Home remodeling projects always seem like a great idea until you bust into a wall and discover a bigger problem hiding behind the drywall. The global pandemic has inspired a new wave of DIY remodelers. Maybe it’s the extended time people are spending at home or the need to find a way to control something in the face of the life-altering, uncontrollable events we are all experiencing. Either way, it feels like a good time to talk about common electrical problems that might come up during remodeling.
Big Problems that Need Immediate Attention
Often, as long as the lights come on when we flip the switch, we don’t think twice about the electrical system in our home. But a seemingly simple home renovation project gets a lot more complicated when you really think about the electrical system.
Outdated Electrical Wiring or Panels
Today, we know more about electricity and how to install it safely in the home than we did forty or fifty years ago. This is why building codes change over time. According to one study by the National Fire Prevention Association, faulty wiring is the leading cause of residential fires. If a home remodeling project exposes ungrounded outlets or wiring that was installed more than 40 years ago, it is time for an update.
Faulty Outlets
An outlet that does not work shows signs of heat build-up, or that appears to be loose is another big problem in your home. If an outlet is not operating the way it is intended to, there is a significant increase in the risk of electrical shock or fire that might occur due to the instability.
Re-Routing or Adding Wiring
Re-Routing or Adding WiringIf you are adding square footage or reworking the layout of your home, that includes adding electrical outlets and lighting fixtures to accommodate your new space. Amateur electricians can get in over their heads quickly when they start manipulating the existing electrical system to add or re-route wiring.
What You Need to Know About Electrical Codes
Do you know the building codes that ensure that contractors install GCFI outlets in wet areas to prevent accidental electrocution? There are actually dozens of electrical codes that exist at the local, state, or national level to ensure the safety of all occupants. Legally, all new electrical work needs to be installed according to current electrical codes. Failure to do so is not only unsafe but can cause big problems when you try to sell your home.
Importance of Electrical Safety
Electricity does wonderful things. It allows us to see well when the sun goes down, heat and cool our homes, and enjoy technology. Despite all of the safety precautions in the materials and electrical codes that we use in residential homes, there are still big risks.
Residential fires are responsible for 2,495 deaths, 13,250 injuries, and more than $7 billion in losses. Many more people die or suffer severe injury from electrocution, construction accidents with nail guns, or a fall from a ladder. Fire safety is important to keep you from becoming a statistic.
It is important to realistically evaluate your electrical skills when renovating your home. A qualified professional can often do the job safely and in less time than an inexperienced homeowner. For assistance with your next home remodeling project, call the pros at Livewire Electrical. With more than 20 years of industry experience, we have the skillset you need to get the job done right, keeping you and your family safe.
