Home renovations are an exciting time, whether you're updating your kitchen, finishing your basement, or adding a home office. However, one crucial aspect that homeowners often overlook is electrical remodeling. Outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, and inefficient lighting can create safety hazards and limit your home's functionality and resale value down the line.
The last thing you want is to invest in a beautiful new space only to have flickering lights, overloaded circuits, or an outdated panel that can’t keep up with your family’s needs.
So, before you pick out paint colors or new countertops, take a moment to ask yourself: Are you guilty of these common electrical mistakes?
Are You Guilty of These Common Electrical Mistakes?
1 - Keeping an Outdated Electrical Panel Still using that outdated 100-amp panel from the ‘70s? Modern homes need more power for smart devices, appliances, and home offices. A 200-amp panel (or higher) is essential to prevent overloads, blackouts, and fires.
Lighting Considerations:
- Recessed lighting for overall brightness
- Under-cabinet lights for task work
- Dimmers for ambiance
2 - Ignoring Outdated or DIY Wiring Unless it's a new build, your home likely has outdated wiring like knob-and-tube, aluminum, or DIY repairs—serious fire hazards by today’s standards. Copper wiring is the safest choice. Milton Electric’s pros upgrade wiring with minimal wall damage, ensuring your home meets modern safety codes.
❌Knob-and-tube
❌Aluminum wiring
❌DIY patches
✅Copper
3 - Not Installing Enough Outlets
Not planning for enough outlets is a costly mistake. Renovations are the best time to add them—wait too long, and you’ll be cutting into finished walls or relying on extension cords, a fire hazard and code violation. Smart outlet placement improves the functionality and future-proofs your home.
KITCHENS
• Inside drawers for discrete charging
• Island for efficient workspace
• Inside pantry for appliances
BATHROOMS
• Drawers for hair tools
• Toilet for bidets or nightlights
• Inside cabinets for charging shavers or toothbrushes
LIVING SPACES & BEDROOMS
• Floor outlets for lamps
• Behind the TV for clean setup
• Inside shelving for hidden lighting
• Along mantels for holiday décor
• Bedside outlets with built-in USB ports
4 - Skipping GFCI Outlets
If your kitchen and bathroom outlets don’t have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), you’re not just behind on safety codes—you’re putting your home and family at risk. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen homeowners ignore this simple upgrade, only to get flagged on a home inspection or, worse, experience a preventable electrical hazard.
5 - Forgetting About Lighting Placement
If you’ve hired a space planner, they’ve probably already emphasized this—but not everyone has that luxury. So listen up—nothing ruins a gorgeous renovation like poor lighting choices. A well-designed space needs layered lighting. It’s what separates a thoughtfully designed space from a poorly executed one.
Lighting Considerations:
- Recessed lighting for overall brightness
- Under-cabinet lights for task work
- Dimmers for ambiance
- Toe-kick lighting for a modern touch
- Cove lighting for added depth
- Motion-sensor lights for convenience in closets and pantries
- Smart lighting controls
Think You Can DIY? Think Again.
One wrong move can fry your entire system—or worse, cause a deadly electrical fire or electrocution. Electricity is not something to mess around with, and any mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Here are two main reasons to leave electrical upgrades to the professionals:
- DIY electrical can void your insurance, leaving you stuck with costly repairs. Know when to hire a pro. Swapping a light switch? Go for it. But for panel upgrades, rewiring, or new circuits, call a licensed electrician.
- Bad wiring can mean failed inspections, fines, or lower home value. Cutting corners isn’t just risky—it’s costly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that electrical failures are a top cause of home fires, so always ensure work is safe and up to code.
How to Fix It (Before It’s Too Late)
Electrical upgrades don’t have to be stressful if you hire a pro. This isn’t the place to cut corners—safe, expert work is essential for any renovation. Whether it’s a minor update or a major overhaul, a licensed electrician helps you avoid hazards and ensures everything is up to code.
At Milton Electric, we’ve been helping homeowners in Baltimore and beyond with their electrical needs for over 60 years. We understand the complexities of modern electrical systems and ensure that your home meets the highest safety standards. From upgrading your panel to rewiring entire sections of your home, our team is committed to making sure that your renovations are done right—on time and within budget. Don’t risk costly mistakes or create unsafe living conditions. Let us help you make the right upgrades to ensure your home is both beautiful and safe for years to come.
Quotes on Electrical Upgrades
If you're ready to make essential electrical upgrades to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Whether you're updating an old panel, rewiring your home, or improving outlet placements, Milton Electric is here to guide you through every step. Our team of licensed electricians will provide a thorough assessment and offer a transparent, competitive quote tailored to your home’s needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a safer, more functional home.