Here’s Why You Should Consult an Electrician Before Diving into a Home Renovation Project

1. Here’s Why You Should Consult an Electrician Before Diving into a Home Renovation Project Spring has finally arrived, and that means homeowners across the Salem area will be digging into their renovation projects with gusto. Though knocking out a wall to open up a space or even adding a bedroom or bathroom can be exciting, it’s important to consult with an electrician before you start the work. You can learn why below. The Breakers May Not Be Sufficient The breaker box (sometimes referred to as the electrical panel) in your home is basically the command center for your electrical service. Each breaker is assigned to a number of outlets and rooms. If too much electricity flows through the wiring for any given circuit breaker, it will “trip” and shut off power to those outlets and rooms. As such, before you decide where to put a new dryer, refrigerator, or other appliance, it’s helpful to consult with an electrician. This individual can help you determine whether the existing breakers can handle the extra load –or if you’ll need to upgrade the wiring and breaker capacity. Placement is Important Homeowners have found that failing to consult with a licensed and experienced electrician prior to starting a home renovation project can cause serious problems with placement, as well. No matter how large or how small your project might be, consider the need for electricity. For example, if you are installing a kitchen island, where will you get the power for your stand mixer, your phone charger, or your slow cooker? Failing to install the right number of outlets in the right places can lead to a dangerous situation with power strips and extension cords. It’s always better to install an outlet that you may not really need during the project as long as the circuit can handle the additional load. This way, if you decide even a year later an outlet is necessary, you don’t have to tear into your new island to install one. Your Project May Not be Feasible This is by far the worst-case scenario, but it’s one that can be avoided when you consult with an electrician prior to starting your renovation project. Imagine for a second that you want to turn your basement into a home theater or game room, but in order to do so, you will need to finish the basement and add outlets for things like the television, game system, arcade games, projector, or other equipment that will help you realize your dream. What happens if you discover that your electrical panel does not have the extra spaces or capacity for a breaker on the basement circuit after you have already installed everything? It would be devastating and expensive, but it’s avoidable when you call an electrician for advice. Home renovations are exciting. Not only can they improve your overall quality of life, but they can also give you access to a variety of new technology and entertainment when they are carried out safely. If you want to ensure that your home renovation project goes as planned, it’s critical to contact a local licensed electrician beforehand. Otherwise, you may find that your project isn’t feasiblewhen you’re already halfway through.