How to Plan Electrical Upgrades for Your Home Remodel

When planning a home remodel, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new designs, fresh paint, and modern fixtures. But behind every great renovation is something even more important—your home’s electrical system. Without the right electrical upgrades, your dream remodel could quickly become a nightmare. At Quality Electric, we help homeowners in Somersworth, NH, ensure their remodels are safe, efficient, and up to code.

Why Electrical Upgrades Matter in a Remodel

Imagine this: You’ve just finished a beautiful kitchen remodel. The cabinets are stunning, the appliances are top-of-the-line, and the lighting is perfect—until you plug in your new refrigerator, turn on the microwave, and flip on the coffee maker, and suddenly, the power goes out. Your home’s existing electrical system wasn’t designed for the increased load.

Upgrading your electrical system ensures that your home can handle modern demands while keeping your family safe from overloaded circuits and fire hazards.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Electrical System

Before you start knocking down walls or installing new fixtures, you need to evaluate your home’s existing electrical system. Consider these questions:

How old is your home’s wiring?
Do you frequently trip circuit breakers?
Are there enough outlets in each room?
Is your electrical panel up to date?

If your home is more than 30 years old, you may need to upgrade the wiring and panel to handle today’s energy needs safely. A professional electrician from Quality Electric can perform an electrical inspection and provide expert recommendations.

Step 2: Plan for Future Electrical Needs

Your remodel is about more than just today’s needs—it’s about preparing your home for the future. Think about how you use electricity now and how that might change:

Smart Home Features: Do you want smart lighting, security systems, or automated appliances?
Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades: Will you need extra outlets for new appliances or heated floors?
Entertainment Systems: Are you adding a home theater or built-in speakers?
Home Office Needs: Do you need dedicated circuits for computers and printers?
Electric Vehicle Charging: Are you planning to install an EV charger in your garage?

By planning, you can avoid costly upgrades down the road and ensure your home remains functional for years to come.

Step 3: Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Many older homes in Somersworth, NH, were built with 100-amp electrical panels, which may not be sufficient for today’s power demands. If your remodel includes major upgrades, you may need to replace your panel with a 200-amp or even higher-capacity panel.

A modern electrical panel ensures your home can safely distribute power without the risk of overloading circuits. Quality Electric can assess your current panel and upgrade it as needed to accommodate your remodel.

Step 4: Install Proper Lighting and Outlets

Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of a remodel, yet it can make the biggest impact. Consider the type of lighting you need in each room:

Ambient Lighting: General lighting that brightens up the entire space.
Task Lighting: Focused lighting for areas like kitchen counters or bathroom vanities.
Accent Lighting: Decorative lighting to highlight architectural features.

Additionally, ensure you have enough outlets to support your daily activities. The National Electrical Code (NEC) has specific requirements for outlet placement, and Quality Electric can ensure your home meets or exceeds these standards.

Step 5: Hire a Licensed Electrician

Electrical work isn’t a DIY job—one wrong connection can lead to serious safety hazards. Hiring a licensed and experienced electrician ensures that all electrical upgrades are done correctly, safely, and in compliance with local codes.

At Quality Electric, we specialize in electrical upgrades for home remodels in Somersworth, NH. Our team will work with you to design a system that fits your needs, budget, and future plans.

Step 6: Schedule an Inspection

Once your electrical upgrades are complete, a final inspection ensures everything meets safety standards. This step is crucial for protecting your home and ensuring compliance with local building codes.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Electrical System?

Remodeling your home is an exciting journey, but don’t overlook the importance of a well-planned electrical system. Whether you’re upgrading a single room or renovating your entire home, Quality Electric is here to help. Our expert electricians in Somersworth, NH, will ensure your remodel is safe, efficient, and built for the future.