Realty.com » Resources and Services

Login • Register

Resources and Services

Consumer Guides

Upgrade for the Future

Our modern lifestyles now include many new technologically advanced products

that challenge old electrical services.

When upgrading your electrical service and rewiring for a remodeled kitchen, a new spa, or other specific project, think beyond your immediate needs and anticipate other features that you or a future owner may want. Spending a little more now to expand your electrical capabilities may save a lot of time and money in the long run.

Here are some possibilities to consider:

Appliances. With the wide variety of kitchen appliances such as food processors, blenders, coffee grinders, cappuccino makers and bread machines, there has to be plenty of electrical outlets in a modern kitchen.

Cable/Satellite TV. Where might you want to watch TV?

Computers. Which rooms might someone want to plug in a computer and modem?

Don’t forget the children’s bedrooms.

Ceiling fans. Additional wiring will allow you to control the lights and fans separately from the wall switch to adjust the fan speed, and turn off the light while leaving the fan on.

Central control stations. A variety of new devices allow you to operate many different lights and equipment circuits from a single location. Multiple-station controls can be preset for entertaining so that, with a single touch, they provide candle-like atmosphere in the dining room, tranquil lighting in the living room and activity lighting in the kitchen.

Garage/Workshop. Can you use a power tool without unplugging the freezer? If not, upgrade the electrical service in your workshop to reduce the chances of overloading your circuits.

Home entertainment centers. Televisions, VCRs, stereos, CD and DVD players, surround sound. How about remote speakers to hear music throughout the house?

Outdoors. Adding a spa, automatic sprinklers, a misting system on the patio, or outdoor lighting for security or beauty will require more electricity.

Security system. Will you ever want to install an electronic security system to scare off intruders and alert the police and fire departments?

Specialty lighting. Gone are the days when lamps and single overhead light fixtures were our only options for lighting our homes. Now we can hire lighting designers to incorporate special “task lighting” and “accent lighting” to create a pleasing ambiance.

Surge protection. A voltage surge (a momentary rise in voltage) can damage sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, home entertainment centers, treadmills, and otheroften expensiveequipment. Surge protection strips protect against small, daily surges to help your equipment last longer and work better.

For large surges, you’ll need to install a whole house surge arrestor at the electrical panel to protect switches/outlets, appliance motors, the circuit breaker box, as well as, all the wiring in the home.

More Popular Entries

Additions & Remodels

Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling

Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors

Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses

Appliances

Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage

Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers

Conventionally Framed Home Builder
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room

Carpentry & Cabinets

Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops

Cleaning Services

The Importance of Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet

Concrete, Brick & Stone

Installing Concrete
Tip: Repair Concrete Steps
Wunderbar Rebar!

Consumer Guides

Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System

Design Ideas

Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative

Electrical, Telephone & Data

Whole House Fans
Tip: Repair Home Entertainment Equipment
Convenient Electrical Fixtures

Expert Advice

Install a Front Door
Insulating a Crawl Space
Air Quality

Flooring

Hardwood Inlay
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout

Handyman Services

Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping

Heating & Cooling

Tip: Types of Geo Thermal Heating Systems
Heat Pumps
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat

Home Construction

More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Panelized Homes
Do Homework Before Building a New Home

Landscape, Decks & Fences

Asphalt Paving
The Attention Your Landscape Needs
Preparing Your Yard for Winter

Moving & Storage

Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It

Other Services

Tip: Fire Protection or Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Your Children Safe
Wet Basements

Painting & Staining

Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting

Plumbing

Safe Drinking Water
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service

Quick Tips

Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Repair or Maintain Sprinkler Systems
Checklist: Basic Lawn & Landscape Care

Roofing, Siding & Gutters

Install Roofing Snow Melt Protection
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options

SP Feature Article

The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services

Walls & Ceilings

Techniques for Wall Covering Removal
Create a Turn-of-the-Century Look With Metal Ceilings
Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning

Windows & Doors

Basic Door Lock Information
Installing the Correct Blinds or Shades
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades

copyright 2008 Realty.com