Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting process. Whether you are simply replacing old cabinets or doing a complete overhaul of the kitchen, you need to consider many things. One area that many homeowners neglect is the electrical portion of the project.
With all the modern appliances we use in our kitchens, the electrical needs in the kitchen are greater today than ever before.
Planning the electrical aspects of a kitchen remodeling job is essential in assuring that the finished project is properly suited to the needs of the homeowner and is up to code. Here is some information that you may want to consider before having your kitchen remodeled.
1. Upgrade or Add Electrical Circuits
One of the first things an electrician will review during a kitchen remodel is the ability of your existing circuits to service your new kitchen layout.
Older kitchens typically have fewer circuits than today’s modern kitchens recommend. If your home was built several decades ago, your current electrical service may not be able to power today’s electrical devices.
Depending on your remodeling plans, there may be several additional circuits required for the following items:
- Refrigerator: The manufacturer may call for a dedicated circuit for the refrigerator.
- Dishwasher: May require a dedicated circuit or a special circuit configuration.
- Microwave: Built-in or over-the-range models may require dedicated circuits.
- Electric range or cooktop: Typically requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit of a size appropriate for the appliance.
- Wall oven: May require a dedicated circuit depending on the electrical characteristics of the unit.
- Countertop appliances: Modern kitchens typically require a minimum of two 20-amp small-appliance branch circuits for the countertop receptacles plus any other outlets required for major kitchen appliances.
Proper circuit additions and upgrades allow for safe and reliable power for your new appliances without overloading circuits and frequently tripping circuit breakers.
A licensed electrician can evaluate your present electrical service and determine what additional circuits are needed.
2. Install or Relocate Electrical Outlets
A kitchen remodel is a great opportunity to think about new or better locations for electrical outlets.
If you’re changing the layout, adding an island, or installing new countertops, you may need to move or add existing outlets to accommodate your new layout.
Electrical outlet improvements may include:
- Adding outlets on countertops for small appliances.
- Moving outlets for new cabinets or backsplashes.
- Installing outlets inside cabinets for built-in appliances.
- Adding power for a kitchen island or peninsula.
- Installing outlets in a pantry or beverage station.
- Adding USB-equipped receptacles for convenient device charging.
GFCI protection is required for many receptacles in your kitchen. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets are designed to cut off power to a circuit if an abnormal current flow (due to a ground fault) is detected. These are typically found at countertop receptacles and for major appliances in the kitchen.
Both local code and your remodeling plans can affect outlet location requirements. Your electrician will be sure to place outlets in locations that will meet your needs and local code.
3. Upgrade Your Kitchen Lighting
Lighting is an essential element in your kitchen. When remodeling your kitchen, you have a wonderful opportunity to make sure that your lighting allows you to see everything clearly while making your kitchen beautiful.
The best kitchens have a combination of different types of lighting that allow you to see everything clearly, make it easy to find what you need, and set the mood in your kitchen.
Some of the most common lighting sources for the kitchen include:
- Recessed ceiling lighting is used to provide general lighting without interfering with your view of the beautiful cabinetry in your kitchen. Recessed LED cans work best since they blend almost seamlessly into your ceiling.
- Under-cabinet lighting illuminates countertops where you prepare food, cook, and perform other tasks. LED strip lights or fixtures can provide focused lighting without creating harsh shadows.
- Pendant lighting is typically used in conjunction with kitchen islands and breakfast bars. Pendant lighting can provide extra task lighting in your kitchen and also serve as a decorative feature.
- Accent lighting can illuminate interesting parts of your kitchen, such as glass-front cabinets, open shelving, toe kicks, and other places. Some people also use under-cabinet or toe-kick lighting as accent lighting.
Your electrician can help you with installing new switches, new lighting circuits, and new dimmer switches during the renovation. Plan your lighting layout before you install cabinets and drywall, since making any changes after these elements are in place can be costly.
4. Update Old or Unsafe Electrical Wiring
If you are remodeling your old home in Massachusetts, you might find some outdated electrical wiring. Your kitchen’s electrical system may have wiring that is unsafe or does not meet today’s electrical standards. During a kitchen remodel, you may find that your electrical system has one or more of these common problems:
- Old or deteriorating wiring
- Poorly grounded outlets
- Overloaded circuits.
- Loose or unsafe electrical connections
- Poorly located junction boxes
- Faulty electrical work
When you open up the walls during the kitchen remodeling, your electrician can address any problems so that the wiring is safe and up to code before tacking the drywall back up. You may want to consider rewiring the kitchen during the renovation, depending on your budget and the extent of the work you are doing. It is less expensive and much easier to do any necessary electrical repairs while you have the walls open.
5. Install Electrical Connections for New Appliances
Upgrading your kitchen appliances often requires electrical upgrades during a remodel.
New appliances have different electrical requirements than the ones they are replacing.
For example, you may need a new 240-volt circuit for an electric or induction range that you are buying to replace your gas range.
New electrical connections may also be needed to install a double-wall oven, a built-in microwave, or an extra beverage refrigerator.
Before buying your appliances, make sure to check their electrical requirements and provide that information to your electrician.
Important information includes the voltage and amperage of the circuit that the appliance will be connected to, whether a dedicated circuit is required, whether the appliance will be plugged into the wall or hardwired, and the location of the electrical connection.
Working with your electrician to select and locate your appliances so you know what electrical connections will be required can prevent any surprises when your new appliances arrive at the job site for installation.
6. Evaluate Your Electrical Panel and Service Capacity
A kitchen remodel does not necessarily require an electrical panel upgrade or electrical service upgrade, but it is a good time to consider whether the service you have now can accommodate the changes you are going to make.
You may be adding several large power-hungry appliances, or you may be switching from gas to electric cooking. If you are enlarging your kitchen, you may need more electrical circuits.
An electrician can look at your existing electrical panel and see how many slots are open and how much load you are using. They can also determine if an electrical service upgrade is needed.
Homes with 100-amp electrical service may want to consider a 200-amp service upgrade if they plan to add an electric car charger or a heat pump, in addition to the kitchen upgrade. In addition, many older homes have obsolete electrical panels or electrical services that need to be replaced or upgraded.
The decision to upgrade should be based on an electrical load calculation, not on the assumption that a larger service is always better.
7. Add Modern Kitchen Electrical Features
A kitchen remodel is also an opportunity to add electrical features that make everyday life easier.
Some of the popular options are:
- Smart lighting controls so you can change lighting levels or program schedules with compatible switches and smart home technology.
- Motion sensing lights for pantries or cabinets.
- USB-C power outlets for charging phones and other devices.
- Pop-up or hidden outlets for convenience, if code and situation allow.
- Dedicated coffee bar outlets for making coffee easier.
- Hardwired smoke or CO detectors (or additional smoke or CO detector work, if the job requires it).
These improvements are easiest to incorporate while the kitchen is under construction and wiring is accessible.
When Should Electrical Work Be Done During a Kitchen Remodel?
Electrical work should be done early in the renovation process, ideally, before demolition begins.
The electrician should coordinate the work with your general contractor, cabinet installers, and others.
The following are some of the items that make up an average kitchen remodeling electrical plan:
- Initial electrical evaluation: Review of the existing electrical service and proposed kitchen layout.
- Electrical planning: Location of existing or new appliances, electrical outlets, lighting, and switch locations.
- Permits: All necessary electrical permits should be obtained before starting work.
- Rough electrical work: This will include all new or modified electrical wiring, boxes, and switches.
- Rough electrical inspection: Inspection of the rough electrical work, required before the walls are closed back up.
- Finish electrical installation: All outlets, switches, lights, and appliance connections are installed.
- Final inspection and testing: All electrical work is inspected and tested to confirm it meets code and safety standards.
Involving your electrician early in the process will help avoid delays, added expense, and frustration due to changes in the original kitchen design.
Do You Need a Licensed Electrician for a Kitchen Remodel in Massachusetts?
Most kitchen remodeling projects that involve new wiring, circuits, outlets, or lighting will require an electrical permit and inspection in Massachusetts. Work will need to be performed in accordance with the Massachusetts Electrical Code and local permitting and inspection requirements.
Hiring a licensed electrician can help with making sure that your electrical work is completed safely and properly permitted and can help with overall coordination with the rest of your remodeling project.
While it might seem like just replacing a fixture, larger kitchen renovations often require multiple circuits of new wiring, proper grounding, and other considerations like GFCI and AFCI protection, as well as specific requirements for major appliances. There are plenty of places in an electrical service where improper DIY work can lead to dangerous conditions.
Plan Your Kitchen Remodel Electrical Work Before Construction Begins
A successful kitchen remodel should be an investment in both new cabinetry, granite countertops, and state-of-the-art appliances. This is also the perfect opportunity to update your home’s electrical system.
Whether you want to do a few improvements or a full-scale renovation, it’s essential to plan the electrical upgrade to your new kitchen to avoid unnecessary expenditures.
KC Electrical Contracting can help you design the electrical upgrade for your kitchen remodeling project. We offer a wide range of electrical services, from circuit additions and receptacle relocation to lighting installation and electrical panel upgrades. We are committed to helping you achieve a kitchen that accommodates all of your needs and fits your budget.
Contact KC Electrical Contracting to discuss your kitchen renovation and schedule an electrical assessment.