During a renovation, it’s easy to get caught up in surface upgrades like new tiles, custom cabinetry, or a fresh coat of paint. But behind the walls is where many of the most important improvements happen. Electrical systems can make or break the long-term comfort, efficiency, and safety of your home.
Whether you’re modernizing a single room or reconfiguring your entire layout, here are electrical upgrades worth prioritizing while the walls are open.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel If Needed
Many older homes were designed to handle far less electricity than modern life demands. A panel under 100 amps, frequent tripped breakers, or signs of overheating are all red flags. Upgrading now avoids future capacity issues and ensures code compliance.
If your renovation involves new appliances, HVAC systems, or EV chargers, your panel may need an upgrade to meet today’s load requirements (and tomorrow’s).
Rewire Where You Have Access
Renovation creates a rare opportunity to access wiring hidden behind walls, ceilings, or flooring. If your home still relies on knob-and-tube, aluminum, or brittle cloth wiring, this is the time to replace it. Even if the full home doesn’t need rewiring, prioritize high-load areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and offices.
Outdated wiring isn’t just inefficient; it can be a serious fire hazard. Replacing it now is safer and more cost-effective than waiting for a problem to occur.
Plan for Outlet Placement; and Plenty of Them
Few renovation regrets are as common as “we didn’t add enough outlets.” Consider where you’ll need power for charging, small appliances, smart tech, or future flexibility. Think beyond code minimums.
Add outlets with USB ports, under-cabinet lighting plugs, or floor outlets in open living spaces.
Optimize Lighting for Layers and Function
Great lighting is strategic. Use a layered approach:
- Ambient lighting (overheads, recessed)
- Task lighting (under-cabinet, vanity)
- Accent lighting (sconces, toe-kick, or in-cabinet)
Dimmer switches, LED fixtures, and smart lighting controls help you balance efficiency with comfort, especially in multipurpose rooms.
Prep for Smart Home Integration
Even if you’re not ready to install smart systems right away, your renovation is the perfect time to wire for the future. Structured wiring or added conduit can support smart thermostats, lighting systems, doorbells, and energy monitors down the line, without the need for additional demolition.
Smart home readiness adds long-term value and keeps your home adaptable to changing tech.
Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
Power surges, whether from storms, outages, or grid inconsistencies, can damage expensive electronics and appliances. Panel-level surge protectors shield your entire home and are a smart addition when you’re already upgrading the electrical system.
Unlike plug-in strips, these protect everything from HVAC systems to kitchen appliances and smart devices.
Work with a Licensed Electrician
While some tasks can be DIYed, most electrical updates should be done by a licensed professional—especially when tied to permitting, inspections, or code compliance.
If you’re unsure how to evaluate credentials, this guide to hiring a certified electrician in Sebastopol outlines what to look for when choosing the right person for the job.
Make It Work for the Long Term
Renovations are about more than what you see. Thoughtful electrical upgrades improve how your home feels and ensure that it grows with you over time. If you’re already investing in a remodel, don’t miss the chance to future-proof your power systems while access is easy and affordable.
You’ll enjoy a home that’s not only more beautiful but safer, smarter, and ready for whatever comes next.