Planning a kitchen remodel can be an exhilarating process. Visualizing yourself using the new space with all the upgrades and enhancements you’ve made carries with it the exciting potential of magnificent meals and gorgeous gatherings to come. But while it may be fun to dream of new granite countertops or that center island you’ve always wanted, it’s important to consider the electrical system as part of your remodel as well.
It may not be the most inspirational part of a remodel, but having a good electrician on your kitchen remodel team in Alexandria, VA is essential. The kitchen is one of the most energy-heavy areas of the house thanks to the multiple built-in appliances it contains—not to mention the outlets needed for culinary apparatuses like blenders, food processors and stand mixers.
Not only is there a lot of power required for the kitchen, but it must also be installed and planned out in a certain way. For example, because of the proximity to water, all outlets must use GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) wiring and be properly grounded. Here are some dos and don’ts for kitchen remodel electrical repair in Alexandria, VA.
Kitchen remodel electrical repair dos
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when considering the electrical portion of a kitchen remodel. Before we get into specifics, however, here are a few general remodel tips for you: don’t start the remodel until all the components have been delivered; plan for the process to take longer than you expect; and keep an eye on the way doors open and close, as this will have a big impact on the overall layout of the space.
Here are some more tips to keep in mind:
• Install plenty of circuits: Kitchen appliances take up a lot of power, so make sure there are separate circuits for each appliance, including the dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, garbage disposal, lighting and dining area, as well as two for the stove. Plan on having at least nine circuits for the kitchen.
• Replace faulty or outdated wiring: If you find old wiring that does not have a ground wire—or if you find areas in the wiring that have degraded—make sure to replace those wires as part of the remodel.
Kitchen remodel electrical repair don’ts
There are also a few things to make sure not to do regarding the electrical wiring in a kitchen remodel:
• Don’t start the project without proper permits already approved: Without the proper permits, you may face fines or at the very least delays in your remodel project.
• Don’t hook up multiple appliances on the same circuit: There’s a reason each appliance needs its own circuit. Even if it doesn’t take a lot of power to run an appliance, it may take a whole lot more to kick on an appliance like a refrigerator or garbage disposal.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, contact Walsh Electric today for great customer service from the top residential electrical contractor in Alexandria, VA. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to get the job done right.