Electrical Wiring Upgrades to Consider During a Home Renovation

Some electrical wiring problems are not unsafe, but they can be bothersome, making them the perfect candidates for extra projects during a home renovation.

Whether your electrical wiring is really old or it just got installed within last decade, it can be dated and ready for some upgrades if it’s causing problems.

Because much of your electrical system is concealed behind the walls, it can be easy to overlook when planning a remodel. Consider home electrical wiring upgrades along with all the other items on your home renovation list. When completing a home renovation that involves opening walls and ceilings for other reasons, you have the perfect opportunity to make electrical upgrades. Ensure you plan for both current needs and what you might need in the future.

Work with your electrician when planning your home renovation job to include the electrical work that you may need or want.

Too Few Outlets

If your family has grown, your requirements for electrical power has probably grown even quicker. A home renovation is a right time to install additional outlets on each wall. Families have different needs for extra outlets, such as:

A home office with some computers and printers

Older kids’ rooms with televisions and video games

Outdoor Spaces

Kitchens with new gadgets or appliances

If you find yourself using multiple power strips and extension cords for your everyday tasks then it’s time to get an electrical upgrade. Your professional electrician can include extra outlets in your renovation plan solving the trouble of having to unplug some appliances before plugging in others.

No GFCIs Installed

GFCIs, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, are designed to instantaneously turn the electricity off if the plugged-in item comes in contact with water or other types of moisture. These safety devices are standard in bathrooms and kitchens now, but if you own an older home they may be missing from your rooms.

It’s a very simple task for your electrician to switch out one type of outlet for another during a home renovation work, but it’s essential for your family’s safety, and may even be required for a renovation, depending on your local building code.

Plugs Fall Out of Outlets

You plug in an appliance, and a few minutes later the plug is laying on the floor, meaning that you need to upgrade them. Outlets should grip the end of the plug when it’s plugged into the holes. When the clip that’s intended to hold the plug wears out, it allows the plug to slip out and fall to the floor. Regrettably, this situation can cause arcs, sparking, and it’s a fire hazard. Have your electrician change these outlets as soon as possible.

Power Upgrade Needed

Outdated panels have limitations on available space to add circuits or they have fuses. Many old panels are of low quality or simply stop working and need to be changed.

An electric service upgrade is usually recommended or needed to increase the capacity of the existing electrical service. With all the new appliances and modern devices we now have in our homes, we find that older homes just don’t have sufficient power available to handle the increased demand. As a result, a service change is required. Other common reasons to change out an existing panel are due to obsolete technology.

Electrical Wiring

Most vintage homes will need to upgrade the electrical wiring at some point. The appliances and technology we own now demand a certain level of reliable power. A home renovation is a right time to upgrade your know and tube or aluminum wiring as well as installing new major appliances. If you have to open walls as part of your home renovation consider making upgrades to your electrical wiring while you have open access. This could be the perfect time to update old wiring for safety, efficiency, and modern gadgetry.

If you planning a home renovation in Greater Vancouver, BC we hope you reach out and tell us a bit about your project and your goals. From there, we’d be happy to help you make your dream project a reality.