When building or remodeling your home, you might not think that your electrician needs to have an eye for design. After all they’re just running wire and providing power. But the truth is that lighting can make or break a space and outlet placement is more important than you might think. Here are 5 reasons why you should make sure your electrician cares about design.
Lighting is paramount
Lighting is an extremely important element in a space and there are more options than you might think. Are you going to have dimmable lights? What about accent lighting? Are LED lights worth it? Your electrician will have suggestions based on the space and they may know about different lighting options that you haven’t considered. This is the time to explore all of your options and your electrician should be able to assist you every step of the way.
Outlet placement
Have you ever went to plug something in and couldn’t find an outlet anywhere? Or maybe you just bought a new house and you look around and realize that none of the outlets in the room are where you need them. The outlets may be placed to code but you can tell that no thought went into them. It’s important to think about this ahead of time because after construction is finished moving or adding outlets is more expensive. When you have an electrician that asks about where you’d like outlets or where you will be plugging in lamps, appliances or Christmas lights, it’s a sign that they are thinking ahead.
Smart home systems
Smart home systems are continuously growing in popularity. Did you know that electrical contractors are often the ones who install them? But it is also important that you find one who can design them and show you how to use it. If you have ever considered adding smart home systems to your home or just seeing what’s available, ask your electrician what they can offer you.
Ideas from an expert
Think about how many houses your electrician has wired in their career. Who better to ask for advice than someone who has seen the lighting in so many different kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms? They may have ideas that you never thought about. And you might be so overwhelmed from making decisions about your project that it will be nice to have an expert opinion. It may alleviate you saying “do whatever” and then regretting not giving it more thought after your project is finished.
Changes down the road can be costly
It will always be easier and less expensive to make electrical changes while the walls are open. If you wait to think about how you will use the space until after you are already living in it, then changes can be costly and take longer. If you have an electrician that helps you think about these design elements ahead of time, it will ensure that your project is the most cost effective and that you love the lighting in your home for years to come.
If you have any questions or comments, contact Sasha at sasha@inthelitellc.com. As always, we hope we’ve made your day brighter!