There are always unexpected costs and missed opportunities to add new features for most projects and a kitchen renovation is no different. This overview provides great tips and advice for those planning a kitchen renovation. It emphasizes the importance of early planning and discussing kitchen electrical needs with an electrician, including reviewing the electrical switchboard, creating a lighting plan, determining power outlet needs, and considering appliance compatibility and energy efficiency. It also mentions the potential need for upgrades to the electrical system for specific appliances, like hobs and ovens. The overview concludes by mentioning the three typical visits from an electrician during the renovation process and encouraging readers to reach out to Northern Lights for a personal onsite visit and quote.
- Plan ahead – Plan your kitchen electrical needs early in the renovation process so you don’t have to make any last-minute changes or go over budget.
- Electrical Switchboard – You should organise an electrician to have a look at your existing electrical switchboard and its associated electrical systems. This often gets missed and can be a large, unexpected expense. Many older switchboards do not have RCD protection or capacity to add the new power circuits to them. This can be a problem as RCD protection and extra capacity are both usually needed when adding and updating the existing power and lights to your new kitchen.
- Create a kitchen lighting plan – A well-lit kitchen is essential, not only for cooking and preparing food, but also for creating the right ambiance. Make sure you have a plan for all lighting needs in your kitchen, including task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting. Consider incorporating LED lights under cabinets, in the pantry, and above the countertops. Remember that kitchens want the lights over top of task areas not it from behind your head where it can create shadows when you are preparing dinner.
- Power outlets – How many power outlets do I need in my kitchen? It depends on your specific needs, but usually you should have at least one outlet for the standard five appliance, including the refrigerator, hood, dishwasher, waste and microwave. In addition, you should have at least 2-3 spare double sockets for a toaster, kettle etc. You can also perhaps include a built in USB charger in one of the sockets for convenient charging of you cell phone.
- Kitchen appliances – When selecting appliances for your kitchen renovation, consider their size, features, and energy efficiency. Make sure they fit in the space you have designated for them and are compatible with your electrical system.
- Kitchen plans – When the electrician is looking at your switchboard power requirements, he can also go through your new kitchen plans with you and make some good suggestions and advise on power socket locations, lighting, and appliances. This planning will help to make sure there is nothing missed or thought of. This can be followed up with a comprehensive quote to help with your kitchen budgeting.
- Hobs and ovens – These specific kitchen appliances can be gas or electric and this may involve additional unexpected costs. Electric induction hobs are all the rage right now but remember they are power hungry. This may mean additional costs to add a larger power circuit to the kitchen and even the upgrade to the switchboard. Old standalone ranges were often hard wired into the back of the range from the wall. This doesn’t comply anymore and a plug and socket will need to be added to the range to allow it to be safely removed from the wall for cleaning etc. Double ovens are also power hungry and will usually need an upgrade to the power circuit feeding your kitchen. You should have a list and specific make and models of your hob and oven to help with your kitchen electrical needs planning.
Northern Lights can also go through the timing and visits required when planning your kitchen renovation. There can often be up to three visits.
- First visit – Make safe, this is where the old kitchen has the power disconnected and made safe to safely remove the old kitchen.
- Second visit – Prewire, this is where the old kitchen has been removed and we can now do the prewire of power and lighting and any additional requirements like the switchboard.
- Third visit – Fit off, this is when the new kitchen has been installed, paint is dry and tiling has been completed. We can now install the power, lights, and appliances.
Call Northern Lights Lighting and electrical your local Auckland Master Electricians today for a personal onsite visit where we can discuss your kitchen electrical needs for your kitchen renovation and provide a comprehensive quote.
