Every home needs electrical repairs from time to time. Especially in older homes, new technology does not always work well. Electrical system remodels are more about safety than luxury. Because of the danger and complexity involved in this kind of project, the traditional do-it-yourself attitude is not advisable. It is best to seek professional electricians who are familiar with the Salt Lake City home improvement regulations.
Careful planning is needed to ensure that you will have plenty of power for your present and future needs. Whether you are adding circuits in a new room, wiring a remodeled kitchen, or adding an outdoor circuit, plan for enough electrical service to meet peak needs. These kinds of services are usually expensive. Here are some ways to save and get the most of your investment from your Salt Lake City home improvement:
1. Don’t be misled by an electrician’s hourly rates. This amount ranges from $30 to $70. It is better to choose an experienced and well-equipped electrician with a higher hourly rate than a cheaper, inexperienced hack with inadequate tools or no parts. The hourly rate should be considered along with the contractor’s quality of work, equipment and experience.
2. Compare the electrician’s travel charges. This can have a big impact on your costs. Many electricians working in the Salt Lake City home improvement spend a third or more of their time navigating traffic. Some charge for each visit, some a flat trip charge and others simply compensate for travel time by charging a higher hourly rate. Every electrician finds a way to pay for travel expenses so don’t hesitate to ask how and what they charge. If your project will take longer to finish, a trip charge and a relatively lower hourly rate is better. Otherwise, choose a higher hourly rate inclusive of travel charges.
3. Bundle electrical repair jobs together to save money and time. Present a list of all your electrical problems encountered. You can get everything taken care of at once.
4. Be prepared before the electrician arrives. Clear the work area and make sure the electrical panel box is accessible. You save money as well if the electrician deals less with inconveniences.
5. Install money-saving electrical fixtures. Choose fluorescent over ordinary incandescent bulbs. Use motion detector switches on your outdoor lightings. Be creative with your landscape lighting and indoor accent lightings. This can be appealing not only to you but also to your potential buyers in the future.
Remember that all electrical upgrades require review by your local electrical inspector to make sure the changes conform to the Salt Lake City home improvement electrical and building codes. Failure to have proper permits and inspections can cause problems that can cost far more time and money. You could have trouble reselling your home in the future, or worse, your homeowners insurance could refuse to cover your loss in a house fire because the house was altered illegally!
