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Month: July 2017

Thinking About Electrical Upgrades?

Posted on by oleg

Whether you plan to make some major electrical updates to your home or some minor ones, it helps if you take some time to plan things out. You may be in a rush to get things done, but the less time you take to plan the details, the higher the chances that you’ll run into complications. Check out this list of suggestions for your electrical upgrades Nashville.

Draw Things Out

If you’re planning to rearrange the furniture in your home in addition to making electrical upgrades Nashville, sketch things out first. Draw out where you want your furniture to go after the improvements have been made. Make sure you take into consideration where the electrical outlets are in regards to the furniture. Aim to have at least an outlet for every 10-feet of space. You should also check your kitchen to make sure there are outlets for every four-feet of space.

If you need to add additional outlets, try to imagine where they should go. Walk around your rooms and sit in them. Act as if you need to plug something up. Pay attention to where you naturally reach to plug items up. Those are the places you should plan to have your additional outlets added. Don’t forget to think about adding a plug outlet to the top of your mantle, if you have one.

Lighting Fixture

If you have ceiling fans, you can still add sconces and other types of lighting fixtures. Close your eyes and imagine how you want the lighting to be. You should also consider the type of light bulbs you plan to use too. Any lighting upgrades and additions you make should enhance the view, visibility, function and energy efficiency of your home.

Consider Moving the Thermostat

If your home’s HVAC thermostat is located in an odd place, you may want to ask your electrical upgrades Nashville contractor to relocate it to an inconspicuous place. It should not be located in areas where there are drafts and vents. Consider getting an energy audit so you can find the proper place to put to maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency.

Work With Your Electrical Upgrades Contractor

Although you are making updates to your home’s electrical system, keep in mind that there are limitations on what can be done. No matter the ideas you have in mind, your electrician is going to make those updates while adhering to code requirements. Some requirements may make it necessary for you to alter your designs a bit. Others not so much. Try to remain flexible and work with your contractor to ensure the job is done to your safety and satisfaction.

Have Options

You may have your mind set on getting certain things done when your contractor comes out to do electrical upgrades Nashville. No matter what you want to be done, make sure you have options you can turn to that you would be just as or more happy getting. Think about the reasons you’re making upgrades now. Work on improving the overall efficiency and safety of your home. You’d be surprised at how much updating your home’s electrical wiring in addition to making renovations can help.

Choose a good contractor who has recent experience with the type of electrical work you want to be done. Compare pricing and consider establishing a relationship with them so you don’t have to look when you need their services again in the future.

You may need to update your home’s electrical wiring every few years to ensure that it continues to meet local code requirements and your usage needs. Contact the electrical experts at Gervais Electric by dialing (615) 965-8420.

Keep These Ideas in Mind When Making Electrical Improvements

Posted on by oleg

One of the biggest concerns about home renovations is budget. It’s the first and last thing you’ll think about from the preparation stages of your renovation until completion. Although you may have already set aside a decent amount of money for the task, it’s very common to end up over budget. Here are some key considerations you should keep in mind when making electrical improvements to your property.

Efficiency Instead of More Space

If one of the primary reasons you’re renovating your home is to add some space, you need to give some thought as to why. Ask yourself if you are adding space to improve the function of the area. If you are, chances are you could make electrical improvements that can increase efficiency. You can start by checking the voltage of your appliances you plan to use in that area. Think about your current and future electrical needs. Once you have an idea of what they are, you can plan your electrical improvements to accommodate them and avoid the need for renovations in the near future.

Enhance Natural Lighting

Electricity makes it very convenient for you to rely on artificial lighting for your home. Instead of investing in a ton of lamps and lighting fixtures, you should experiment with natural lighting. Think about how you can get more of it into your home. Besides opening your curtains more often, you may be able to incorporate some design features by opening up some walls or making enhancements to your windows. You can also add skylights to get the lighting you want.

Downsize Some Stuff

If you’ve been in your home for several years, chances are you have accumulated some things that you no longer use or need. Those items are probably sitting around your home, taking up space and collecting dust. If you get rid of those things by donating them, tossing them out or giving them away, you can free up some space and rediscover details about your home you may have forgotten about. You can use those details to improve upon your current electrical renovation needs and design plans.

Choose Long-Term Electrical Improvements Over Short-Term

It is so easy to get carried away with the short-term benefits that you may overlook some very important long-term ones. Before you make your plans final go over every single aspect of them. Research your choices and make sure you are completely satisfied with the short term benefits and the long term ones. Keep in mind that any electrical improvements and physical improvements that you do decide should provide enough long-term ROI that you do not have to make as many if any improvements anytime soon.

Consult a Design Expert

If you really want to get the most bang for your buck with renovations, consult with a design expert for recommendations and suggestions. They can help you to improve upon your current selection. You’ll learn what options work best for your home and which ones don’t. By working with a design expert, you can avoid making costly mistakes.

Although you may be new to the world of renovations, you should never take them lightly. Even the smallest changes can have a significant impact on the function and comfort of your home. Choose your improvement wisely, don’t be afraid to do something different than what you’re accustomed too and invest in quality materials and workmanship to minimize complications.

For more tips and tricks on electrical improvements and home renovations, feel free to contact us at Gervais Electric. We’re available to answer your concerns and make repairs 24 hours a day to better serve you!

Summertime Electrical Safety

Posted on by oleg

Summer is here. It is important for you to remember there are certain electrical dangers you should be on guard against during the season. Before you spend another moment planning your next backyard party, take some time to consider the following electrical safety suggestions.

Swimming Pools

If you or your loved ones plan to spend time in swimming pools this summer, make sure you know all know how to stay safe. Don’t assume that all swimming areas are safe and free of hazards. You should inspect them yourself before tossing caution to the wind and diving in. Make sure any pools you plan to frolic in have been recently inspected and certified as safe. You may need to check the property owner’s safety inspection history for this info.

Do not take any electronics, including cellphones and mobile devices near the water. If you must have something near the water, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends for you to only use battery-operated devices. Pay attention to the weather. If the forecast mentions rain and stormy weather, you should plan your pool excursions for another day. With rainy and stormy weather comes the risk of electrical shock from lightning.

Garden Tools

Make sure you keep all garden tools put up. Garden tools, especially electrical ones should not be left out and lying around for accidents to happen. Make sure you store them properly so that you have no electrical safety concerns to worry about from them.  Corded garden equipment should not be used in damp and wet conditions. Even if you like to mow your lawn while it is damp, the risk of electrocution makes it unsafe. You should always wait until your lawn is dry to do any yard work with electrical tools. Don’t forget to inspect your tools periodically to ensure they are safe for use.

Extension Cords

Chances are your home has outside electrical outlets for you to use. Make sure your outlets have weatherproof coverings. You should only use cords that are rated for the outdoors. These cords are sturdier and designed to reduce the risk of electrocution. Keep in mind that extension cords are the cause of thousands of electrical fires each year. So play it safe and err on the side of prevention.

The Importance of Good Electrical Safety Habits

Although you may not normally encounter too many electrical dangers in your everyday life, there’s no reason you and your family should not be in the habit of practicing electrical safety. Make sure you and your family know to stay away from electrical wires they may see on the streets, even if they appear to be dead. They should avoid using electronics around water. They should also inspect items before using them to ensure their cords are free of defects and they are safe for use.

Electrical checkups are necessary to ensure your home remains safe. Have your home inspected by an electrician every six months to a year to ensure that your appliances and electronics are in good working condition. They can also inspect your home’s wiring to ensure that it is properly wired for your family’s needs.

Also, if you plan to make renovations or improvements to your home, make sure you hire an electrician to tackle the electrical aspects. They can keep you from encountering difficulties that affect your home’s function and safety in the years to come.

For more information on electrical safety and ways you can improve your home’s function, feel free to contact us at Gervais Electric. We are available to assist you and work thru any electrical challenges and projects you may have.