Planning to start your next home renovation project?
We know you’re excited and have grand visions for your new and improved home. But there’s one thing standing between you and your dream project:
Electricians.
Without licensed and qualified electricians, your home renovation will be a nightmare in no time. In fact, without proper electrical work, you’re actually putting your family at risk.
If you’re going to do major home renovations, you need to work with a qualified electrician in Delafield
When you call an electrician to handle your home improvement electrical needs, you know you’ll get reliable and safe results that stand the test of time.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Do You Need An Electrician For Renovations?
- What Makes Electrical Work Different In Renovations?
- Top 5 Renovation Projects That Always Need Electricians
- How To Choose The Right Electrical Professional
Why Do You Need An Electrician For Renovations?
Home renovation projects require much more electrical work than most homeowners ever think. If you’re planning any type of home improvement work, here are the top three reasons why you absolutely need professional electrical services.
Safety Comes First
When it comes to renovation projects, electrical work is the foundation. It’s not visible, but without it, everything falls apart.
One incorrect move or miscalculation with the electrical system and you’re looking at fires, electrocution, or massive damage to your home.
Professionals are trained and licensed to know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to building codes and electrical work. They understand which wires can safely handle the electrical load and how to install everything correctly.
Code Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
Almost all home renovations require permits and inspections. Even seemingly simple projects like adding a ceiling fan must meet local electrical code requirements.
Professional electricians know the local codes by heart, and they know how to pull permits. According to reports, 40% of specialty service providers hired for renovations are electricians, for a reason. This job requires true professionals.
But if you try to handle electrical work without a license, you’re basically taking an online course and performing brain surgery at the same time. It’s near impossible to get right, and it’s guaranteed to fail inspection.
Modern Homes Need Modern Electrical Systems
Did you know that the average home’s electrical needs have more than doubled in the past decade?
Smart home technology, electric vehicle chargers, and high-powered appliances all require new and updated electrical systems. Most older homes weren’t built to handle the electrical load we expect from our modern homes.
What Makes Electrical Work Different In Renovations?
Renovation electrical work is 100% different than new construction. There are certain challenges that go along with electrical work in an existing structure versus a building that is being built from the ground up.
Working With Existing Systems
Most people don’t realize that when electricians perform work on renovations, it’s like performing surgery on a living being.
The house is already occupied, systems are running, and they have to seamlessly integrate the new electrical work with existing systems. This requires specific knowledge and skill sets.
For example, how do you tie into existing circuits correctly? Do the old wires need to be replaced or can they be reused? How do you upgrade the panels without shutting down the entire home? Is the old system aluminum or copper?
This is way more complex than working from the ground up like you would with new construction.
Hidden Problems Always Surface
One of the most common things about electrical work in renovation is that when you pull up the covers, there are always hidden problems that no one saw coming.
Projects that look like they should be easy and simple always end up being much bigger than the average person realizes. Some of the most common issues found during renovation work are:
- Old wiring that doesn’t meet code
- Circuits that need to be split because they are overloaded
- Grounding issues in older homes
- Panel upgrades that are needed to have the capacity for additional power
Integration Challenges
One of the biggest challenges with modern renovation work is that it often involves technology like smart home systems, LED lighting, and automated controls.
This isn’t just about running wire. This is about installing whole intelligent systems that need to work together and seamlessly integrate with everything else.
This is why electrician employment is projected to grow 9% by 2034 – much higher than the average occupation.
5 Leading Renovation Projects That Always Need Electricians
Are you on the fence about your renovation project? Here are the five most common projects that will always need professional electrical services.
Kitchen Remodels
The kitchen is the most electrically demanding space in the home. Modern kitchens require multiple dedicated circuits for appliances, countertop small appliance circuits, under-cabinet lighting, island electrical, and more.
Most kitchen remodels involve moving outlets, adding pendant lighting, or installing new appliances. All of this means permits and professional installation.
Bathroom Renovations
Bathroom electrical presents unique challenges because of the need for safety and moisture control. GFCI outlets, exhaust fan wiring, heated floors, and vanity lights are all handled by professional electricians.
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination which is why bathroom electrical work is particularly risky for homeowners who attempt it themselves.
Basement Finishing
Finishing a basement means taking a non-livable space and turning it into a living oasis. It’s not just about drywall and flooring – it also means a ton of electrical work.
Basements need to have all new circuits for outlets and lighting. Grounding needs to be addressed as well as code-required egress lighting.
Home Additions
Building an addition onto your home? You just added additional electrical demand as well.
Home additions require service panel evaluation, new circuit installation, proper load calculation, and much more.
Smart Home Upgrades
Installing smart home technology isn’t just about buying the latest gadgets from Amazon.
Smart home installation requires a trained professional who knows how to make sure your home has the proper network infrastructure, compatible control systems, adequate power supplies, and seamless integration between all of your new devices.
How To Choose The Right Electrical Professional
One of the biggest problems with home renovation projects is finding the right electrician for the job. Here are some tips to make sure your experience with an electrical professional is a good one.
Check Licensing And Insurance
Here’s one that should be a no-brainer:
All electricians should have current licensing and proper, comprehensive insurance coverage. No exceptions. Ask to see it.
Look For Renovation Experience
Not all electricians are created equal when it comes to home renovations.
You want to work with someone who has the specific experience in older homes, knows code requirements, and can integrate old and new systems.
Ask for references and examples of similar projects.
Get Detailed Written Estimates
Quality electricians provide written estimates that are itemized. You should know exactly how much labor costs, materials, permits, and the timeline are.
Stay away from verbal estimates or electricians that are wishy-washy about the details.
Verify They Can Pull Permits
Professional electricians will handle all permits and inspections.
This means you know it’s going to be done right, meet code, and your insurance company won’t have a problem with it down the road.
If an electrician suggests you don’t need a permit, find someone else.
Wrapping Things Up
Electricians play an absolutely critical role in any home renovation project. They ensure safety, code compliance, and they are the ones who know how to properly integrate modern technology into your home.
The home renovation industry is booming, and homeowners are spending more on improvements than ever before. Smart homeowners know that the quality of the electrical work matters. It’s not just about flipping the lights on and off, it’s about creating safe, efficient, and future-proof electrical systems in your home.
Remember:
- Professional electrical work keeps your family safe
- Code compliance protects your investment
- Modern electrical systems require specific expertise and knowledge
- Quality electricians handle permits and inspections
Your home renovation project deserves the best electrical foundation possible. Choose wisely and your upgraded home will serve your family safely for years to come.
