Home Remodeling Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I have my home’s electrical system inspected before I remodel?

As a recent study from the Fire Protection Research Foundation showed, older homes can have serious electrical conditions that need to be inspected and fixed by electrical experts, such as a qualified electrician. Every day, we put more and more of a burden on the electrical systems in our homes. Today’s air conditioning systems alone can take more power than an entire home did 30 years ago. Many older homes may not be equipped to meet our power needs today. Using a qualified electrician when you remodel and complying with the latest electrical safety requirements will make your home safer and save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Who would be considered a “qualified electrician?”

A qualified electrician is a trained professional who has skills, knowledge, and experience related to the installation and repair of electrical wiring and equipment. These electricians should be familiar with the electrical building code requirements in the localities in which they work, and should also be familiar with the latest requirements of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®). If you have an older home and want it inspected, you also might want to consider finding an electrician who is familiar with the NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings.

My electrical outlets look new. How do I know if there is a problem in my home?

A recent first-of-its-kind study from the Fire Protection Research Foundation shows that real electrical system dangers can exist and may remain hidden within and “behind the walls” of older homes. Electrical fires that start behind your walls can be among the most serious and deadly. Your family and the smoke alarms in your home may not detect an electrical fire until it is fully engulfed, giving you less time and fewer options for escape. The best way to assess and improve the electrical safety of your home’s electrical system is to have it inspected by a qualified electrician.

Do I need a permit in order to update my electrical system?

In many areas, it is necessary to acquire a permit before doing any kind of remodeling work in your home. Check your local government’s permit requirements. Even if a permit is not required in your community, you should ensure that all electrical work done in your home meets the latest electrical safety requirements.

If my house does not meet some of the rules and regulations, what should I do?

If you are planning to remodel, first contact your local building department about the licensing, permitting, and inspection requirements that may apply in your community. Before doing electrical work, we recommend that you have your home’s electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician. And, make certain that any work done in your home meets the latest electrical safety requirements.

Will this increase the value of my home?

Most importantly, when remodeling your home, bringing the electrical system up- to-date through the use of a qualified electrician and the latest safety provisions will increase the safety of your home and your family. If you do decide to sell the home later, having an updated electrical system, installed by a qualified electrician, should make the home more attractive to prospective buyers.

What should I look for in an electrician as I work to remodel my home?

When remodeling, it is important to hire a qualified electrician who is familiar with the current electrical safety requirements in your area. Your electrician should also be familiar with the wiring methods used in older homes to ensure that any improvements or additions are properly installed. Some very old homes may still be fitted with knob and tube wiring, while others may have aluminum wire, overburdened service panels, and other electrical conditions that can require special care.

If I am going to do my own wiring, what are some important things to know?

Our lives literally depend on the safe use of electricity in our homes. Electricity is a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Even what some might think of as a “minor” problem can lead to fire. So, it is always safest to consult a qualified electrician before having any electrical work done.