Looking to give your Renton kitchen an overhaul? You might as well consider upgrading its electrical systems. Updated circuits do more than give your kitchen a new glow, literally and figuratively. They also improve its usability and ensure the safety of the residents.
There are endless possibilities for electrical upgrades in any kitchen remodel project in Renton. This includes some essential updates for older homes. Aesthetic and practical improvements that breathe new life into your kitchen also come to mind. That all said, here are some options for a kitchen electrical upgrade Renton residents can certainly use.
Part 1: Essential Upgrades
Many homes in Renton, WA, have been around since the ‘50s and the ‘80s. There’s a good chance you’re living in one of these vintage residences, so a few essential electrical upgrades may now be overdue. Don’t skip or skimp on these critical improvements:
Rewiring
Updating your kitchen’s wiring is essential, especially if you live in an old Renton home. The wiring may be outdated, and your current setup may use connections and materials that are no longer up to code. Rewiring involves replacing cables with the appropriate size and insulation. This could make your kitchen safer and more energy-efficient. While you’re at it, it’s also wise to update your outlets to ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
Dedicated Circuits
Some of your kitchen’s appliances, like your fridge and microwave oven, have special operational needs and high power consumption. They require dedicated circuits and, in older homes, they’re likely plugged into the same network as everything else. Rerouting their outlets to dedicated, independent circuits keeps them working within safe limits. This improves their operational lives and ensures the safety of their users.
Whole-Home Surge Protection
Surge protection is necessary to protect your kitchen appliances from power surges. These surges can occur during Puget Sound’s rare lightning storms and the occasional freak transmission. For average-sized homes, the standard amperage for whole-house surge protectors is from 60 kA to 80 kA. Larger homes may require one with at least 100 kA.
Control Panel Upgrade
Upgrading your control panel is a must after updating your kitchen’s electrical circuits. Updating the wiring to a higher spec will require you to update their breakers accordingly. Meanwhile, adding a dedicated circuit means installing a new breaker in your spare slots. If your modifications involve adding circuits with a higher current rating than your panel can handle, you’ll need a new main switch. If your panel doesn’t have enough space for your electrical upgrades, it’s time to get a bigger one.
Part 2: Quality of Life Upgrades
Purely practical kitchen electrical upgrades can be boring. Here are some electrical improvements to spice up your kitchen and make it more usable.
Pop-up Countertop Outlets
Pop-up outlets provide readily accessible power for small appliances. They are usually cleverly hidden under the countertop, and you may even retract them when not in use. For best results, convert all your kitchen counter receptacles to pop-ups. This gives your kitchen a cleaner look while adding a layer of protection to your idle outlets.
Under-Cabinet Lighting
There’s plenty of room for electrical upgrades under your upper kitchen cabinets, especially the expanded ones. Perhaps the best way to use this space is to install under-cabinet lighting. For areas above the sink, cooking appliances, and where you prepare your food, you may install focused task lighting. Elsewhere, you may install LED strips for ambient lighting. This optional upgrade adds character to your kitchen while improving its illumination.
Integrated Device Charging
You may replace standard wall outlets with ones that have built-in USB-A or USB-C ports. Outlets that have both ports are highly recommended, as they support a wide range of devices. You can also install integrated charging outlets into a drawer, turning it into a hidden charging station.
Smart Appliances
There’s no better way to modernize your kitchen than adding shiny new smart appliances. Start by improving your wifi infrastructure for the Internet of Things (IoT). You may get a new, powerful router and signal boosters for that matter. As for the appliances themselves, you have a good number to choose from these days, but the following comes to mind:
- Smart refrigerators. These often come with touch-screen interfaces. Some models may have doors that reveal their contents with a single tap.
- Smart ovens. These ovens may have remote preheating and might even include voice recognition.
- Smart lighting controls. If you have dimmable, variable kitchen lighting, smart controls are the perfect match. These may have touch-screen interfaces and may let you change the lighting colors and mood through voice commands.
- Monitoring devices. Fire and gas monitors alert you to kitchen hazards and potential fires remotely through your smartphone. Meanwhile, water sensors can detect leaks and monitor your usage, sending you urgent alerts to your preferred device.
Kitchen Electrical Upgrade Renton, WA, Rates
Kitchen electrical upgrades will cost anywhere between $2,000 and $8,000. This covers the cost of materials, labor, and professional fees. Note that this excludes the cost of purchasing new appliances, whose prices vary widely by type, model, and manufacturer.
Can a Homeowner Do Electrical Work In Washington State?
You shouldn’t do any kitchen electrical upgrade in your home without a license. Don’t be fooled by some seemingly simple improvements, like rewiring. You’ll still need licensed electricians or kitchen remodel professionals to get the job done.
These folks have the experience and know-how needed to perform any electrical upgrade work safely. They work according to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and its amendments by the Washington State. Additionally, they document their work extensively. Their detailed records may be necessary for certain tax cuts and insurance claims.
Conclusion
When choosing the right kitchen electrical upgrade, Renton homeowners have plenty of options. The first step is to ensure that the underlying electrical systems are up to date and comply with the code. For the rest, the general rule is to get those that fit your tastes and needs.
