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Upgrading Electrical Services and Remodeling

Posted on by oleg

One of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make as a homeowner is remodeling. Whether you’re thinking about changing the basement, kitchen, bathroom or the exterior, you should take every aspect of the room into consideration. One thing that gets overlooked fairly often by homeowners is their electrical wiring. It’s important for people to update their electrical services whenever they make improvements and upgrades to their properties.

Although many people tend to do this later on after they realize they’ve missed something, it’s much harder and more time-consuming to do them at that point. Also, depending on the type of improvements that were made, they may have to go back and dismantle some things just so they can redo the wiring. Before any home improvements and upgrades are made, it’s best to tackle the electrical wiring first.

Electrical Services and Outlets

Many of today’s appliances are more energy efficient than ever. The average home is using 30 to 50 percent more energy than ever. However, they also have different electrical demands than older appliances. It is important for homeowners to understand that they should upgrade their electrical services every few years and every time they make improvements to their home. Many homes are already wired for 120V. However, many newer appliances require 220V. If you don’t have many electrical outlets that are wired to handle electrical loads of 220V, then you should add some.

It’s imperative that any electrical outlets that are added are safe. Electrical outlet installation is not as easy as they seem. There are electrical codes that need to be adhered to so that there aren’t any safety issues in the future. Even though you have many different types of electrical receptacles and covers for you to consider, not all of them are going to be suitable for your home’s electrical needs. If you think about it, you’ve probably noticed that some of the electrical outlets in your home already have different plug shapes.

Lighting and Fixtures

No matter what kind of renovations you plan to do to your home, don’t forget to take into consideration the lighting and fixtures. Instead of using the existing lighting fixtures, why not install some new ones in some new locations. The goal of renovations is for you to improve the look and function of your living space. You can’t do that if you aren’t willing to change things up. In order for you to make the most of the opportunity, you may want to hire a design consultant or ask your electrical services provider for recommendations.

Appliances and Electronics

Think about the kind of appliances and electronics you have in your home. If you plan to purchase more within the next few months, you should take your electrical requirements into consideration during your renovations. If necessary, you may need to research the electrical specifications of any appliances and electronics that you’ll be adding in advance so you don’t have to go back to have any additional electrical work done in the near future.

Make sure that no matter what kind of upgrades and renovations you make that you hire a professional electrical services contractor first. Don’t cut corners and try to hire someone who is not licensed, bonded, insured and credentialed to perform electrical work.

Choose a professional company that you would want to hire again in the future. Remember, even after your renovations are complete, in the next five to seven years, you should update your home’s wiring again. For more advice about your electrical services, contact Gervais Electric at (615) 965-8420. 

An Electrician Can Enhance Your Home’s Marketability

Posted on by oleg

Selling a home is not as easy as it used to be. Now that there are so many homes available on the market, getting your home to stand out to buyers is the goal. It doesn’t matter how many rooms and baths your home has, if it does not appeal to buyers, it’s just going to sit on the market. Check out the following suggestions you can use to shorten your home’s selling time and its appeal with potential buyers.

Stage Your Home to Sell

Staging your home is an excellent way for you to give your home some personality so that it appeals to buyers. Instead of you doing nothing and casting a wide net, you cast a smaller one by making improvements and cosmetic upgrades that show off your home’s true potential. For example, if the living room does not have any lighting and you’ve been using lamps throughout the years, you may want to consider hiring an electrician. He or she can add the proper electrical work so the room is wired safely for you to add some trendy light fixtures.

Get a Professional House Inspection

It’s hard to know what you need to do if you don’t know what’s wrong with your property. You should get a professional inspection. You want to avoid any hidden and unpleasant surprises during the buying process and an inspection makes it possible for you to achieve that. It gives you leverage and selling power that you can use. Besides, you can bet your bottom dollar that potential buyers are getting inspections to ensure they are not getting a shady deal. A professional inspection can pinpoint problems that you may not have known existed like electrical wiring problems, foundation issues and the presence of mold.

Upgrade the Lighting

Although you haven’t had any issues with the lighting in your home, that doesn’t mean that it couldn’t use a little work. Take a look at the existing light fixtures in your home and compare them to what’s available now at the hardware and home improvement stores. Research what buyers in your area are looking for in terms of lighting so you can tailor your lighting choices to better accommodate them. Try to avoid doing any electrical work yourself because you may not have the time, money or the knowledge to deal with any issues that can occur. Hire a professional local electrician so you the upgrades will get down right and you can focus on other matters while staging your home to sell.

Hire an Electrician to Repair and Upgrade Electrical Wiring

If your home is older than 10 to 15 years, you should have an electrician check out the wiring to ensure that it’s up to code. Chances are, you’ve made some additions to the property in the last few years, such as buying new appliances. Most people purchase additional extension cords when they buy appliances so they can use them. Their homes may not have the right electrical outlets for those purchases. Little do they realize that it is recommended or homeowners to hire an electrician to upgrade their electrical wiring every five to ten years. That way, they don’t need to rely on extension cords and the risk of electrical fires and shortages are drastically reduced.

With the right improvements, upgrades and interior enhancements, you can capture the attention of buyers and sell your home. If after getting a professional inspection you are still not certain what to do or where to start, you may want to consider working with a realtor or interior designer.

For more advice on how you can benefit from hiring an electrician, contact Gervais Electric by dialing (615) 965-8420 today.

Don’t Forget About Your Local Electrician

Posted on by oleg

One of the best inventions man has ever made is electricity. With all of the things we do today with it, it’s hard to imagine how hard life would be without it. It’s a commodity that many people take for granted. Many people waste it by leaving on their appliances and electronics when they’re not home. In addition to using items that send their utility bills through the roof, some people do not care enough to make sure their home is wired properly.  Thankfully, there is the local electrician to fall back on.

Many of the homes that people live in today are older. They are not brand new which means the wiring may be a bit outdated. Homeowners who have made renovations to their properties may not be aware that they need to be serviced by a local electrician in Nashville, TN. Electrical problems can be hard for homeowners to pinpoint on their own. They may happen sporadically, making it hard for them to identify if it’s related to a specific appliance or continuously. To play it safe, property owners may want to consider getting an electrical inspection. That way they can find out for certain what is going on and follow any solution recommendations.

It is important for you to keep in mind that there is so much more to your home’s electricity than what’s hidden inside of the walls. Your indoor and outdoor lighting helps to illuminate your property and strengthen its security and appeal. You should take care of these items because they are components.

If it’s been awhile since you replaced your fixtures, you may want to upgrade them to lower your energy expenses and improve your property’s function and appearance. You should also consider rearranging their location if you want to improve the lighting or ambiance in any particular room. Even though you may be concerned about the fixtures you are not limited to using them. You can also incorporate lamps and stick on lights. The choice is yours and the possibilities are endless.

Before you make any upgrades to your home that require the use of electricity, make sure you know for sure if your home’s wiring can handle them. Even though you haven’t experienced any problems with insufficient wiring before doesn’t mean that you should continue to take chances with it. Think of yourself, your kids, spouse, pets and house. Their health and safety are top priorities. To ensure that you are not putting their home at risk of fire or outages, contact a local electrician in Nashville, TN.

Along with upgrading to better looking lighting fixtures, don’t forget to upgrade your bulbs. Make sure that everything you are using is energy efficient. You don’t need to spend a ton of money on electrical usage when you have beautiful fixtures that will bring your expenses down.

Any time you purchase a new major appliance you should get an electrical wiring audit. You want to know for sure that your home is capable of managing the load. This can greatly lower the chances of you experiencing complete outages and blown fuses. This will also help to protect your appliances so they are not sent to an early grave from being short-circuited.

Contrary to major misconception, electricians are not expensive. Failing to upgrade your home’s wiring as needed is. They can save you from having to endure a lot of grief and frustration because they can limit the chances of you having major electrical repair problems. They can also offer you some great advice on how to hook up may of your electronics and appliances when you need the assistance.

Give the professionals at Gervais Electric a call at (615) 965-8420 for all your electrical needs.

Common Winter Electrical Problems

Posted on by oleg

The wintertime is a tough time of year for most people. Not only do you have to deal with the bitter cold just to go anywhere, but you also have to deal with the effects of that cold on your home. While it is not uncommon for you to experience electrical problems throughout the year, some electrical problems are more persistent in during the cold season. Check out the following reasons why you may need to hire some electricians in Franklin, TN.

Old Appliances

Old appliances can put a severe strain on your home’s wiring. If it’s been several years since the last time you had your home rewired or you haven’t replaced some of your older appliances in the last five to ten years, it may be time for you to do so now. Many older appliances are not very energy efficient. They use more energy than they require and may even be energy vampires. Energy vampires continue to use energy even when they are turned off. You should consider hiring some professional electricians in Franklin, TN to do an electrical wiring analysis so you can get your home’s wiring upgraded.

Blown Fuses and Circuits

Your home is wired to prevent overloads and short circuits. When something overloads the circuitry, your wiring is it has safety features that are designed to prevent that appliances from pulling more electricity. This usually results in a fuse blowing. As annoying as this situation can be to deal with, it keeps your home from going up in flames. If your circuits and fuses keep blowing, you need to get your electrical services professional checked and repaired. It may be time for you to have your local electrician add one or several new circuits to accommodate your current electrical needs.

Flickering and Dimming Lights

Bright lights make it easier to see. When your lights keep flickering and dimming, especially when the wind blows or when it’s storming outside, you may have an issue with the wiring that’s in your ceilings and walls. Don’t let the problem persist because it can cause more serious electrical issues in the future.

Problems With Normal Furnace Operations

If your furnace keeps cycling on or the fan keeps blowing, you may have an issue with a switch or electrical component. This is a problem that you should leave to the professionals. Also, if you have trouble getting your furnace to respond after you used the thermostat, it may be time to have the connection between your furnace and thermostat restored with brand new electrical wiring. To keep these issues from affecting your home’s comfort during the winter, you should contact your local electricians in Franklin, TN.

Nonworking Outlets

Many people have dead outlets in their home that they don’t really think about. As minor as the problem may seem, any time you discover a dead outlet, you should make plans to have the electrical services in your home professional checked out. Electrical outlets that don’t work are often caused by overheating circuits that got so hot that they melted the components in the outlet. This is one situation that you should have professional resolved right away because overheating circuitry is also a leading cause of house fires. Be proactive and protect your family and home by getting its wiring professional inspected and repaired by some electricians in Franklin, TN you can trust.

Contact Your Friendly Electricians in Franklin, TN

Whether you are a new homeowner, prospective buyer or someone who is interested in improving the safety and efficiency of your home, don’t hesitate to contact the professional electricians at Gervais Electric. Give us a ring at (615) 965-8420 so we can put an end to your electrical problems for good. 

Is Your Current Nashville Electrician Scamming You?

Posted on by oleg

Have you ever been concerned about being scammed by a professional, especially a Nashville electrician? Then it is about time that you were able to spot the specifics regarding the real deal, and the Nashville electrician scammers that can be quite convincing. Through the checklist of what to watch out for, you will notice that some people like to portray themselves as experts, when in fact, they may know just as much as you do regarding the residential electric inside your home.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Nashville electrician is the real deal!

How to Spot the Nashville Electrician Scammers

No Documentation – If they cannot prove that they are certified, licensed and insured then they are not someone that you want to work with. Of course, they can tell you that they are but you should always be able to ask to see the proof. No proof, no business.

Unprofessional – All electricians are professionals if they are the real deal. However, some scammers might be too nice to you. Whether they are rude or overly nice, then you will know you’re working with the wrong person, that might just be out to get some quick cash.

Cash Up Front – This is a no-no right up front. When someone wants all of the money ahead of time, or most of it then you do not want to work with them. Not only that, but when money is required up front, a contract is usually given. If there is no contract, never hand over money.

No Labels – Usually all electricians that you work with in the Nashville area are marked with their business logo. If their outfit, van, or any of their products do not have a mark on them, then send them packing. Don’t be fooled into thinking anything that they tell you.

Say No to Scams!

When you’re ready to say no to the scamming, speak with our Nashville electricians that have years in the electrical industry. We work with you to ensure that you’re happy with our service, while also providing supporting documents, and answering any and all of the questions that you have. We will not leave any doubt in your mind that we are not able to do the jobs we are qualified for. Make sure to check into some information about us, and the years we’ve been in service.

Call Gervais Electric today to set up your appointment!

Have a Residential Electrician Make Your Home Safer

Posted on by oleg

Making your home safer is always the first and foremost best thing to do. However, who do you call for some safety features? A residential electrician is able to do this for you, so you do not have to worry about not having the ideal set up that you’ve always wanted. Enjoy more when it comes down to keeping your home safe, and knowing how to do so through the use of a residential electrician that can help you along the way.

Safeguards That Can Be Installed by a Residential Electrician

Each of these safeguards can be installed by a residential electrician in and around your home to increase the security. Whether you’re home or not, each one provides peace of mind.

  • Security Wiring and Cameras – These are ideal to have when you want to see what is going on with your property, whether you’re home or away. These cameras have crystal clear quality and can ensure that everything is seen.
  • Security Lighting – Security lighting can ensure that areas throughout the home are illuminated when you want them to be. They can come on when they sense movement in the area, or stay on throughout the night.
  • Motion Sensors – These can be placed onto the normal lighting throughout the home, and even on your cameras so that they only pick up things when the motion sets them off.

Never have to worry about people coming to your home that you do not want in your home. You can keep track of everything inside the home with security systems, but also ensure that you have that extra peace of mind that the residential electrical is able to provide you with when they install the systems both inside, and outside the home. They can show you how they work, and ensure that you’re happy with the outcome.

Speak with us here at Gervais Electric to find out more regarding the residential electrician that you need to have install these security measures. We can ensure that you get everything that you need, and more. Call us today and we can get started making your home safer.

A Professional Nashville Electrician Answers FAQ

Posted on by oleg

Hiring a Nashville electrician can be something that is daunting at first. You want the right professional for the job, but you also do not want to spend an arm and a leg to have them come out. Whether it is for a commercial or residential purpose, having electrical work done is usually a must. Through some of these questions that were asked, and then answered by a professional Nashville electrician, you can have the peace of mind you’re searching for, and also a little more knowledge on the electrical industry.

 

What is an Electrical Contractor?

An electrical contractor is a business, or professional that specializes and is certified in designing, installing and maintaining all electrical work throughout commercial and residential buildings and structures.

 

How Much Does a Nashville Electrician Normally Charge Per Hour?

The maintenance, installation or repairs of electrical work is generally performed through a licensed, certified electrician. The work provided will be done according to code, which can require more or less work, depending on the specific project. This price does not include parts or materials, but only the labor (use of the electrician doing the work). It is also a rough estimate of what the general charge is, though it can be more or less – $75-$95 per hour.

 

What is a Part P Certificate and When is it Required?

The Part P Certificate is required to work on all dwellings, commercial and residential properties that require electrical work. This work is then set to a certain standard, which means that it has to be done correctly, and up to code and not done in a manner that does not comply. This applies to existing electrical work that is being done, and not new installations, though new installations have to follow a certain set of other standards.

 

All work that is performed by an electrician is generally done according to codes and standards that they’ve learned in the past. These standards and codes were put in place to ensure that the properties are adequately equipped with electrical components that are not hazardous and are safe to be used.

 

Now you know a bit about who they are, what they do and what you should look for. Of course, when searching for a Nashville electrician, speak with us here at Gervais Electric Inc., we are the leaders in the electrical world in the area and can ensure that you get the utmost professional experience offered. Give us a call today!

Why an Outdated Electrical Component Can Be Dangerous

Posted on by oleg

Having a home is a beautiful thing to have, but when you purchase one that has any outdated electrical component, you may run into problems. Whether these problems present themselves in the future, or the day after you move in; taking care of them first and foremost is essential.

Why is it So Important to Seek Help for Your Outdated Electrical Component 

It is the most important due to the fact that without these working components all working, it can cause a serious problem when they clash. This is due to electricity not being able to be routed to the correct place, causing sparks and hot wires. This can cause a fire within the walls, and under the outlets where the faulty outdated electrical components lie.

Oftentimes, house fires start because the electrical components in the home are outdated. If the home is past a certain age, you will notice that not only is the energy bill high, but the home might seem cold, it might seem faulty when trying to plug certain items in, and it might have a breaker issue. If these are something you’re nodding your head too, then it might be something you should have addressed sooner rather than later. These problems will not just go away, and may cause more trouble than they are worth if not corrected.

While replacing an outdated electrical component seems like a long, expensive, serious task to go through; it is also one that should be considered due to the money you’re spending in your energy bills every month and the fact that this can cause a fire in your home. You should rather be safe, than sorry.
Always speak with a professional electrician that can handle the issues you’re having. The outdated electrical component will need to be replaced with updated components that can get the job done, but also ensure that your home is safe for you, and your family to live in.

Speak with us here at Gervais Electric, where we’re able to get you back on track to having a safer place to live, better energy consumption and working outlets.