When people move into a new home, they typically want to put their own stamp on it. They may want to make adjustments to the way that it was previously configured to take into account the new family size, lifestyle or accessibility needs. Is this also a good time to look at the electrical installation and order an upgrade, even if the property is not all that old?

Coming up to Date

It's amazing how much building codes have changed in a relatively short space of time. Regulators upgrade these rules from a safety and practicality perspective and as new materials or equipment become available. Therefore, it does not take long for an installation to become out of date, and if you are going to engage in a fairly significant renovation, it is time to look closely at the wiring and circuitry.

Thirstier Appliances

The type of fridge or oven that you want to install may be larger or more powerful than the previous item. These bigger models may use more electricity, and you may need to look at the existing circuit to see if it can cope. You may also want to place your outlets closer together than they currently are. This will make it easier for you to plug in all of your ancillaries and operate your kitchen more efficiently on a daily basis.

Better Now Than Later

If you are opening up the walls during the renovation, it makes sense to have a good look at the quality of the electrical wiring. It'll save you a lot of time and aggravation if you opt to rewire now, rather than having to do it separately in a couple of years. If need be, you can upgrade the standard of the installation to take into account any future growth potential.

Away With the Cord

Don't forget the living room as well. It's surprising how many households use an extension cord on a long-term basis so they can plug in all of their entertainment gadgets. Remember, an extension cord is meant to be temporary, so make sure you add a sufficient number of outlets and beef up that circuit if necessary.

Experts Only

Always outsource this type of work to an electrician from a safety and practicality point of view. This will give you peace of mind in the future knowing that your electrical installation is up to code.