The risks associated with defective electrical systems can lead some homeowners to rush into overhauling the wiring of the entire house as soon as they buy a new home. However, renovating the electrical system should be executed once several key questions have been answered. This article discusses some of those questions.
How Old Is The Home?
Older homes, such as those constructed in the 1970s, are prime candidates for an electrical system overhaul. This is because such a home may have wiring whose insulation has deteriorated due to numerous factors (heat and rodent attacks, for example). Newer homes may still have sound electrical systems, so it may be unnecessary to renovate the wiring.
Do You Have Enough Power?
The decision to overhaul the entire electrical system should also be based upon an analysis of the sufficiency of the power which is available to the home. Homes whose electrical system can no longer meet the current needs of the occupants require urgent overhauls unlike homes whose electrical system can still meet the needs of the occupants. How can you tell that the system cannot meet your current needs? Several warning signs exist. For example, circuit breakers may keep tripping each time several appliances are being used at the same time.
What Other Renovations Do You Intend to Implement?
The best time to conduct an overhaul of the electrical system is when another major home improvement project is going on. For example, the electrical renovation can be timed to coincide with the addition of a kitchen extension. In this way, you will reduce the cost of knocking down the wall components for the two projects since the projects will be synchronised.
What Are Your Future Needs?
An electrical system upgrade can also be scheduled in case you want to prepare the system to meet your future needs. For example, you can rewire the home in case you intend to install sensitive appliances that require ground fault circuit interrupters which were lacking when the home was constructed. Make sure that the renovation creates reserve capacity to meet any other electrical needs that you may have beyond those appliances that you wish to install. For example, the new electrical panel that you buy should have extra slots for additional circuits.
The best way to determine the type and extent of electrical renovations is by asking professionals to conduct a thorough inspection and audit of the electrical system. Those experts will then advise you about the most cost-effective way to upgrade your electrical system.
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