Kitchen Remodels
The kitchen is one of the most important areas of the home which we rely on several times a day to provide our meals, snacks and refreshments.
With food storage and meal preparation devices comes the requirement for electrical circuits and receptacle outlets to be provided in specific locations of the kitchen area most of which are enforced by electrical codes that are adopted to ensure that the kitchen is supplied with the required circuits to power up appliances and devices and provide protection against electrical shock in specific areas.
Why do a Kitchen Remodel?
Planning the Kitchen Remodel
Planning the kitchen remodel project is Extremely Vital and Important.
There are several types of kitchen remodel projects. Some are limited to just replacing kitchen cabinets and counter tops or installing a new floor covering. Other more extensive projects may involve a complete kitchen make over from top to bottom, and wall to wall.
One thing for sure, each project will require careful planning with experienced contractors otherwise a kitchen remodel project can be a disaster. This is because several components of the kitchen are installed next to or in conjunction with at least one other component and all of which need to be identified.
I have been worked on several kitchen remodel projects and the project that turns out the best is the one that has been carefully planned out by a professional designer, and the work was performed by a licensed general contractor with years of experience with the help of licensed sub-contractors who are knowledgeable and with extensive experienced as well.
Designing the Kitchen Remodel
Reviewing the Kitchen Remodel Project
Submit the plans to the local building department or agency for approval and obtain a permit.
Submit the plans to licensed contractors for competitive bids.
Do not hire the cheapest contractor, but rather choose the licensed contractor who has a great deal of experience and a portfolio of satisfied customers, who you comfortable communicating with, and I am not at all referring to cultural communicating, but I am referring to communicating about the on-going progress of the remodel project.
Factors that may affect a Kitchen Remodel Project
The age and condition of the home
If the home is outdated the local building department may require several code upgrades that even affect other areas of the home, not just the kitchen.
The size and capacity of the main electrical service
Access to the area from above and below which may be needed to install key components
Upgrading Key Home Services
If the kitchen will receive an extensive remodel, and the home is outdated, applicable codes may not require certain items to be updated, but if the walls are open then this is the time to consider upgrading anything that will be accessible, such as plumbing water and drains and other utilities. This is also a good time to inspect the interior condition of the walls and the associated framing and building materials, and taking note of the type of insulation and if it should be replaced.
Kitchen Remodel Plans
Kitchen Cabinet Plan
This is the view of the cabinets that will be installed on the sink wall of the kitchen. Special attention must be given to the layout and dimensions of each cabinet.
Kitchen Electrical Layout
This is the sink wall showing the outline of each section of cabinets and the scheduled location for the electrical outlets and switches.
Kitchen Remodel Project
Electrical Wiring for the Kitchen Remodel Project
The cabinet are not installed until after the electrical wiring and sheet rock has ben installed.
The Completed Kitchen Remodel
This is a view of the completed remodel project which shows all of the appliances that have been installed and ready for use.
Key Items that are Often Overlooked during the Design Process
Lighting - Selections and Locations
Lighting is one of the most important components which will enhance the appearance of the kitchen and complement fine cabinets and counter tops.
Optional lighting may include: Under cabinet lighting, above cabinet lighting, task lighting, pantry lighting and passageway lighting.
Optional lighting types and controls may include: Low voltage lighting, quartz lighting, LED lighting, rope lighting, recessed lighting, pendant lighting, dimmer switches, 3-way switches, or automated switching.
Circuits or Receptacle Outlets
Mixer Stand
Instant hot water dispenser
Bread warmer tray
Wine cooler
How should I upgrade kitchen electrical wiring? The house which has 100 amp service which we recently changed from the old fuse type load box to a circuit breaker panel.
How to Fix Your Kitchen Garbage Disposal – Fully explained dishwasher disposal wiring diagrams with pictures for wiring the outlet that serves a dishwasher and a garbage disposal.
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book: Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
Kitchen Exhaust Fan Wiring How are the wires connected to a kitchen exhaust fan? How to wire a kitchen exhaust fan that is installed above the kitchen range or cook top stove.
Electrical Problem with GFCI Outlet in Kitchen Fixing a Problem with a GFCI Outlet: What would cause a problem with outlets in the kitchen that would sporadically shut down and minutes later power would resume?
How to Wire Electrical Circuits for a Kitchen What are the electrical codes for wiring kitchens? Wiring Electrical Circuits for a Kitchen: The Electrical Codes for Wiring Kitchens.
Remodel Upgrade Electrical Wiring Upgrading an Electrical System and Circuit Wiring for Older Homes to Prevent Electrical Problems: Inspect the Home Electrical Wiring, Lighting Circuits and Wiring, Home Remodeling and Upgrading.
How to Install a Dimmer Switch in a Kitchen I want to install a dimmer switch in my kitchen. My Electrical box has a switch with one black wire one red wire going to same side of switch.
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the panel circuits found in the project area, turn them OFF and Tag them with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
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