Remodeling? Don't Forget the Electrical: Upgrades & Installations

Winston Salem, NC, and the surrounding areas are growing, with the most recent U.S. Census data revealing approximately 112,140 housing units in the city. If you’re thinking of remodeling your home, there are some crucial electrical upgrades and installations you can’t miss. Before you begin a major electrical remodel, the experts at QRC have some helpful tips to share. 

Why Electrical Upgrades Matter

Part of every home renovation should include some electrical upgrades. Here are some reasons why making home electrical improvements is so important:

• Safety: Wiring upgrades and electrical panel updates help prevent serious electrical fires and a variety of other potentially dangerous electrical emergencies. 
• Better energy efficiency: A home renovation electrical upgrade makes your appliances, HVAC system, and other systems more energy efficient, reducing energy bills.
• Improve resale value: Whether you’re renovating one room or doing a whole-house remodel of the electrical system, upgrades may help increase your home’s resale value and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you sell.
• Supports new technology: New electrical installations provide the right support for smart home appliances, electric vehicles, and other modern technology that may require more power.
• Fewer power surges: Upgrading the electrical panel for your home should result in fewer power surges and less need for electrical repairs.

Common Electrical Upgrades for Remodeling Projects

Every home is different, but there are some common electrical upgrades applied to most remodeling projects. Some of these upgrades include:

• Electrical panel: A kitchen remodel electrical upgrade likely requires a new panel because most modern appliances require more energy. 
• More or new outlets: If your home is older, it may not have enough electrical outlets, or the existing outlets might not be up to code. Adding more outlets or upgrading the outlets in your home ensures safety and energy efficiency.
• GFCIs: Installing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets for a kitchen or bathroom electrical remodel is crucial. These outlets help to prevent electrical shock by cutting off power as soon as the outlet comes into contact with water. They’re also recommended for a laundry room or basement electrical remodel.
• New fixtures and ceiling fans: Whether it’s one area or a home addition electrical remodel, installing new light fixtures and ceiling fans adds a fresh look to any space while saving you money thanks to more sustainable options.

Planning Your Electrical Remodel

Here are some tips to make planning your electrical remodel easier:

• Hire the experienced team at QRC to perform a full electrical inspection of your home. Our fully licensed and insured electricians know what to look for to determine your needs, including new outlets, an upgraded electrical panel, updated wiring, and more.
• Consider your household’s future needs. For example, if you’re planning to buy an electric vehicle or upgrade to smart home appliances in the future, now is the time to get the electrical upgrades you’ll need later.
• Assess how much energy your home uses, then determine which upgrades will help you be more energy-efficient and save on energy costs. 
• Ask your electrician to inspect your home’s wiring and other electrical components to determine which upgrades are needed. They’ll help you figure out if your existing electrical system can handle the renovations or if certain components should be replaced. 

Hiring a Qualified Electrician

It’s important to hire a qualified electrician to perform electrical upgrades for your North or South Carolina home. Licensed electricians have the training, hands-on experience, and tools to ensure every upgrade is performed safely and up to code. They’re also insured, meaning you’re covered if something goes wrong during the upgrade.

You can install new appliances — like a range or refrigerator — yourself, but a qualified electrician can ensure your amperage connections are sufficient and the wiring connections are functioning correctly. They also know the common signs that your wiring or electrical panel needs replacing. For example, buzzing noises, visible corrosion, or circuit breakers tripping frequently likely mean it’s time to replace the panel. Flickering lights, burning smells from outlets, or breaker issues could mean the wiring needs upgrading. 

DIY vs. Professional

It’s tempting to DIY electrical upgrades, but these jobs are best left to the professionals. Experienced electricians know how to minimize fire risks, electrical shock, and injury, and their training allows them to complete tasks quickly. Professional electrical upgrades also save you money in the long run because everything is installed correctly the first time, following the latest building and electrical codes. 

Doing electrical upgrades yourself may also void your homeowner’s insurance, costing you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. Hiring electricians from QRC gives you peace of mind because we’re fully committed to your safety and satisfaction with every job we complete. We perform electrical work in a fraction of the time it might take you to do it yourself. 

Contact QRC Today

With over 20 years of service to our customers in Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas, QRC is committed to providing exceptional service in everything we do. Our team has advanced skills in their respective trades to ensure peace of mind. We also offer financing options through our partners if you’re on a budget.

If you plan to renovate your home and need help with electrical upgrades and installations, contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of lighting upgrades should I consider? 

Upgrading your lighting adds a fresh aesthetic while saving you money thanks to new, more energy-efficient options. Some great upgrades to consider include switching to LED lighting, adding under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, and installing recessed lighting.

How can I make my home more energy-efficient with electrical upgrades? 

You can make your home more energy-efficient by installing a smart thermostat, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and installing a geothermal heat pump or solar panels.