Protect your remodel investment

Realtors say you get the most bang-for-your-buck by renovating your kitchen or bathroom, meaning you have a better chance at getting $1 in return for every $1 you spend. Do-it-yourselfers who are trying to save money in the first place (hence the DIY) will often go for the potential ROI. There are some things to be wary of, though, before tackling a kitchen or bath remodel, especially when it comes to the electrical changes you’ll be making.

For example, the new standard says that a modern kitchen should have a 200 ampere service – and that a professional electrician should be the one to make that happen if it’s not already there. As technology changes, so do our creature comforts, such as under-cabinet lighting and refrigerators with computers in them. All of these upgrades change the wiring and electricity needs of your kitchen and are reasons to have a licensed electrician do the work.

If you think the bathroom is all about plumbing and aesthetic changes, think again – especially if you have an older home. Everything from a new, brighter light fixture or new exhaust fan, to installing a steam shower may require changes to wiring. Of course, if you’re adding a bathroom in a basement, you have a whole new can of worms. Above all, remember to follow local electrical code because it was written for your safety.