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Home Remodelers

Home remodeling has become popular now more than ever. The emergence of multiple television shows devoted to improving a house has driven homeowners to revamp their own homes.

Home remodelers and professional electricians are allies when it comes to working on small or big remodeling projects. A good remodeler sees the possibilities on the project schedule, budget, design, and the whole process. Meanwhile, a Colorado electrician like us will keep the electrical work in tune with the new layout of the house.

Any part or room in the house can use an overhaul. With a bit of creativity, rooms that tend to be out-dated can have a facelift and create a great impression for visitors.

Most Common Remodeling Project

Some of the most common areas in the house that often gets remodeled include:

Kitchen

This is perhaps the most popular interior in the house that is often subjected to remodeling. So many activities happen in the kitchen and so it can get very dated quickly.

Bathroom

Another room in the house that often gets an overhaul is the bathroom. Just like the kitchen, this tends to become dated after a decade. A good home remodeler and Colorado electrician could help give this space a fresh new look.

Basement

It is not uncommon for houses to have unfinished basements. One of the reasons for that is to give the homeowners freedom to transform it into whatever they feel like.

Garage

This room serves as the parking for the cars, however, it is also commonly used as additional storage, especially for big equipment. When remodeling this space, it is important that both the home remodeler and the home remodeling electrician have an understanding of the new room design.

The home remodeler is someone who tackles numerous tasks that relate to executing the vision of the homeowner. However, it is the expert electricians who focus on making the room livable with electricity for the lights and other activities.

How Home Remodelers And Home Remodeling Electricians Work Together

While the home remodeler does the project planning and budgeting, A Colorado electrician like us takes on the job of estimating the cost for the electrical works.
The home remodeler ensures the execution of work is in sync with the budgeting and project plan. On the other hand, we guarantee the correct routing of the electrical systems.
A home remodeling electrician like us also ensures that the right electrical materials are used for the remodeling project. We inspect the existing circuits and determine whether they need to be replaced or not. We understand the implication of reusing old or pre-used electrical supplies. It is not always a money-saver but adds to the cost of troubleshooting later on.
Communication between the home remodeler and the Colorado electrician is crucial especially when working on huge remodeling projects. For that reason, we make it a habit to engage with the home remodeler, other contractors, and the customer.
The home remodeler and home remodeling electrician are both important. It is imperative to establish grounds when working together. With the reputation that we have built in the community, we know that there will be little or no issue at all for us to collaborate with home remodelers. We are always open to new ideas and try to help homeowners get their dream home without actually resulting in fines.

Remodeling any part of the house is not an easy feat. It requires excellent skills from professionals. That is why our team has been trained to be responsible for organizing and communicating any electrical-related tasks.

Above all, we make sure our attention to detail is strong. It is essential most important when working on electrical works. Failure to use the right material or electrical circuit can put the lives of the people in the house in danger. Second-guessing is never an option for us.

So if you’re a Colorado home remodeler, give us a call to help you on your next project. Not only can we help you out on an electrical project, but we also refer out business to customers that are looking to start a remodeling project.

Home Builders

For many, owning a house is a big dream. That may involve designing and building from scratch. In practice, there are probably more than twenty different contractors involved in building a new house, but it is the home builders and electricians that often work together to ensure the best outcome of the project.

Like most things, building a custom house depends on the project and budget plan. Of course, that involves the personal preference of the homeowner. A myriad of factors needs to be assessed and cleared by the home builders and electricians.

A home builder puts the shovel on the ground and deals with the local government’s approval. Meanwhile, electricians handle the installation and maintenance of electrical and power systems for new homes. Generally, we focus on installing wiring systems into commercial and residential properties.

Expand your knowledge: Electrical Maintenance Tips for Commercial Buildings

How Electricians Work With Home Builders

Home builders and electricians carry different jobs when working on a new structure. For one, Denver home builders plan and construct the building. They may seek the assistance of a Colorado electrical contractor for a smooth installation of electrical wirings.

The electrical system is considered as a crucial variable when building a new home. The electrical routing should fit perfectly on the design of the house. Working with expert electricians makes the construction easier and faster.

For example, while Colorado home builders work on the complex design of the house, a skilled Denver electrician is to be relied on when installing electrical sockets for the lighting, heating and cooling systems, security, and more!

Getting the right materials for the electrical works is also another advantage of working with a Denver electrician such as ElectriCall. As licensed professional electricians, we can provide various possibilities when it comes to your electrical project. Our team can easily assess hiccups and severe problems that may come during the home building.

Project managers deal with subcontractors all the time, especially when installing or rerouting electrical works. They prefer working with a reputable Denver electrician to do the electrical fit-outs and maintenance. ElectriCall can help you save up on fees while also alleviate concerns as we’re always aware of the city ordinances pertaining to homebuilding or an electrical project.

Each process of construction is related to one another, hence having expertise about a particular building stage is imperative. Electricians provide electrical services from new wiring to maintenance and troubleshooting. On the other hand, home builders should be fluent in design for various home styles.

There are many benefits and opportunities for hiring the best Denver electrician. It is crucial to know that when it comes to electrical wiring, anything can happen. Large projects like building a new home need the right manpower to start and complete the job.

You may find interesting: Optimizing Building Operations: The Role Of Efficient Load Management

Electrical Contractors Can Handle Most Electrical Needs

Licensed Denver electricians ensure that electrical projects will be completed based on code standards. Professionals like us do both large and small projects from replacing a switch to installing high-efficiency systems.

We understand and listen to the creative details of the house project.
We look at the original house design and make a wiring diagram that will connect all the rooms to the main circuit breaker. This involves electrical works for the bedrooms, kitchen, lounge room, garage, hallways, and home office.
We understand the unique needs of each home project so we can decide on the most crucial stages of the electrical routing. And professional electricians like us take extra safety precautions when doing our job.

Whether it is a brand new home or a remodeling project, it is important to have professionals carry out the different phases of the home building. Both the home builder and electrician should have a well-planned and comprehensive design of the building process. And both have different expertise that contributes to future-proofing the house.

So if you’re a Denver metro home builder then let’s connect. We’ve been serving the area since 2011 and would be more than happy to work with you on your next project. Also, besides working together, we would like to network with other local home builders as we have a referral system in place. Whenever one of our customers asks us, we’ll be more than happy to refer you to some new business. So give us a call and let’s get started!

Electrical Service Changes

Electrical panels and meter sockets are important components of the house. They ensure you have electricity and give you the convenience to do your daily activities. But, because these things get outdated over time you need to do some electrical service changes.

Residential and commercial buildings alike are built with electrical panels. These are like the heart of the property that keeps it beating. Electrical panels carry the electricity that runs throughout the structure. And so, it is critical that they are functioning well.

When electrical panels become old, their wirings could spark and cause huge problems. It could potentially trip the breaker or cause a fire. An electrical panel upgrade is essential to prevent catastrophes from happening.

But, you are probably wondering how would you know if it is time for electrical service changes? In this article, we have shared some telltale signs that you should upgrade the electrical panel of your home.

Burnt Smell

Burn marks on the panel, burnt smell, and the panel getting hot are all signs that you should definitely upgrade your electrical panel immediately. Hire professionals to inspect and upgrade your electric system.

Power Trips Frequently

When your lights are often flickering, it means that it is not getting the right amount of electricity it needs. If your appliances suddenly shut off or cannot run at its best, it might also not have the ample supply of power it requires to work properly. In the end, they could be damaged or stop working.

Old electrical box

This is another visible sign that tells you should install new electrical panels. Outdated panels can become a serious problem because the system might not be able to sustain your electric consumption.

There are many dangers to using out-of-date electrical panels. First of all, they are unsafe to use.

But, how do you tell if your electric panel is old? You can find a serial number on the box that indicates the year it was manufactured. You could also check the ampacity or load capacity from that label. Typically, the panels should be replaced every 20 years.

Some examples of old electrical boxes include:

Zinsco Panels have breakers that could not handle the surge of electricity and melt. Click here for more information on Zinsco Panels.

FPE Panels or the Federal Pacific Electric which are reported to have caused thousands of residential fires in the United States. This type allows electricity to linger on the circuit even after it has been shut off. Read more about Federal Pacific Electric panels here.

Fuse Box is common in homes. The problem is that people or homeowners only modify their fuse boxes to handle the increase of their electric use, instead of replacing it with the right panel for the amperage they need.

Split-Bus Panel is common to houses built in the 1980s. So if you are living in a home that has this kind of panel, you should get it checked and conduct proper load analysis. Investigate whether the panel is still safe to use.

The common split-bus panel consists of two independent bus bars and the bottom breaker of the first section is the one feeding current to the second set. This type is often small and has up to six breakers.

If you need to turn off the home’s power completely, you will need to shut all of those breakers. This panel design usually fails to cut electricity when it is supposed to, hence, making wirings unable to handle power and overloads.

That said, you will need to hire an electrician to make a split bus panel replacement if you want to install more appliances in your home, apartments, or commercial building.

Upgrading your old electrical panel will not only reduce future hazards but will give you benefits like improving your electrical system’s design and functionality, being able to plug in more appliances, and reduce electric bills.

Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

The average electrical panel replacement cost ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 for most jobs. Wiring an electric panel could take up to 8 hours or more to finish, and you could expect to pay about $100 per hour as the price to hire an electrician. However, costing could be cut or double depending on the extensiveness of work required.

Meter Socket Checks

Aside from the electrical panels, one other crucial part of any house or building is the meter socket. It is connected to the electrical meter which is a device that tells how much power is being used and the basis for your electric bills.

The meter socket is often found outside, and therefore should be waterproof. There are different kinds of meter sockets that can handle different amperages. Big houses or buildings use heat-duty sockets that are capable of supporting about 320 or more amps.

When it comes to meter socket replacement, do not attempt to install a new one on your own. Call your electric company to do the inspection and replacement. That is so much safer than to try and fix it yourself and cause more damage.

Meter socket installation for 100 amp costs about $100, while a higher amp could range from $200 to $500. And from some homeowners, changing electrical devices like this does not require a permit.

Watch Out!

Doing electrical service changes on your own is dangerous, especially if you do not have the knowledge and skills in replacing or installing electric panels and meter sockets. The electrical panel consists of live wires that could get you electrocuted. Hiring professionals that have the equipment and skills is the best thing to do.

So, who are the professionals that can assist you?

First, you can call on home inspectors to check your electrical system. They can easily detect where electrical issues often start. Home inspectors are also well aware of the different kinds of electrical panels and determine panel age.

You can also hire a professional electrician who is experienced in installing or changing electrical panels and specialty breakers. Although hiring an electrician might be costly, it will be worth its price in the end.

Qualified electricians have the tools, skills, and knowledge of electrical codes and concepts. They understand the components of an electrical system, so you can rest assured the job is done right and safely.

Why You May Want Electrical Heating

In Arvada, the temperature can change drastically. The month of July could get very hot while during fall through spring it can get simply freezing. Having an electronic thermostat will help you get an accurate temperature reading and electrical heating.

The thermostat is where the heating and cooling in your home begins. It makes the process of controlling your house’s temperature like heating a room, more efficient.

Not sold yet? We have here some reasons why you may want to install an electronic thermostat and why electrical heating is something you should have.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Electric Heating

Electric Heat Pumps are common in most houses, especially those that are located in states or cities that experience cold climates. It is considered a cost-efficient heating system that successfully heats the home.

Electric Furnace is another inexpensive kind of heating system. However, it requires routine maintenance to ensure it operates safely and properly.

Electric Water Heater perhaps takes a huge portion of energy consumption in your house as in many other homes. That is because unlike the other heating systems, this one is used on a regular basis.

Electric Baseboard Heater is the type of heater that is put just above the floor. It is popular for renovation projects since it is inexpensive and can easily heat a room.

Benefits of Having an Electric Heating

When the temperature drops, it is convenient to have an electric heating system to warm you. Consider installing one in your home. There are serious benefits you will gain. And it can help you with electric efficiency.

Efficiency

In this day and age, electricity makes home systems more efficient. Technologies like electric heating help people are more comfortable in their homes or offices. It makes life so much easier.

Electric heating and a programmable thermostat will make you do manual adjustments less. It minimizes your electricity bill and keeps your HVAC system fully optimized. Since the system can be automated, it can detect whenever space is in use or not. Therefore, switch on or off automatically.

Affordability

Electric heat may sound like a fancy device, but it is less expensive to purchase and install compared to other heating options. Because electric heating needs only electrical circuits and does not demand pipe-work, you can expect the installation costs to be minimal. Refurbishments and disruption within the house are also minimal.

When it comes to the operating costs, since you can have full control of the electric heating, you can adjust its use and save up on your utility bill. And because electric heating converts energy to heat, no energy is wasted. What that means is, because electric heaters are better insulated, they have fewer standby losses.

Installation and Function

Electric heating is easy to install. There are not many requirements for its installation and can be wired from room to room. Electric heaters are also often readily incorporated as additional units with HVAC systems. Plus, electric services can be found everywhere.

Indoor Air Quality

Unlike oil or gas furnaces, electric heating systems do not produce fumes that can cause serious health problems. It is so much safer to use so you can sleep well at night knowing that the quality of air being circulated in your house is good.

Safety

Like we previously explained, compared to fuel-fired heaters, electric heating systems do not pose the same potential hazards and problems as flammable vapors or carbon monoxide. Therefore, there is less tendency for residents to get poisoned.

Environmentally Friendly

Since electric heaters do not depend on burning fuel, it does not generate emissions that could put the people, environment and other living things at risk.

Consistent Temperature

With an electric heating system and a programmable thermostat, you can maintain a consistent temperature inside your house. There is no need for you to crank or make manual adjustments in the air conditioner every time.

Wi-Fi Control

Another great benefit of having an electric heating system connected with a programmable thermostat is that you will be able to control it using Wi-Fi. Linking everything through your home network allows you to virtually control the systems wherever you are.

Electronic thermostat installation

A thermostat is a device that is responsible for detecting the changes in temperature in a particular space or room. It controls the HVAC system, turning the heating or cooling system. A programmable thermostat is designed to allow people to have to manage the electric heating system.

Any qualified Arvada electrician or electricians near Denver should be able to help you with the installation of electric heating systems and thermostats. Find an electrician nearby to check and touch your electric heaters.

If you would like to learn more information on electric efficiency or want to know more reasons why you should invest in one, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We’d work with your local HVAC company to finish the installation, by connecting the electrical components. Contact us If you need a reference for a reliable HVAC company.

17 Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

Christmas is right around the corner but if you are thinking it is too late to put up Christmas lights, you are wrong. There is still time to make your days merrier with holiday lights. We have highlighted some holiday lighting safety tips so you can have a brighter and safer holiday.

This season is a time for joy, so do not let bad holiday light installation ruin your Christmas spirit. Revel in your light decorations while staying safe and warm. Keep on reading to learn about doing Christmas light installation safely.

1 – Watch the power lines

Keep your distance from overhead power lines when decorating outside your home. High-voltage power cables could be deadly. You do not ever want to accidentally touch them.

When decorating outside, keep your tools, Christmas lights, ornaments, and other decors away from power lines. You should also avoid hanging your light stings on trees that are near them.

2 – Switch to LED lights

Instead of using regular bulbs, why not consider energy-efficient lighting? They are an excellent alternative since they consume less energy and rarely overheat. Most LED lights also do not contain any toxic elements so they are so much safer to use, especially if you have kids or pets at home.

3 – Inspect your lights

Christmas light installation is a fun activity you can do with your family. But before making your home merrier and brighter, it is crucial to perform some precautionary measures.

Test the holiday lights before purchasing them. Look if there are any damaged bulbs. If you are using old ones, it is a smart decision to test if they are still in good condition before hanging them.

4 – Check the product reviews

Reviews and ratings say a lot about a product. If you are buying new Christmas lights, why not search the brand first. See the feedback of people who already used the item.

It is always good to read product reviews before paying for any type of Christmas decoration to avoid bringing home low-quality or hazardous items. It is highly recommended that you purchase electrical decorations only from reputable brands.

5 – Follow the fine print of the product

Read the product installation guide. Such a document exists to help consumers use the item properly and avoid it from causing harm. You do not really want your holiday decoration to ruin a happy moment.

Check the label that states the maximum wattage allowed and follow it. By reading the guide, you will learn if the Christmas light is safe to put on where you are planning to.

6 – Use a Holiday Light Timer

Turning your holiday lights off every now and then is important to prevent overheating its wiring. For this reason, you should have a light timer.

Generally, a light timer will not only cut down your electric bill but will also reduce the chances of accidentally setting your house on fire. Another advantage of installing a reliable timer is that you can have better control of the lighting system.

7 – Watch out for flammable materials

Be extra careful when hanging decorative lights that contain materials that can ignite easily. Keep in mind that Christmas lights can cause a fire since they’re made with wires where electricity passes through plastic materials that can easily burn.

8 – Plug in your lighting safely

A bad outlet can start a fire. Fix worn out sockets right away before plugging lights into it. You can purchase replacements in local hardware stores.

9 – Do not over decorate

When in doubt, do not over decorate. That is the rule of thumb when putting up holiday decorations. Christmas lights can bring holiday cheer, but hanging too much can be overwhelming. Instead of beautifying your home for the holiday, it might look crowded.

Plan ahead what you want and only put up what is needed so you can avoid dangerous circuit overload. Typically, you will only need less than 150 bulbs per vertical foot.

10 – Illuminate your home with the right voltage lighting

Landscape lighting can make your outdoor space look at its best after dark. It is often set up to make an area appealing especially when there is ice decor. Aside from that, it prevents intruders from trespassing your property.

When doing landscape lighting, use the right voltage bulbs. Check whether the voltage bulb matches the voltage supply. Do not use a very low one because it could affect their glow, and a very high voltage can make the bulbs explode.

11 – Take down your lights at the end of the season

It is highly recommended to remove your holiday lighting when the season is over. Bring them inside not only to avoid raking up your electric bill but also to prevent it from causing problems.

Once your electric decorations are brought back to the attic, you might even start feeling less anxious about having an accidental fire. Store them properly if you are planning on using them next year.

12 – Decorate professionally

If you are wondering how you can wrap Christmas tree lights professionally, the first thing you need to do is measure the tree. Measure the trunk or branches that you wish to cover with lights. And then, determine the spacing and the exact length of lights you need.

13 – Avoid using a staple gun when hanging the lights

A staple gun can tear the protective cover of the light’s strings and causes the wiring to be exposed. That really is unsafe and might cause electrocution. It can also damage the paint of your home and leave marks everywhere.

Instead, use adhesive tape which is so much easier to put or remove. Plus, it is safer to use. You can also try plastic clips which can be bought in local supplies stores.

14 – Consider where you are hanging the Christmas lights

You have a lot of options when putting up holiday lights. You can either hang it indoors or outdoors.

When decorating outdoors, use incandescent bulbs or decorative lights that are designed for the exterior. Make sure they are weather resistant and safer to use. Use an outdoor receptacle or protective cover when necessary.

On the other hand, indoor Christmas lights look good around a nativity scene or animated displays. It can make the decoration more alive and pleasing to the eyes. But be especially strategic when decorating indoors to avoid disasters from happening.

15 – Limit the number of lights plugged into your outlet

There is only so much electricity one outlet can handle. If you plug everything in the same source of electricity, there is a tendency that it will spark, tap the breaker, or worse, cause a house fire.

16 – Keep extension cords away

An extension cord is an essential item in the house. It is handy especially during the holiday season where decorations and lightings need to be plugged in. However, many people get injured from electric outlets lying around.

When using an extension cord, remember to keep it away from the reach of children or pets. Place it away from the walkways. But, do not run it inside the walls or ceilings because it might overheat. You should also place it far from water sources to avoid short-circuit.

17 – Stay away from metal materials

As much as possible, avoid attaching the Christmas lighting near or around a metal. There have been a lot of cases where people got electrocuted from lighting mistakes.

A decorated metal pole is one example. Keep in mind that metal conducts electricity, so if the lighting becomes faulty, it can make electricity travel through the metal and cause electric shock.

Have A Jolly And Safer Christmas

Holiday light installation is definitely a huge part of the Christmas celebration. To some families, it is a tradition that makes parents and children closer to one another. And who would not be captivated by the beautiful holiday decorations embellished with light strings everywhere?

Following the holiday lighting safety tips above will not only make heads turn but will also give you peace of mind knowing that you have done your Christmas light installation the right way.