A home renovation is a perfect time to not only improve your house’s layout and aesthetic appeal but also certain things that lie underneath the surface, like your wiring. There are electrical problems hiding in our homes that can be very dangerous, but also others that are simply annoying—both can be removed during your home renovation.

If you’re wondering what to pay attention to, here are a few upgrades to your electrical wiring to consider next time you’re renovating:

Add extra outlets

Do you live in an older house? Or maybe you live in a newer house but your electricity requirements have changed from the times you’ve designed this house (more members, more appliances, etc.). Either way, you need more access spots to electricity, which is something you can handle during your house renovation. Your electrician can install extra outlets wherever you need them.

Some spaces that often need extra outlets are home offices (computers, printers, shredders), kids' rooms (TVs, video game consoles, night lights), outdoor spaces (bug repellants, lighting, landscaping machines) and kitchens (appliances, gadgets).

If you often need to use extension cords and power strips, it’s a clear sign that you need to add extra outlets. Luckily, this is an easy upgrade that won’t cost you too much money and time, yet it will bring your great returns on investment.

Install GFCIs

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are handy devices that can turn off the electricity if the plugged-in item gets in contact with water (or any other moisture). Today, GFCIs come pre-installed, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, but if your house is older, they might be missing from your at-risk spaces.

Luckily, any electrician can perform a switch of the outlets during renovation. This upgrade is crucial for your safety and your property’s safety and might even be required by code, depending on your location.

Upgrade the electrical panel

It’s safe to say that your home is full of new appliances and gadgets, all of which require electricity to work. New appliances might be energy-efficient, but the sheer number of them can be very demanding on your panel. Some countries like Australia encourage electricians to recommend electrical panel upgrades to prevent any electrical dangers in homes.

Luckily, this country also trains amazing electricians so if you’re looking for an electrician in Brisbane, it won’t be hard to find a true expert. Best of the best do everything from panel upgrades to testing, tagging and emergency work.

Boost lighting

Older homes really don’t have too many lighting options but general lighting and outlets for lamps. Well, to boost your illumination and achieve a pleasant level of lighting 24/7, you can ask your electrician to add certain fixtures to your space.

For instance, recessed lighting points, display lighting, track lighting and landscaping lighting are very popular today for all the right reasons. They boost safety and usability of your space and can even increase your resale value. A qualified electrician to handle the wiring plus a lighting designer can give you a perfect level of illumination in every room.

Add charging stations

For modern times, this is one of the most practical electrical upgrades you can introduce to your home during the renovation. Installing charging stations with outlets, wireless charging as well as USB ports can make charging easy and practical, while also helping you reduce clutter in your home. With this upgrade, all your devices will have a safe space for charging and you won’t have to trip over cables spread out throughout your house.

Add smart home features

There’s no better time to replace some of the old appliances with smart ones and add smart gadgets to your home. In certain cases, you can install these tech innovations yourself, but other times, you will need a knowledgeable electrician. Great smart home features include smart locks, smart lighting, smart alarm systems and surveillance, smart thermostats, etc.

Perform certain green upgrades

The negative effect humans have on the environment can’t be ignored anymore. While we don’t have to give up electricity in order to help, we can make certain upgrades to our homes that will help reduce energy waste and install green alternatives like solar panels. Early in the planning process of your renovation, discuss green upgrades with your electrician and see whether they are fit for your home.

Your renovation can only be made more successful if you choose to upgrade your electrical elements. This move will not only make your life more comfortable and practical but also help prevent disasters and boost your home’s value.

By Mike Johnston