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Owning a new home comes with many considerations, the most essential being electrical construction. Every home, especially in urban areas, needs electricity. Residential electricians must understand the house design adequately to carry out every step of electrical installation.
Professional electricians know that each stage of the residential electrical installation is linked to the other. As such, homeowners need to hire the services of a certified and experienced electrician to help them with the planning and execution of their residential electrical construction process. This article explores the importance of proper residential electrical construction, the factors to consider and the five stages to follow.
Importance of Proper Electrical Construction in Residential Homes
Electrical construction plays a vital role in every stage of home building. It involves designing and installing all electrical systems necessary for power distribution, lighting, heating and cooling, communication, and security.
A well-executed system ensures functionality and enhances your home's safety and energy efficiency. When electricity is installed correctly in your home, you are assured of not experiencing power overload or appliance damage.
Things to Consider When Preparing for Residential Electrical Construction
Before you start any construction work or renovation, you must deeply understand the house design and the wiring system. For a successful residential electrical construction, you must make the following considerations.
Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor
One of the most critical decisions you will make is choosing a licensed electrical contractor. A qualified and experienced professional will ensure that your home's electrical system is installed correctly, adheres to building codes, and meets safety standards. They will also advise you all the requirements you need to meet before installing electricity in your home.
Materials and Supplies
As you know nothing about electrical materials and supplies, consult your contractor on the right companies to purchase from.
Companies like Production Fastening Systems or other similar ones that are well known for their material are the best options to enhance safety and avoid future electrical hazards.
Extra Power
As your home needs change over time, you must consider your future needs. As such, you should consider adding extra circuits or upgrading your panel box to accommodate any potential expansions.
Energy Efficiency
With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, energy-efficient homes are becoming increasingly popular. Discuss with your contractor about incorporating green technologies such as LED lighting, solar panels, or smart home systems into your electrical design.
Electrical Outlets
Proper placement of electrical outlets is essential for convenience and functionality in every room of your home. Note that each electrical outlet should be suitable for its specific needs.
For instance, the outlets used for charging phones cannot be the same as those used for plugging dishwashers or any other appliance that uses a lot of energy. Be sure to discuss specific locations with your contractor beforehand so they can be included in the initial wiring plans.
The Wiring System
Your electrical system is supposed to support all your home needs. As such, you must ensure that the type of wiring used can meet the needs of your residence. The wiring system has evolved and you must consult your contractor on which is suitable for your build.
The three types of wiring systems include lead-sheathed wiring, concealed conduit wiring, and surface conduit wiring. Among the three, the most used is the concealed conduit wiring, which enhances your home's aesthetic appeal as all the wires are hidden behind the walls.
5 Stages of Residential Electrical Construction
Two stages are involved when constructing a house: the wet and dry phases. Installing electricity during the wet phase is inconvenient as the house is unprotected from external factors such as rain.
Therefore, electrical construction is done during the dry phase when the house is protected from rain and snow.
Stage 1: Electric Conduit
Since there is no electricity at the construction site, the contractor has to prepare temporary power on-site. They usually install a temporary electric pole or a generator.
Underground electrical conduits are installed before the floors are sealed with the final concrete. This is especially important if the floor includes receptacles. It is the only step done during the wet phase of building construction.
The Rough-in
This stage is done when the house is almost finished with the installed doors, windows, and floors, except for the sheetrock.
The electrical wiring is installed within walls, ceilings, and floors before any insulation or drywall is installed. It's essential to ensure proper placement and secure connections at this stage, as it can be challenging to make changes once everything is covered up.
The can light and exhaust fans are also installed during this stage. If the plans include lights on the soffit, you must place them on the roof. The next step is installing the entertainment wiring system. Note that the circuit wiring will be passed through the boxes and wall studs.
More Temporary Needs
As the sheetrock is already laid down, no other wiring work can be done on the build. However, your electrician will touch on small details about your residence's electrical needs. For instance, they will ensure more receptacles are added in locations such as the garage, making entering and exiting the house efficient.
At this stage, your contractor will install a temperature control system and add extra switches and lights. Note that the sheetrock mud and paint can damage these, so they can only be installed temporarily. The rough-in stage is not complicated and can be completed in a day.
The Electrical Finish
During this stage, outlets, switches, fans, light fixtures, HVAC systems, appliances, and external electrical items are installed and connected correctly. The plumbing is finished, and all the water heaters, toilets, and sinks are installed. Depending on the size of the home, this stage can take weeks to months.
Warranty and Modification
After the electrical finish stage is completed, the warranty and inspections by both the electrician and the homeowner are next. They both check to ensure that all the wiring has been correctly done and necessary modifications or repairs are made at this time to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
The warranty means that during the agreed grace period between the homeowner and contractor, the homeowner can request them to modify parts of the house's electrical system.
Final Thoughts
Proper planning and execution of residential electrical construction is crucial for building a safe, functional, and efficient home. Understanding each process stage and working closely with a licensed electrician can ensure a successful outcome for your dream home project. You can also use green energy to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
