New Home Construction and Home Renovation Wiring, Toronto

Planning a renovation or the construction of a new home? For electrical projects or services, all wiring and re-wiring should meet electrical code requirements.
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New Home Construction and Home Renovation Wiring, Toronto

During new home construction and renovations involving opening up the walls or ceilings, it’s important to consider adding new wiring or upgrading existing wiring. Whether it’s pre-wiring or renovation wiring, the process is much cheaper and more convenient when combining the labour and jobs compared to waiting until a later date to open up the walls a second time to specifically fix, install, or upgrade wiring. For homeowners, future-proofing is all the reason to pay close consideration to wiring during home constructions and renovations.

With how quickly and constantly technology is progressing, requirements for electrical power. As a result, nearly all modern home renovations involve wiring additions or alterations, with common renovation wiring concerns being sizing, proper connections and securing, and sufficient protection. Without enough wiring to match the increased demand for electricity, there is an increase in the very real risk of house fires. Excess current can be dangerous. If additional outlets are being installed, it’s crucial to also ensure that the circuits can handle the increase. In most cases, you may also need new circuits installed with a panel or service upgrade.

Since large renovations and new home constructions require careful planning and electrical calculations to ensure safety, it’s highly recommended to work with a licensed electrician. When it comes to electrical wiring, improper planning can end up costing more in the long run and can more importantly be dangerous, so whether it’s the addition of a room, a basement remodeling, or a new home, hiring the right electrical contractor will ensure that the process goes smoothly. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association states that building codes are constantly updated. Professional, licensed electricians are trained to be up to date with these regulations.

Working with a licensed electrical contractor, the first step is to determine what will be needed based on what you want done. This can include checking electrical power requirements, renewing or upgrading outlets, installing switches or light fixtures, and most importantly: addressing any wiring concerns.

Especially for older homes, one of the first priorities should be to upgrade any remaining knob and tube or aluminum wiring. While you may choose to keep aluminum wiring, it should be noted that this kind of wiring needs to be maintained and checked by a licensed electrician every 3-5 years. Renovation wiring can eliminate this hassle, making it easier to have new appliances installed without any additional worries.

Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information on home construction or home renovation wiring! Our team operates within the GTA and is committed to helping you make your dream home a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is pre-wiring and how should I have it done?

Pre-wiring is planning your wiring ahead of time based on the electrical requirements that will be needed. When a home is being built, it’s best to plan sooner than later for a higher demand of electricity than initially expected. Before the walls go up, planning on your wiring years ahead can reduce the cost and hassle of labour in the future. Future-proofing allows you to accommodate increasing demands for up-to-date technologies and appliances, as well as allowing you the option of transitioning your home into a smart home should you ever choose to do so. To help homeowners plan for the future, electricians offer pre-wiring services. Contact MADE ELECTRIC today for more information!

Along with renovation wiring, how do I know if my outlets need to be changed or replaced?

A tell-tale sign that it’s time to replace your outlets is if plugs start to fall out. Outlets should firmly grip the plug, but if your appliances are no longer staying consistently plugged in, it’s a sign that the clip intended to hold the plug has worn out. This can be dangerous since it can cause sparking, which is a fire hazard.

Additionally, for spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, or anywhere where this is a risk of water coming into contact with your plugged-in devices, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) should be installed. GFCIs are designed to cut off power if the plugged-in device comes into contact with water or moisture, and are essential for your safety.

Having extra outlets installed during renovations, provided your home can accommodate them (and getting an electrical upgrade if it can’t), can be incredibly useful, especially if you find yourself having to constantly use power strips. A licensed electrician will be able to help you in planning where they will be installed, as well as how many more can be added to your home.

What other considerations should I make before deciding on if I want renovation wiring?

Considerations can involve thinking about whether:

  • you want a home entertainment center
  • you want wired security or monitoring systems
  • you plan to have a home office with a computer or printers
  • your children will have their own rooms with televisions and computer
  • you will want cable or satellite

It’s also important to consider what kind of lighting will be used for outdoor spaces, and if you plan on using a modern electrical thermostat or smart climate control systems for heating and air conditioning. All of this is dependent on the sufficiency of your wiring.

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