Finishing your basement adds valuable square footage, a place for your family to relax, hang out, and enjoy their hobbies away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the house. Creating a safe and usable space requires more than just putting up some walls, though. One of the first steps to remodeling the basement is to work with an electrician to ensure all your plans will be possible. Here are some important points to keep in mind. 

How to Plan Electrical Work for a Finished Basement

1. Think of Your Goals

Your plans for using your finished basement should serve as a starting point for your electrical needs. Consult an electrician about what you’ll be powering in the basement, as some items, such as exercise equipment, require more electricity than others.

Planning on using the basement for gaming? Consider adding a dedicated circuit specifically for gaming systems and a big-screen television. Doing so can protect them from damage from power surges on other circuits. 

2. Include Plenty of Outlets

Basement spaces tend to have larger rooms than other parts of the home. This means you’ll need extra outlets on each wall to ensure you can power all of your lighting and devices. Generally, you should plan for an outlet every 6 feet; for a wall that’s 12 feet long, you’ll need two outlets.

Your electrician can wire some of the outlets so they’ll only receive power when you flip a switch. This is useful for lighting, fans, or other features you only want to power when the space is in use. 

3. Plan for Extra Lighting

When designing your finished basement, err on the side of caution with plenty of lighting. Even if you end up with more lights than you really need, it’s better than having a dim or gloomy space.

By definition, basements don’t get as much natural light, so incorporating a variety of lighting options, such as recessed lighting, lamps, and wall sconces, ensures the space is bright enough for you to enjoy using it.

When you’re remodeling your basement, work with an experienced electrician to ensure the space is safe and well-designed. For more than 45 years, homeowners in the Hahira, GA, area have turned to Etheridge Electric Company for quality electrical installations, repairs, and home inspections. As you plan your next remodeling project, call (229) 794-2148 to speak with a representative about your needs. Visit the website to learn more about their services.