Planning a Fall Remodel? Plumbing and Electrical Upgrades to Consider
Fall is the perfect time to remodel your home and enjoy plumbing and electrical upgrades. Huft Home Services has been helping Sacramento homeowners with bathroom and kitchen remodels, covering sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and new piping systems, for over 20 years. We can also upgrade electrical boxes and light switches, giving your home a more modern touch, enhanced safety, convenience and a power system that is outfitted for current electrical demands.
Why a Remodel Is a Good Time for Plumbing & Electrical Upgrades
Home services upgrades in and around the Sacramento area usually require disruptive periods of creating holes in drywall, ceilings, and flooring. During a remodel, the interior mechanisms, like your wiring and pipes that allow your home to function, are all accessible. Tackling everything at once will save you time and money.
A remodel also brings up new household needs, such as a bigger electrical box for a new appliance. In older homes, remodels can also reveal deteriorating home systems, like corroded piping or outdated wiring. All of the upgrades guarantee that your investment in a new remodel is protected.
Think of it this way: there is no reason to invest in expensive tile flooring if an underground leak springs months later and requires you to rip it up.
Plumbing Upgrades to Consider During a Remodel
While planning out your plumbing remodel, always consider these plumbing upgrades for your home:
Replacing aging piping systems: If your home is still using galvanized steel, older copper, or cast iron piping, it is susceptible to corrosion and restricted water flow.
Water heater upgrades: If you’ve noticed that your hot water temperatures are dropping when using multiple fixtures at the same time, your home tank may need repairs or a bigger water heater tank.
Water-saving fixtures: Low-flow toilets and WaterSense-marked fixtures and showerheads all reduce your water use and lower monthly utility bills.
Water filtration and softeners: If you are worried about hard water minerals or have noticed an off taste in your drinking water, filtration and water softener systems are the best upgrade.
New drain pipes: If you’ve noticed slow drains or a section of deteriorated drainage piping, a plumber from Huft Home Services can replace them.
Switching to a tankless water heater, for unlimited on-demand hot water, is another popular plumbing upgrade.
Electrical Upgrades to Consider During a Remodel
Electrical upgrades should also be considered when planning a home remodel. Huft Home Services specializes in the following electrical upgrades when remodeling:
New electrical wiring: Replacing old knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring is a smart idea during a home remodel. Similarly, replacing sections of frayed wiring is important for safety regulations.
EV chargers: We can install all levels of EV chargers, making sure they are properly hooked up to your home power system.
Panel upgrades: If you are currently or looking to add a new appliance, smart home system, or increase your home’s electrical capacity, upgrading your panel makes the most sense.
Surge protection outlets: GFCI outlet protection is important to install in areas close to water, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
New outlet and switches: Replacing old and outdated switches is easy during a renovation because all wiring is already exposed.
Kitchen Remodeling: Plumbing and Electrical Considerations
When remodelling your kitchen, consider these specific upgrades below.
Kitchen plumbing upgrades
- Rerouting all drainage lines for the fridge, sinks, and dishwasher in the layout stage is a smart idea, especially if any sinks are moved during the remodel.
- Installing modern fixtures, like a touchless faucet, for high efficiency and ease is a good idea.
- Install high-quality shutoff valves under each new plumbing system.
Kitchen electrical upgrades
- Recessed lighting, under-cabinet lights, and dimmer switches can all transform a kitchen space.
- Garbage disposal hookups, perfect for cleaning food off plates, require under-sink outlets, routing to the kitchen circuit, and GFCI protection.
- A dedicated circuit for kitchen appliances like the fridge, oven, and dishwasher is always a good call.
Bathroom Remodeling: Plumbing and Electrical Considerations
When you decide to remodel your bathroom, consider these upgrades early in the planning stage.
Bathroom plumbing upgrades
- New showerheads to fit the design of the remodel, such as rainfall, body spray, or handheld sprayers.
- Proper drainage lines for new and upgraded bathroom sinks, tubs, and toilets.
- A new water heater to support the existing and brand new bathroom.
Bathroom electrical upgrades
- GFCI surge protection on all wall outlets near splash zones.
- Lighting around mirrors and under cabinets.
- Proper venting and an exhaust fan for moisture control.
- Heated floors are a popular and luxury upgrade.
When an Electrical Panel Upgrade May Be Needed
Most electrical box panels only support 100 amps and modern appliances and additions require more power. A popular electrical upgrade when remodeling is replacing your panel to increase the total amperage. Always factor this in when:
- You’re thinking of adding an EV charger.
- You’re adding more than one new appliance.
- There are no open slots for a new circuit on your current panel.
- Your local city codes or insurance require a newer electrical panel.
Huft Home Services will help you upgrade to a 150 or 200 amp panel for added safety and more power. It’s important to determine if you need a new panel during the planning stage as it may require contacting your utility provider and a city inspection.
Why Plan Plumbing and Electrical Work Early in Your Remodel?
Planning your plumbing upgrades and home remodeling electrical upgrades during the first stage of the renovation allows for:
- Complete control in your remodel budget, factoring in every cost so there are no surprise additions.
- Avoiding delays, especially for speciality equipment, like efficient faucets or toilets, which could have long lead times.
- Securing home permits before actual renovations.
- Avoiding the seasonal rush and guaranteeing you and Huft Home Services have ample time to plan your remodel.
- Applying early for remodel plumbing and electrical financing options.
- Taking advantage of seasonal special deals.
When to Bring in a Licensed Plumber or Electrician
If you discover that you’ll need wiring or piping upgrades during the planning stages of your remodel, you should call a home renovation electrical and plumbing specialist. Contact Huft Home Services to:
- Move, add or replace plumbing supply lines.
- Install or move a water heater.
- Add a new circuit or upgrade the electrical box.
- Rewire old and frayed electrical systems.
- Any job that requires local permits.
Huft Home Services also has specific financing options for plumbing and electrical upgrades that take place during a home remodel.
Call Huft Home Services For All Plumbing and Electrical Remodel Services
Having a dedicated home services specialist on your team during the planning stage of the remodel will save you time, stress, and money. Trust Huft Home Services for all electrical upgrades for your home and home renovation plumbing services. We also have a home protection plan to keep your investments safe and maintained. Contact us today to schedule a consolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which upgrades can improve convenience, safety, or efficiency?
On the electrical side, new rewiring services and a new electrical panel allow for safe and consistent power. On the plumbing side, replacing old outdated piping and installing a new water heater will guarantee perfect water supply to your new renovated space.
How do I know if my wiring is outdated?
There are a few warning signs such as buzzing sounds, flickering lights, and frequently tripped breakers, but our lighting technicians can perform an inspection. Homes built before the 1970s usually use knob and tube wiring which needs to be replaced for safety precautions.
How easy is it to move my kitchen sink or bathroom fixtures?
It really depends on your home layout which is why having the expertise of Huft Home Services early on in the process is important. Moving sinks requires moving drainage lines which is easy in short distances, but more complicated if you want a major rehaul.
