When you add to your home, you're not just building new walls and extending the foundation. You'll also need to bring in plumbers and electricians to supply the new area and make sure your home's existing infrastructure can support the increased load. When you have an electrician work on your addition, they’ll look at these areas.

What Your Electrician Will Add to Your Home Addition

1. Electrical Supply

Modern homes need about 200 amps from the electrical company to keep everything running. Older homes often have only 100 or even as little as 40. If your supply isn't enough to support your home and the addition, your electrician will help you upgrade it.

2. Main Electric Panel

The central control panel all your wiring runs through has a limited number of slots. These may not be enough to accommodate the new wiring for your addition. If this is the case, a new panel will need to be installed.

3. Basic Wiring

Once you have sufficient electrical service and a central panel that will accommodate your addition, your new circuitry needs to be designed. Your electrician will follow industry best practices to ensure your wiring installation is safe, efficient, and up to code.

4. Outlets & Fixtures

During the design process, you'll want to make sure your addition has plenty of electrical outlets in accessible areas. Ask for GFCI outlets in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where there is a greater risk of an electrical short due to water exposure. You'll also need to plan for adequate lighting.

5. Extras

Many homeowners forget small details, but they can greatly improve the safety and comfort of your home. For example, you may want to include a thermostat in the new area to control any new HVAC equipment, a ceiling fan, or a bathroom ventilation system. You should also plan for smoke detectors, which are sometimes wired to the electrical system.

For help making these updates to your home addition, call AA Electric in Honolulu, HI. Since 1947, these experienced electricians have served the island of Oahu, providing installation and repairs for clients ranging from individual homeowners to the federal government. To discuss your project, call (808) 841-4131 or get in touch online.