How much does it cost to rewire a house?

Nationwide, rewiring a house costs between $1,500 to $10,000, but most homeowners pay an average of $2,100. These prices include the cost of labor and materials, and vary depending on the size and age of your home, the rooms being rewired, and the amount of wire that needs to be replaced.

Home rewiring involves removing the home’s old wire and installing modern, non-metallic wire that’s encased in plastic. Outdated wiring—especially knob-and-tube, in use from the 1880s to the 1940s, or aluminum wiring, used in many homes built between 1965 and 1972—can’t handle modern electrical needs and appliances. Worse, they can be a fire hazard.

Given the dangers of outdated wiring, it’s not an upgrade you should put off. The U.S. Fire Administration reported in 2017 that more than 26,000 house fires were caused by electrical problems. If your circuit breakers are tripping frequently, you detect a persistent electrical burning smell, or see charred or discolored outlets and switches, your house may need new wiring, pronto. Even if you don’t see any of these signs, if your home is more than 25 years old, or you’re doing a major remodel or room addition, updating your electrical wiring may be necessary.

Rewiring an entire house is a substantial but, mercifully, once-in-a-lifetime expense. Before you hire an electrician, have your home inspected to determine if you need to overhaul your electrical wiring system. Then, use this guide to get an estimate on how much it will cost to update your wiring.

How much does it cost to hire an electrician to rewire your home?

On average, residential electrical wiring installation costs $2 to $4 per square foot, including labor and materials. Most homeowners pay $2.75 per square foot of home space. Electricians charge $50 to $100 an hour on average nationwide, and when pricing a rewiring job, they usually charge one hour of labor per 100 square feet of wire. You’ll pay additional labor charges to update an electrical switchboard or panel, or add outlets and switches.

Electrical Considerations for Your Kitchen Remodel Project

Many components go into a major kitchen remodel project. As you undertake the planning phase, some decisions you make will affect how your contractors wire your kitchen. Electrical work is very important to how your new kitchen will function. Below are some considerations to keep in mind.

Electrical Circuits

With some older homes, you have to upgrade your circuit system because the original plan obviously didn’t take into account modern appliances. However, even in a newer home you may need added electrical circuits. Generally speaking, you need a minimum of seven circuits in the kitchen — typically one for each appliance with a motor.

The two biggest appliances in your kitchen that need their own circuits are the electric range and the refrigerator. In fact, an electric range requires its own range outlet with a 240-volt circuit and receptacle. The next appliance with big energy needs is the microwave. In some instances, you can wire a microwave and garbage disposal on the same circuit, but it’s better to use two.

Kitchen Rewire

Another specialized consideration for older homes is the necessity to rewire your kitchen. As noted, older homes weren’t wired for modern appliances, so their circuit breakers might not be set up to handle the load. You may even have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker. The electricians may have to rewire your kitchen to make the electricity safe.

Electrical Outlets

A big factor for you is the location of the electrical outlets. Code requires an outlet at least every six feet, but four feet is better for the kitchen. Your first consideration will be where the big appliances will go. The electric range and refrigerator need special outlets that are only for their use.

Maximum Value Mechanical Projects: Electrical

Electrical projects cover a vast array of residential systems. From ceiling fans to chandeliers, garage doors to doorbells, electricity is one of the most obvious necessities in the home.

In any case, it’s important to note that electrical projects are more about safety than luxury or convenience, so whether you plan on adding a ceiling fan to the bonus room or an outdoor living area complete with surround sound and a kitchen, make sure you understand the importance of working with the pros so that nothing goes “hay-wire!”

Function trumps decoration. The housing market has begun to see functional fixtures replacing the large and elaborate trends of the recent past. Sleek and practical is the new grand and decorative — which is good news to the lower and mid-range housing markets — where keeping up with the Joneses of yesteryear now means energy efficiency and aesthetics can come at almost any price point.

BIGGEST MISTAKE

Electrical systems — behind the scenes — are very complicated, so it’s important to have an electrician tackle the bigger stuff — like a full-on electrical remodeling project. By working with a pro to consider the location, amperage, ease of access and fixtures before starting a remodel, you can spare yourself a lot of grief.

EXPERT TIPS

On a Budget/ Mid-Range: If you are looking to make some electrical upgrades in order to keep up with the competitive housing market and further the livability of your home, it’s smart to replace old fixtures and appliances with newer, more efficient models. By getting rid of old fuse boxes, plugs, switches and lighting fixtures, a vast improvement in aesthetics and function can bring big returns.

High-End: Trending in the high-end housing market is the need for larger electrical services. Because these homes are now seeing a rise in features like media rooms, outdoor living areas and other spots that generally demand more electricity, the units are seeing a big boost in service.

RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION

Home renovation electrical wiring can be a nerve-racking experience. Often times, you don’t even know where to begin As you may be learning, there’s much to think about when deciding on your renovation needs. Do you want to finally swap out the harsh florescent lights in your kitchen with new fixtures? Do you need to wire for a Jacuzzi in your bathroom? Do you want a ceiling fan in your bedroom to help you sleep better? Need to make sure your home passes electrical inspection? These are but a fraction of the questions you’ll need to answer, and we’re happy to be your trusted electrical contracting partner.

Kitchen Remodel Wiring

Your kitchen is where everything happens. You don’t simply cook and share meals there – it’s where you and your family meet to live your lives. Naturally during your home renovation, you want the room to be inviting and warm

Home Renovation Electrical for Bathroom Remodeling

Renovating bathrooms can be tricky. Everybody in your family, most likely, will have different opinions on what should be done, and prioritizing can be a challenge. will partner with you to determine what the most realistic options for your bathrooms are and how to make them a reality.

Bedroom Remodeling Electrical

We don’t need to tell you the value of a properly wired bedroom. Whether you need an entirely new lighting system, new smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a new ceiling fan, or anything else to make your bedroom safer and more comfortable

Electric Difference

provides you with the added peace of mind that comes with hiring a local contractor who knows the area better than the competition because we live here. Our remodeling projects stand out because we’re your neighbors

Renovations & Remodel

Renovations and remodeling are an extremely specialized field. It takes a very talented and experienced technician to work within an existing structure. has an entire remodel/renovation team dedicated to these special projects ensuring that they are done correctly and on time.

By working closely with both the general contractor and the homeowner, our team can make the process as painless and as customized as possible.

Panel/Service Changes

Need to upgrade or replace your panel or make a service change? Electric knows how to make sure that the change and/or upgrade is as seamless as possible.

Basement Finishes

Finishing your basement can be a long process. The Electric electricians have extensive experience refinishing basements and making them living spaces.

Kitchen and Bath Remodels

Making your bathroom and kitchen more accessible and functional can make a whole house work more efficiently. The Electric team will work with you to make your home exactly what you want it to be

Room Additions

When you add on a new room to a house, the electrical work can be complex. Thanks to our experience, Electric knows how to install all of the electric for a new room addition.

ELECTRICITY SAVING CAMPAIGN

Before considering ways and means of reducing your electricity account one should first consider the cost of operating the various types of domestic appliances.

SAFETY INSIDE YOUR HOME​​

Your installation must meet the required safety standards. If you do not have a certificate of compliance, engage a qualified electrical contractor to inspect and test your installation and give you a certificate.

Don’t overload plug points, particularly where multiple socket extensions are used. The total load on any socket (plug) should not exceed 16 amps (or 3 kW). How many plugs on one socket?​​

Disconnect electrical appliances from the plug point before working on the appliance.

Use electrical appliances only for the purpose for which they are intended, eg. don’t hang damp clothing over heaters to dry, don’t use stoves to heat rooms, etc.

Don’t touch electrical appliances while in the bath, eg. hairdryers.

Ensure that all appliances have a plug on the cord. Don’t stick bare wires into the socket outlet.

Don’t interfere with the electrical wiring installation.

Protect your installation with an earth leaka​ge unit.

If the earth leakage or any circuit breaker trips, don’t bypass it. It has tripped because it has detected an unsafe or dangerous condition. If you cannot reset the earth leakage after it has tripped, unplug all appliances, double adaptors and extension cords (don’t just switch off). Reset the earth leakage. If it still trips, switch off all circuit breakers, reset the earth leakage and switch on the circuit breakers one at a time until the faulty circuit is identified. Call an electrical contractor to rectify the fault.

Ensure that the electricity contractor issues you with a certificate of compliance (COC).

Make sure all plugs are correctly wired, ie. when looking at the top of the opened plug, the green and yellow (earth) wire goes into the top pin (large pin), the brown (live) wire into the right pin (marked “L” or with a brown colour) and the blue (neutral) wire into the left pin (marked “N” or with a blue colour).

Installing Circuit Breakers

Electrical Panel Upgrade: Should You Replace the Entire Box?

If you live in an older home or you just need to upgrade your electrical panel, there are some things you may want to consider before you move forward with the project. Here are some things to think about.

A panel upgrade generally requires replacement of the entire breaker box and installation of new circuit breakers. Some of the old breakers may be able to be reused but not if you are upgrading the amp capacity as well. You may have to even upgrade the wires coming into your home from the power company. This upgrade may or may not be at your expense it depends on the power company and their policies.

Basic Steps for Installing a Circuit Breaker

The main reason for installing a new circuit breaker in an existing home is to take some of the load off of another circuit breaker. If there is one circuit breaker that is connected to too many electrical devices then it may be wise to install another circuit breaker and split the burden.

The first step to circuit breaker installation is to shut off the power at the main panel. It is extremely important to make sure the circuit breaker panels or sub-panels do not have any live wires. Homeowners who are not experienced with electricity should not attempt to work with electrical wiring. When the power is shut off, unscrew the breaker panel. The large black wires that feed the main breaker will still be live so you need to test the incoming wires with an electrical tester to make sure there is no electrical current in the wires that you will be touching. This will help you make sure it is safe to begin installation.

The second step is to install a new cable clamp. In order to do this you will need to locate the knockout around the panel and use a screw driver to hammer one of the knockouts so that you can screw the cable clamp in. Next, run the new wire to the circuit panel and cut the wire off the jack to the circuit clamp.

Ways to Encourage Kids to Stay Positive During Circuit Breaker

In each passing day, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country continues to increase. The government has been working around the clock to find ways to prevent the spread from growing.

In the education level, schools are now closed and are now conducting classes online. For parents, this time is tricky especially as children may want to use this time to play rather than do their tasks online. Or they may be asking you a thousand times why they can’t go out to play. If you need help in coaching your kids on their studies,

Let them know what the pandemic is all about

Children can be very perceptive when it comes to the things around them. Even if they are unfamiliar with the terms being used to talk about the virus, they know something is wrong

Have a routine

Although they are staying at home for most of the time, it doesn’t mean it is ok they lose their routine.

Balance out their classes and let them take a break

Your child will get bored easily if they will only do their classes for an entire day for days. After their classes or in between their classes, let them pursue their interests.

Safety tips for going out post circuit breaker

circuit breaker progressively lifts, you might be venturing forth for essentials like food, groceries, and even haircuts a lot more.

Now, more than ever, is the time to step up our personal safety game – so that transmission rates stay low and the far-off dream of Phase III might become reality.

Check the crowds

No need to rely on guesswork – these real-time maps can help you scope out the crowd sitch at your nearby mall or park.

An islandwide map created by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Space Out shows the current crowd levels at major malls and supermarkets, and even tracks recent trends throughout the week.

Plot your route

While leisurely window-shopping is one of life’s great joys, now just isn’t the wisest time to do it.

Pro Tips To Help Mums Stay Sane For The Rest Of Circuit Breaker

How’s it going? A good five weeks into circuit breaker, you might be finding yourself adapting, or even embracing, your newfound way of life. You may have breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that work from home will continue to be a norm for a while.

Others, however, may have groaned in disappointment, as this period and degree of isolation has proved that going to work is a blessing in disguise. The office, for example, shelters us from all the possible distractions in the world, and the travelling brings us closer to our necessities, food options and gives us some much needed downtime.

Do you happen to be one of the employees not so keen on WFH? With the school holidays brought forward to May, you might still struggling to cope with all the buzz in the house – and we’ve got some tips from experts to help you (and everyone else) settle down.

Electrical Wiring Upgrades to Consider During a Home Renovation

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.

Safety Issues with Older Wiring

Faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires, according to a 2009 study by the National Fire Prevention Association. And the older your house is, the greater the chances that the wiring might be outdated or unsafe.

Old wiring—even knob and tube wiring that dates back to the early 20th century—isn’t inherently dangerous, but unless you were around when the house was built, you can’t be sure the electrical system is up to code. Plus, materials such as wire insulation can deteriorate over time.

If you don’t know when your wiring was last inspected, it’s worth paying a licensed electrician to give it a once-over, especially if you have any of these warning signs:

• Breakers that trip or fuses that blow repeatedly
• A tingling sensation when you touch an appliance
• Flickering or dimming lights
• A persistent burning smell from a room or appliance
• Warm, discolored, or sparking outlets
• Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the house

TOP THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN UPGRADING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

You never know what is lurking under your floor in your ceiling or behind your walls. Along with a variety of bugs, ant nests, mice, lizards, leaves and other things you may find old or outdated wiring, chewed wires and loose connections. It is important to know that making any electrical repairs is illegal in Australia and must be done by a certified registered and qualified electrician.

When upgrading your electrical circuits you need to consider these ideas:

In your parents’ day most homes were wired for a 60 amp circuit as standard, today the average home uses 200 amps plus. This is to power air conditioners, refrigerators, fans, flat screen TV’s, computers and a host of other gadgets

When your circuitry is not adequate for your needs, it is not only very inconvenient, it can harm your electronic equipment with fluctuating currents

You are likely to overload your household switch gear causing them and your wiring to overheat presenting a fire hazard

Today, most people require data in all rooms and while upgrading your electrical circuitry; it might be a good time to consider placing a complete data system in place. You may want the ability to hook up all the computers in the home, have cable TV in all rooms have the ability to have multiple phone lines in each room

Consider your future needs such as smart systems that may require wiring

Upgrading Electrical Circuits

When upgrading your electrical service and rewiring for a remodeled kitchen, a new spa or other home improvement project, you should think beyond your immediate needs and anticipate other features that you or a future owner may want. Spending a little more now to upgrade your electrical wiring may save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Most standard home electrical circuits are on a 120-volt line. To run major appliances and heavy electrical equipment, you need 220-volt current in the house. And unless your clothes dryer runs on gas, it will require a 220-volt outlet to operate, so it’s necessary to upgrade to 220 to handle this kind of appliance.

Here are some other things to consider:

1. Appliances: With the wide variety of kitchen appliances such as food processors, blenders, coffee grinders, cappuccino makers and bread machines, there needs to be plenty of electrical outlets in a modern kitchen.

2. Cable/Satellite TV: Where might you want to watch TV? Consider adding cable to an upstairs bedroom or guest room or perhaps downstairs for a family recreation room.

3. Computers: Which rooms might someone want to plug in a computer and modem? A guest room could double as a home office. Consider adding additional electrical outlets or a phone or modem line.

4. Ceiling fans: Additional wiring will allow you to control the lights and fans separately from the wall switch, to adjust the fan speed and to turn off the light while leaving the fan on.

5. Central control stations: A variety of new devices allow you to operate many different lights and equipment circuits from a single location. Multiple-station controls can be preset for entertaining so that, with a single touch, they provide candle-like atmosphere in the dining room, tranquil lighting in the living room and activity lighting in the kitchen.

CAN I DO IT MYSELF?

Since the bulk of the costs involved in upgrading an electric panel are labor, there is a natural temptation to look to cut costs by doing the work yourself. However, in some states, working on an electrical panel yourself is illegal.

Certainly, it can be extremely dangerous if you are not familiar with electrical wiring. In short, it is much better to leave this sort of work to a trained professional.

However, if you are intent on doing the work yourself, then there are ways you can do it.

The first thing to research is the legality of the work. A quick internet search should help you identify what your county and state regulations are when it comes to electrical work within your home. In some cases, you’ll need to apply for, and be granted a permit. In others, you’ll need to find someone with a license in this type of work.

One of the most important things to remember is that even when you disconnect the main breaker, parts of the electrical panel are still live. If this is new information to you, then you are not safe in undertaking this work without professional help. It is simply not worth taking the risk of serious injury or death in order to save on some labor costs.

Tips for Identifying Light Switches in Your Home

Being able to identify the designs and types of light switches around your house will help you choose the best replacements. Here’s a quick look at the most common light switches.

Single-Pole Switch. Single-pole switches are the most common. These switches use a simple on-off toggle to turn lights, devices, and receptacles on and off from a single location. Flipping the switch on single-pole models connects or disconnects the circuit. Most single-pole switches are marked with on and off settings. It’s important to wire your single-pole switch in the correct direction to ensure the markings match the position of the switch. A single-pole switch will have two brass screws on either side of the switch. These brass terminals house the incoming and outgoing hot wire. Some switches also come with a green ground terminal

Double-Pole Switch. Double-pole switches also utilize an on-off toggle and can only control lights, devices, or receptacles from one location. But with four brass terminals, double-pole switches can house two hot wires, which means that double-pole models can switch to a 240-volt circuit. Double-pole models also utilize a green ground screw

Three-Way Switch. Three-way switches come in pairs and allow you to turn lights on or off from two locations. This makes them ideal for controlling long hallways. Three-way designs are more complicated than single- and double-pole switches; the hot wire in three-way designs is connected to the common screw (COM). The remaining terminals are used to wire the leads for switches. Three-way switches also come with a green ground screw

Four-Way Switch. Four-way designs are combined with three-way switches to control lights from three or more locations. You can identify a four-way switch by its four terminals.

CHOOSING LIGHT SWITCHES FOR YOUR HOUSE

In need of a light switch for your new or recently renovated house? Don’t worry as there are plenty of different light switches out there in the market for you to choose from! Choosing a light switch in Singapore is not an exactly as easy as it sounds especially when you’re required to just pick a few among the ones with your preferred features.

Single Pole / 1-Gang Switch: This type of light switch is considered to be one of the most commonly used ones in Singapore. As such, a single pole switch uses a simple on and off toggle in order to control devices, receptacles, and lights from a single location. Flipping this switch on single pole models either connects or disconnects the circuit. You are required to wire the switch in a correct direction to ensure that the markings match the position of the light switches. Single-pole light switches are also likely to have two brass screws on either side of the switch. These brass terminals then house the incoming and outgoing hot wire. Additionally, a green ground terminal can also be found in such light switches.

Double-Way Switch: Like single-pole light switches, a double-pole light switch also has a green ground screw and uses an on/off toggle and controls devices such as receptacles and lights from a single location. With its four brass terminals, it can effectively house two different hot wires. This indicates that these double-pole models can switch to a 240-volt circuit. Remember to hire a certified electrician in Singapore if you are thinking of installing double-way switches. This ensures that the light switches are properly and professionally installed.

3-Gang Switch: This kind of light switch usually comes in pairs and allows you to properly turn the lights on and off from two different locations. Usually, a 3-way switch is ideally installed in long hallways. A 3-way switch design is considered to be more complicated than other kinds of switches out there. The hot wire found in this design is connected to the common screw (COM), while the remaining terminal is used to wire the leads for the switches. Like the previously discussed light switches, a 3-way light switch also comes with a green ground screw

Water heater switches usually come in 20amp and are recommended to be installed by a qualified electrician. This is because a water heater switch needs to be correctly wired to the water heater, as well as, your home’s circuit breaker or DB Box.

Types of Light Switches and Dimmers Homeowners Should Know

Light switches, once a simple decision, are now a home improvement category boasting a number of designs and functions. With different switch styles, wiring needs, and programmable capabilities, the wide variety of light switches and dimmers can be tricky to navigate. However, the basic function always remains the same: Turn a switch on and it completes the circuit, letting electricity flow through it. Turning it off breaks the circuit, as the switch creates a gap that stops the flow. After choosing the perfect chandelier, pendant, or recessed lighting for your home makeover, make sure you pick the right electrical switch for your needs. Take a look at our guide to switches and dimmers to pick the right lighting option for your room.

Types of Switches and Dimmers

Be sure to select a switch that’s compatible with the circuit where you want to install it and your lighting needs. Here are the basic types of switches and dimmers.

Essential Light Switches

The most common household switch, a single-pole, has two terminals and simply turns power on or off. A three-way switch has three terminals; a four-way has four. These control a light from two or three switch locations, such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell, at either end of a hallway, or in a large room with multiple entrances

Special Light Switches

In addition to the familiar toggle and rotary switches, specialty switches can do everything from turning on when you walk into a room to varying the speed of whole-house fans. Other special-duty switches can be time-programmed or let you know whether a remote light is on or off. Decorative switches include styles that rock, turn, or slide rather than toggle.

Single-Pole Switch

Single-pole switches have two brass terminal screws and a toggle labeled ON and OFF. Most also have a grounding screw that connects to the circuit’s ground wire. This type of light switch controls one light fixture (or electrical outlet) from a single location. When installing, always connect two hot wires to it, not two neutrals. One terminal connects to the incoming power-source wire, while the other is used for the outgoing hot wire to the fixture. This light switch is good for small rooms that don’t have many light sources.

factors for finding the perfect switch for your application

The process of selecting switches does not always receive the time and attention it deserves. Given the relatively low cost and simple nature of most switches, often they are selected without full consideration of the features and functionality they offer. Depending on the application, there are certain parameters that will guide a designer to choose a particular switch, but amidst the myriad of options that are available it is all too easy to be led astray.

Driven by Data

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) is generating vast amounts of data across all sectors. This data needs to be stored or, more often, communicated. The necessity of accommodating the required antennas, transmitters and additional circuitry can have a drastic impact on the space available for operational, detection and data collection components, such as switches. Despite this, switches must still interface with the user, while also withstanding harsh environments and aggressive interaction. Manufacturers of medical equipment, for example, are increasingly focusing their investments on developing the systems and platforms to store, correlate and analyze this data. Designers must therefore carefully select switches that are capable of meeting demanding specifications, including miniaturization and low power consumption.

Meeting Physical Demands

With the growth of wearables, the demand for switches is growing. While wearable devices have been around for some time, there are different philosophies when it comes to designing devices for different industries. Components within medical wearable devices, for example, need to be resilient against rough treatment and environmental challenges, while also working the first time, every time. The challenge for designers is to ensure that every individual component is fit for purpose within the demanding environments in which these machines operate. Switches are a vital part of the interface between a user and a device, so when it comes to ensuring consistent performance, long life and quality of the switches, making the correct choice is crucial.

Form Factor

Within the industrial sector, for example, switches are used in a variety of applications including CNC machine controls, safety and position sensors, battery chargers, power supplies and gas detection equipment, to name but a few. One thing they all have in common is that space is limited on the PCB, both when it comes to height and footprint. This form factor is becoming increasingly important as the functionality of devices increases, making the real estate on the PCB even more valuable.

Electrical Rating

Another crucial consideration for switch choice is the required signal current. There is a great variety in electrical requirements depending on the product design, with some switches needing to handle low signal currents for PLCs and microprocessor inputs, while some need to handle higher currents in order to actuate relays

things to consider before installing smart light switches

When turning your old, dumb house into a smart home, one of the best places to start is with lighting. For starters, you can test the waters with a single smart bulb or set of lights — letting you dip a toe in the smart light pool before diving in head-first.

When it comes to smart lighting, one of the most seamless and natural ways to upgrade your home is with smart switches. They work as intended, even when the internet goes out and you can hardly notice them once they’re installed.

Smart bulbs, switches or plugs?

First, make sure you’re getting the right kind of smart lighting for your home. Smart switches are one of the more common options when it comes to smart lighting. You can find them at pretty much every big box home improvement store

Smart bulbs, for instance, not only let you remotely control the lights or put them on a schedule, they often also let you change the color of the lighting on the fly. Smart plugs keep things simple while letting you turn an existing lamp with a regular light bulb into one you can turn off and on from anywhere. They sometimes let you track energy consumption, as well. Both of these options come with a plug-and-play installation. If you don’t like it or want to move it later on, you can with little to no effort.

Smart switches, on the other hand, are the modest midpoint between the other two and the most natural to use. You can still control the lights from the wall switch like you always have, but you’ll get some added benefits, like dimming or a pop-out remote that will still give you easier manual control of the lights. But they’ll also work with existing light fixtures that may not accommodate a smart bulb. That said, installation is much more hands-on and permanent.

A Bad Report:  Red Flags to Look Out for in a Home Inspection Report

Like most homes, you should expect your current or future abode to have at least some minor cosmetic issues, like loose siding or peeling paint. While these issues are easy enough to repair, some conditions are more difficult and costly to address. You may want to have the homeowner make the fix before you go through with the sale, or you may want to negotiate your price to cover the cost of completing the repairs yourself. In some cases, you may even want to hire a specialist to look at the problem before moving forward with the purchase.

So, before you write that check and sign those papers, be sure to look out for these seven red flags on your home inspection report. 

Pests

It’s important to know that not all home inspectors are qualified or licensed to do the pest portion of the inspection. While identifying an active termite infestation is relatively easy, other pests and wood destroying organisms (WDOs) take training and expertise to identify properly. Look for a pest control professional near you who is familiar with regional species and is licensed to perform a home inspection for sales purposes.

Mold

If your inspector finds water damage or mold in your home, that’s a red flag. In truth, most homes will have some mold in crawl spaces and attics, and not all mold is bad for your health. However, mold can indicate other problems, like water leaks from the roof or major appliances, that could be costly to correct. So, finding the source of the mold is imperative. Otherwise, the problem could worsen, and you could end up with a health hazard. A certified mold inspector near you can tell you what type of mold you have, how harmful it is, and what to do about it.

Fireplace & Chimney

Homes with fireplaces are almost always in high demand. However, if the fiery feature hasn’t been cared for properly, it may be a liability instead of a luxury. A clogged flue or a leaky chimney is a fire hazard. That’s why experts recommend having your fireplace and chimney inspected annually, and that’s why you may want to consider hiring a local fireplace inspector who can evaluate the safety of the fireplace in a home you are considering buying. If they identify any problems, the same pro can usually quote the necessary repairs, allowing you to negotiate the purchase price accordingly.

Electrical

A broken outlet or a flood light that doesn’t work is one thing, but outdated wiring or too little voltage is cause for concern. In addition to the inconvenience of not being able to hook up all your electronics and appliances, problems with your electrical setup can increase your risk for a home fire. Updating your wiring and upgrading your electrical service are costly projects that require permits, professionals, and inspections to bring up to code. You’ll want to address these major issues with the seller’s agent before going through with the transaction.

Foundation

If your home inspection report lists concerns with the integrity of your home’s foundation, don’t ignore them. Contrary to popular belief, not all foundation issues are expensive to fix. Minor foundation cracks could cost you as little as $500 to repair. However, major structural problems that require stabilization using hydraulic piers can cost $10,000 or more. Depending on what’s wrong, you may want to renegotiate your purchase agreement.

Water Damage

“The three biggest things that are bad for a house are water, water, and water,” said Buell. When water gets into a home’s vicinity, it can cause a range of major issues, most of which are red flags for buyers. Water in the basement can be a sign of structural damage, roof leaks or plumbing issues can cause water stains on walls and ceilings.

Damage to the Roof

A strong roof is necessary to protect a home from weather elements, so a damaged roof could seriously affect the sale price of your house. A roof can last for up to 25 years but it’s wise for homeowners to inspect their roofs once a year.

Plumbing Related Problems

As previously mentioned, water is a homeowner’s worst enemy. It can be hard to notice major plumbing issues until an inspector comes in. Redoing a house’s plumbing can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and minor leaks or rusted pipes could be a sign of bigger plumbing issues.

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

As a seller, it’s common to get nervous during the home inspection process. You don’t want the deal to fall through, nor do you want to be stuck with the cost and burden of repairs if your buyer requests them as a contingency. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prepare for the inspection.

Provide open access to areas that need to be checked

Make sure that the home inspector has easy access throughout the property. If they can’t get to an area, they can’t inspect it, and that will be a red flag for buyers. Clear away any clutter impeding access to areas or systems that the inspector needs to take a look at, including basements, attics, furnace rooms, and under sinks.

Clear the perimeter

In addition to checking the interior functioning of your home, the inspector is also going to be looking at the exterior, including siding, trims, and caulking around windows and doors. You’ll want to leave areas around your home clear of plant growth, trash cans, and stored items so they can get an unimpeded look.

Replace any bulbs that are out

A blown bulb suggests two things to a home inspector: either the bulb itself is out, or there’s something faulty in the fixture’s wiring. The inspector will either have to waste time determining whether a fixture is inoperable or they’ll simply note that there’s a possible defect without looking further into it. Avoid both of these scenarios by making sure that all of your bulbs are in working order.

Ensure the fuse box is properly labeled

A confusing fuse box is frustrating for homeowners and home inspectors alike. Double check that each switch in the box is labeled clearly and correctly, and replace any labels that are incorrect or difficult to read.

Be Honest with Inspector

First off, the home inspector should ask if there are any major issues with the home. Be honest and tell them what you know. They will find the issue either way. Worst-case scenario, they find an obvious issue and tell the potential buyers. The buyers now see you as a dishonest seller and may reconsider, even if the home passes the inspection. As always, it’s better to be honest up front.

Remove Clutter Around the Home

Sometimes, a happy home inspector can make all the difference. Therefore, make sure it’s easy to move freely about the home. If you have heavy boxes in front of the attic or around the furnace, move them before the inspection. Clutter can’t hide home issues, but it can certainly make for an unhappy inspector and longer examination.

Monitor the Exterior

Homeowners care about their curb appeal and that means the home inspector will examine the exterior as well. They will look at the landscaping, grading, driveways, fences, windows and sidewalks. Other than a major grading or driveway issue, all these issues can be fixed yourself. Do yourself a favor and make sure your home’s exterior looks better than ever

The 7 Most Common Home Inspection Problems

Basement dampness—water stains, powdery residue on walls, mold or mildew.

• The cure: Repair gutters to channel water away from house; apply waterproof coatings to basement.

Roof problems—brittle or curled shingles; broken or missing flashings.

• The cure: Apply new shingle, or tear off if needed (usually after three re-roofs ); replacing flashings, especially around chimneys and other protrusions.

Foundation flaws—cracks in foundation, sloping floors, sticking doors or windows.

• The cure: Fill cracks with silicon caulking or epoxy; apply waterproof coating to exterior.

Poor upkeep—needs repainting, worn carpeting, cracked driveway.

• The cure: Give the house a minor facelift.

Faulty plumbing—inadequate water pressure, slow drains, signs of leaks on ceilings.

• The cure: Clean and rout drains; reseat toilet with new wax ring, repair leaks.

Poor ventilation—extreme heat in attic, vapor condensation.

• The cure: Ensure that roof soffits are not blocked; install additional roof vents; vent bathroom and kitchen fans outside.

Defective heating—cracks in the heat exchanger or water tank; carbon monoxide leaks.

• The cure: Reseal chimney flues; replace sacrificial anode in water heater.

Things for Your Electrical and Lighting Plan

After giving a general overview last week of what’s needed for the specifications for the plumbing, mechanical and electrical subs, I thought it would be helpful to go into more detail about the lighting and electrical plan that you will have to give to the electrician.  There is so much to consider.  I’ll give you a list of 50 suggestions that you can use as a checklist to help you develop a pretty complete electrical and lighting plan before you even meet your builder or electrician for the lighting walkthrough. 

The lighting walkthrough typically happens in the rough-in stage, after framing is complete and before the drywall goes up.  Usually the homeowner will walk through the framed house with the electrician and/or builder and discuss where fixtures, outlets and light switches will go. 

But thinking through the electrical and lighting plan well before you do the electrical walkthrough will allow you more time to consider exactly what features and outlets we want, and where. This decreases the chances of you forgetting an outlet or light switch somewhere.  It will also give you an opportunity to develop more detailed specifications so you can get more accurate electrical bids before construction even begins.    You may want to do a walkthrough by yourself a time or two when developing your lighting plan, just so you can get your thoughts together and not feel rushed when you do the official walk through with the electrician and/or builder

It’s probably best to make a written, room by room list of fixtures and features plus mark your house plan where the electrical fixtures, outlets and light switches will go.  You can use different colored dots or symbols for light switches, outlets, recessed can lights, under cabinet lighting, and lighting fixtures, such as wall scones, table lamps, floor lamps and chandeliers.  For example, you might symbolize all recessed can lights with black dots and light switches with red dots. Outlets could be blue and lighting fixtures could be green.  If you really want to be helpful (and a little Type A), after you figure out what exact lighting fixtures you want to go in each room, you paste a photo of the fixture to a paper copy of your house plan.  Paste each lighting fixture photo on the diagram of the room where it will go. That will serve as a master guide for your electrician when he installs your fixtures toward the end of the build.

Now about these electrical and lighting plan suggestions… most likely, not all of the suggestions will work for your family, house and lifestyle.  Use what works for you and leave the rest.  And keep in mind, these tips should go to into your preliminary lighting/electrical plan. You’ll want to go over the preliminary electrical plan and marked up house plan with your electrician and/or builder to see if they have any additional suggestions that would make your lighting plan more functional or more economical. 

NEED ELECTRICAL REMODELING? KNOW THESE

Everyone experiences a need for electrical remodeling at some point. Needs change within homes and businesses, and electrical work often has to change as well. Your home or office may need to be updated to comply with electrical codes, outlets may need to be added or moved, expansions and renovations could call for rewiring, or modern appliances may require a different kind of electrical supply. Regardless of the need for electrical remodeling, one thing is for certain: it’s a delicate process that needs to be done right. This project requires a lot of skill and experience to prevent costly, inconvenient, or even dangerous or fatal problems from occurring. It’s essential to be able to trust anyone who touches your electrical wiring to keep you and your home or business safe

The Importance of Expert Electrical Work

Like it or not, electrical work is not a DIY project. We live in an age of people commonly thinking they’re an expert on subjects they have little experience in, mostly due to the availability of knowledge through online articles and videos providing tutorials on just about everything. This, combined with many homeowners wanting to save money, ends up inspiring people to take repair jobs around the home into their own hands. However, there’s a lot going on behind your home or business’s walls and above the ceiling that you never see. Attempting to enter this world of electrical wiring and manipulate it yourself can result in some pretty unpleasant, even fatal, outcomes.

It’s important you know these things before attempting any electrical remodeling work on your own:

You could cause a fire quickly. It’s no secret that electricity has the very real ability to cause major fires. Electrical fires often begin out of sight, and before you know it, could ravage the structure of your home or office and put you and others in danger very quickly.

Inexperience can be fatal. In the battle of electricity versus humans, electricity will always win if you don’t know how to work with it. Messing with electricity when you don’t have the official knowledge and skill to do so can result in an error that causes electrocution. This could lead to paralysis, loss of nerve or neurological functioning, organ damage, and even death, which is why electricity is nothing to play with.

You might break the law. Every state has building codes and strict specifications and regulations on electrical work. Without detailed knowledge of these codes, you could perform work that renders your home or business not up to code, which could lead to fines or legal issues. That’s why it’s best to leave it to a professional who is required to be up to date on these regulations and knows exactly how to work within them.

It could get expensive. When you don’t fully know what you’re doing with electrical wiring, you run the risk of making a mistake that interrupts or shuts down electricity to outlets, whole rooms, or even your entire home. Attempting to fix the mistake can result in more damage and danger, which is why it’s recommended to let an expert handle the job so it’s performed correctly from the start, sparing you the time and money it will cost to fix the damage before the remodeling.

Experience-Backed Electricians

When you need electrical remodeling, call on the pros. Electrical work is no simple project. It requires skill to be done safely and correctly, ensuring you and your home or business get through the remodel without hassle or injury. If you need electrical remodeling in the Raleigh, Clayton, or Wilmington areas, contact CMC Electric. We’ve been a preferred electrician in the area for years thanks to our reliability and reputation of doing the job right the first time. Our team is highly experienced and trained, and we provide firm, upfront cost quotes so you don’t have to worry about surprises later on

Things to Know About Electrics When Building a New Home

Building a new home can be incredibly exciting. But many people find that they get so consumed by the design and project management aspects of their new home that crucial elements, such as its electrical requirements, can be overlooked. If you get these wrong, the consequences facing your home can range from mere inconvenience, right through to major health and safety risks.

PLAN THE LOCATION OF OUTLETS

While you may be thinking of how rooms will be coordinated and where features will be situated, it’s necessary to first determine the position of electrical outlets and wiring for your communication devices. This is so you can then place electrical equipment in the appropriate places with connection to electricity. Consultation with a qualified and experienced master electrician can help you to achieve this end.

UNDERSTAND THE WIRING SYSTEM YOU’LL NEED

In making decisions about the electrics you’ll need in your new home, it’s important to realise that your total electrical system is comprised of the electrical service, as well as lighting outlets and a range of appliances that are hardwired. It’s worthwhile noting that your electrical service needs to be of a sufficient size to match the needs of the people living in your house. Typically, one hundred to two hundred amps are adequate for a standard-sized house and household.

KNOW IF YOU NEED EXTRA POWER

In this day and age, where technology is incredibly advanced, a number of people choose to have large systems for audio, visual, and entertainment purposes, as well as home-based offices. If you’re such a person, it’s wise to find out more about the options available for your home’s electrical system. It may be necessary for you to have an advanced wiring system in your home.

CONSIDER ENERGY EFFICIENCY

When it comes to electricity, many of us are concerned about the rising costs and negative environmental effects. Many people building new homes therefore appreciate knowing that a control system can be used to moderate the costs of energy. Such systems can be remotely controlled from your home, and while this capability may seem futuristic, they can ultimately save you money and ensure that your home is safe when you’re not there.

Lighting and Electrical Considerations for Vancouver Home Renovation

There are many things to learn whenever you renovate your house. Our decisions are incredibly crucial to making sure we can enjoy living in our homes. Electricity is an essential element in everyone’s home these days. Making bad electrical choices is something one cannot afford.

Having an experienced electrician by your side when planning for your home renovation would be a great idea for saving time and money. You will easily be able to avoid future regrets by making these important changes.

Never Over light

Overlighting the interiors is one of the most commonly made mistakes you will find in most home renovations.

Mix it Up

Using conventional lighting options and techniques time after time is one of the biggest reasons why most people are never satisfied with their lighting. This reason is why we suggest you mix it up and give your house a new look simply by changing the way you light it.

Do Not Use Outdated Lighting

Using outdated lighting inside your residence is a surefire way to make it look bad. Although illumination is a primary purpose of every light, there is much more to it than that.

Upgrading Your Property’s Electrical Components

Remodeling and renovation projects often require the services of an electrician. Due to the inherent dangers of working with electricity, this is not a job for you to tackle on your own. We provides electrical services for remodeling and renovation projects.

Wiring for Home Remodeling

Are you adding a bathroom, new room addition, enlarging the kitchen, or adding a new wall to your home? In these situations, new wiring is needed to provide electricity to the new space. We can make the changes to your electrical system that are needed to deliver power where you need it. Our experienced Wake Forest electricians will provide the new electrical components, install panels upgrades, and ensure that everything is installed safely.

Upgrades for Home Renovation

Often, the wiring in older homes does not meet current safety standards. People are often unaware of the potential risks caused by outdated electrical system components. A home renovation project provides the opportunity to upgrade the wiring system in your home. We can show you how to improve the safety of your electrical system.

Electrical remodeling is important for ensuring the optimal functioning of your home when it comes to electricity and using electrical appliances or devices. Do you notice your home’s electrical bulbs dying out sooner than they should be? This could be a sign that your home is in need of electrical remodeling. With electrical remodeling, your home’s light systems will function better and will last you longer. Electrical remodeling is also important for preventing power surges that could lead to costly damages to your home appliances and devices. Electrical remodeling for your home can be a tricky and dangerous task for homeowners to complete on their own. If you are looking to remodel and renovate electrical work in your home, it is important to consult an electric professional. Did you know that there are over 51,000 electrical home fires that occur alone each year, due to such occurrences?