Electrical Wiring For Home Remodels And Additions
Defining Home Remodels And Additions
It is best to begin this blog by clarifying the difference between a home renovation and a home remodeling project. Renovations restore something to its previous state while retaining the room design. On the other hand, a remodeling project is intended to alter the layout, structure, and style of a room or home floor plan. One remodeling example would be tearing down the wall separating two rooms to create a more open appearance.
A home addition is, of course, the adding to the original size of home space. A home addition also includes modifying of the attic, basement, or the garage into livable space.
The Reasons For Home Remodeling And Additions
The tick marks on the walls of our Austin, Texas neighbors are more than just a measurement of the height of children living in the home. The tick marks represent the passing of time and the realization that nothing stays the same, much as we wish it could. The initial grandeur felt at the time of home purchase gives way to a 'cramped' feeling as the toddlers are now teens, needing more than a toy box for their 'stuff,' a home office is now required for dad, and mom needs more space for the many new kitchen appliances. With the decision to do a home remodeling and addition project, it is crucial not to forget the electrical system underneath the sheetrock or plaster walls.
Consider A Revamp Of Home Amps
Home remodels and additions usually require a re-evaluation of the flow rate of electric current for the additional home space. Electric current is measured in amperage, aka 'amps.'
Home amps range from a rare 30 ampere, 60 amp, 'marginal' for today's electronic world, to 100 amps for average-sized homes with gas, oil, and hot water systems. With additional space and the many occupants and modern appliances part of the home, it would be prudent to consider revamping the amps flowing from a home's electrical panel to that of 150 or 200 amps. Two hundred amps are the norm for new home construction, keeping an eye on future home electronic needs.
Electrical Upgrades With Home Remodeling And Additions
ATX Electrical recommends that their Austin, Texas neighbors keep up with the following upgrades to the overall home electrical system during the home remodel or home addition project:
Electrical Panel Update: Home life in the 21st century shows an approximate 30% to 50% increase in home energy use from the 20th century. ATX Electrical professionals suggest an evaluation of the home electrical panel to ensure sufficient circuit breakers are available to handle the new power demands.
Electrical Wiring Update: In older homes, the home wiring should be inspected to ensure it is up to the National Electric Code standards and to avoid such issues as power surges, electrical shock from wall outlets, and the electric 'shorts' that cause fires.
Charging Stations: With computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones becoming commonplace in Austin, Texas homes, consider adding charging stations in various areas of the house for the convenience of charging electronic devices.
Whole House Surge Protection: A whole house surge protection device installed on the electrical panel is an excellent investment to protect household electronics and appliances from power surge damage.
Smart Smoke Detectors: Smart smoke alarms added to your home remodeling and addition project are designed to detect increased temperatures in the home, which provides greater protection against smoke and fire getting a toehold to a room.
Contact the licensed electricians of ATX Electrical for the answers to any electrical issues in your home. We ensure our work complies with all current electrical safety codes!