When building or renovating, it’s easy to focus on the visual aspects of your project — developing a colour scheme, selecting materials, and perfecting the layout of your home. But just as important is getting your electrical and lighting plan right. A well-thought-out electrical layout doesn’t just power your home — it enhances how you live in it. A few smart decisions in the planning stage can make your home more comfortable, convenient, and effortless to navigate, helping you avoid frustrating power shortages, poorly placed outlets, or inadequate lighting down the track.
Today we’re excited to have an electrical expert The Local Electrician with us to share his list of the best electrical improvements when renovating. Get ready to elevate your home’s functionality, safety, and value with his recommendations.
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Plan your electrical layout around your lifestyle
Before any wires are run, take time to assess how you use each space. Do you need ample outlets in the kitchen for appliances? Is your living room set up for a home entertainment system?
By taking the time to think about how you’ll use each space and your daily routines, you can better identify your electrical needs. For example, where you might need power points, other wiring requirements (such as for an outdoor heater in your alfresco area) and additional security cameras.
The simplest and most effective way to plan your electrical layout is to get a floorpan of your home and walk through the zones, one by one. As you walk, jot down where you would like to position power points or run wires for other systems. No matter if you’re mid-way through your renovation and all you have are wall studs! This process of walking through your home and visualising how you’ll use it minimises the risk of overlooking something important to you.
Upgrade your electrical panel
Older homes often have outdated electrical panels that can’t handle modern power demands. According to this Family Handyman article, old electrical panels don’t just cause circuit breaks, they can also be a serious safety concern. Circuit breaks happen when the demand for power exceeds the breaker’s capacity. Think plugging in a portable air-conditioner or a second fridge. When too many appliances are running on the same circuit and drawing more power than it can handle, the circuit will overload, causing the safety switch or circuit breaker to trip and shut off the power to prevent overheating or fire.
Upgrading to a new, larger panel ensures safety and accommodates additional circuits for new appliances or future expansions. Always hire a licensed and trusted professional to undertake electrical wiring work. This proactive step can prevent potential overloads and electrical hazards.
Install additional power points and USB outlets
A simple and affordable upgrade on this list of best electrical improvements is to switch your regular power points for those with integrated USB ports. How many devices or toys have you bought recently with rechargeable batteries? We’re constantly looking for USB adapters but with these enhanced power points, you can simply plug and charge straight from the wall.
Adding extra powerpoints, especially in high-traffic areas like your kitchen, study or laundry, makes life more convenient. This upgrade reduces clutter from multiple adapters or eliminates the safety risk of having to run extension cords.
Incorporate smart home technologies
Integrating smart technologies can enhance comfort and energy efficiency. Devices like smart thermostats, lighting systems, automated window coverings and security cameras allow you to control various aspects of your home remotely, leading to potential savings on energy bills. For instance, smart lighting can be programmed to adjust based on natural light levels, optimising energy use.
Upgrade to LED lighting
You’ve heard for years how replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED lighting consumes less energy, saving you money. So if you haven’t already made this simple upgrade, let us give you a different reason. LEDs come in a range of shapes and styles, including ultra slim strips, which allow you to create an architectural aesthetic for minimal cost. Consider slim recessed LED lights running down a wall for ambient lighting, in your wardrobe for added convenience and a luxurious boutique-style aesthetic, or along the ceiling edge to create a high-end, designer look — an easy and affordable upgrade when planned ahead.
LEDs not only reduces energy bills but also decreases the frequency of bulb replacements, offering long-term savings.
Install dimmer switches and lighting controls
Enhancing your home’s ambience and energy efficiency can be achieved by installing dimmer switches and advanced lighting controls. These allow you to adjust lighting levels to suit different activities and moods, providing both aesthetic appeal and energy savings. Take things up a notch by using a smart lighting system where you can set different moods or use voice activation to control lighting.
Add dedicated circuits for high-power appliances
When upgrading your electrical panel, ask your electrician to add dedicated circuits for appliances that require significant power, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. Installing dedicated circuits ensures these devices operate safely without overloading your system. This approach minimises the risk of tripped breakers and potential electrical fires while ensuring a reliable power supply.
Integrate home security systems
Modern security systems, including smart door locks, motion detectors, and surveillance cameras, offer peace of mind. Integrating these into your renovation enhances safety and can be managed remotely for added convenience. Features like real-time alerts and remote monitoring keep you connected to your home’s security status at all times.
Upgrade wiring and outlets
If your home has outdated wiring or ungrounded outlets, now is the time to replace them. This not only ensures safety but also brings your home up to current electrical codes. Upgrading wiring can prevent potential hazards like electrical shocks and fires, providing a secure living environment.
Install an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station
Finally, with the growing popularity of electric vehicles, installing an EV charging station at home is a forward-thinking upgrade. It offers the convenience of charging your vehicle overnight and can increase your property’s appeal to future buyers.
Did you pick up any new ideas on electrical improvements to make during your home renovation? Perhaps you have more ideas to share, tell us in the comments below!
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