Basement remodel can be a huge undertaking. There is a lot of work involved, but it will be well worth your efforts. Extra living space will enhance your home, make it more comfortable, and increase its value.
You will want to trust the experts when it comes to areas like plumbing and electrics. There is simply too much that can go wrong when you attempt to do these types of jobs yourself.
Electrical Needs for a Basement Remodel
The amount of work and wiring required will depend on what is already there. The wiring should be a priority, so get your electrician in before any of the drywall goes up.
You will want an electrician to look everything over before you start. They will let you know if there are certain steps or codes that need to be met if you are installing a bathroom or a laundry room.
Make A Plan
Once you decide what you are going to do with your basement, you need to decide where you need light switches and sockets. It’s better to have extra than not enough.
If you are making a simple rec room, you may think you only need a few. But, down the road, you may want to fix it up into an apartment for an elderly parent to rent out once the kids are gone.
Water Issues
If you have ever had a flood in the basement, small leaks, or even damp patches, you need to address these issues before the electrician is called in. Even if you have a lot of condensation, humidity, or problems with mold and mildew, there may be a bigger problem that you are unaware of.
Get your basement remodel and foundation checked before you start the renovations or building. Basements are notoriously damp as a rule, anyhow. Water and electricity do not mix.
Electric First
Before the drywall is hung, it is much easier to run the wires to the outlets and switches, and get them all set up while you can still see everything. If the drywall is already in place, you will need to cut holes to replace the existing wiring or add more.
There can be problems with the wiring in the basement. If there is already wiring there, it may not be up to code, it could have tears or damage, and it may also be near water.
Power Source
You will need to decide where you are going to draw your power from. If you already have an existing subpanel somewhere in the house you can either connect to that existing subpanel or you can install a new one.
It may be too difficult to run the wires from the existing panel, and there may not be enough slots left open for what you need. It will depend on what you plan to do with the space.
You may want to consider installing a new subpanel. It may be outside, which can make it difficult to manage. The extra subpanel in the basement allows you to have more control.
Trust Your Electrician
Even if you think you are the king of DIY, messing about with electricity can be very dangerous. Safety should always come first. If you make a mistake or cause significant damage, you may not be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
Trust the experts at Fusion Electric for all your electrical needs. From installing a ceiling fan to rewiring your entire basement, why worry when you can trust the experts to get the job done right the first time. Contact us today.
