outlets to handle the way you use your kitchen while staying in compliance with building codes. For instance, you'll need ground fault circuit interrupter outlets in your kitchen to keep you safe from shock since the outlets are close to water.

3. An Electrician Calculates The Circuits Needed

All you may know is your current kitchen doesn't have nearly enough outlets and you want your renovated kitchen to have more places to plug things in for your convenience. However, an electrical contractor thinks along lines of circuits as well as outlets. Some small appliances, such as a microwave and high-speed blenders, need their own circuits because they draw so much power. In addition to figuring out how many outlets you need based on all the appliances and equipment you use daily, an electrical contractor determines how many circuits your kitchen needs to operate conveniently and safely.

Since there are many factors involved in upgrading an electrical system for your renovated kitchen and complicated wiring work that may be involved in the flooring and ceiling, hire an electrician to do the job. You may be able to handle nearly all the renovation work yourself as a DIY project, but an electrical contractor is probably required by local codes, and using a professional is the best way to ensure you are safe from an electrical fire or shock once you start using your new kitchen. Reach out to a professional for residential electrical installation services.