Ugly Old Fluorescent

HelpHive Kitchen Remodeling Series

Part I: Kitchen Remodeling: Where to Start
Part II: Kitchen Remodeling: New Countertops
Part III: Kitchen Remodeling: Lighting & Electrical

If you have decided to remodel your kitchen and have the costs in front of you, you are likely dealing with some sticker shock. While it is easy to get carried away, it is just as easy to make critical mistakes in the name of saving money. Now is the time to remodel your lighting and electrical receptacles.

Take time to think through where you need more light for workspaces and consider accent lighting. Adding receptacles, or changing their locations, and making sure their circuits can carry the load makes good sense.

Where are the wires going to go?

Some wiring runs can be exposed behind torn out cabinets making some changes easy. There is usually some drywall work needed somewhere though, and this means it can pay to open up a path in your ceiling or wall if needed to bring in more lighting or receptacles.

Pendants and Recessed

Getting light where it’s needed

You want good overall general brightness and you want to eliminate any shadows in workspaces. This may be best accomplished with a combination of overhead lighting and under cabinet fluorescents. Depending on the kitchen design style some will prefer to accomplish all with recessed lights.

Accent Lighting

Accent lights can add drama to your kitchen. These can be recessed mini-cans, pointable lights,  or pendants. Usually the light is tightly focused rather than broadly scattered. You may want to use a pair of spots over an eating bar, or showcase a high end range. They can function as the lights you leave on when you want low light and they can add to the general lighting for task areas. Some create a nice look with over cabinet rope lighting or fluorescents.

Don’t Skimp on Receptacles

Most kitchens don’t have enough receptacles or placement is not well thought out, or just doesn’t match the layout of your small appliances.When adding receptacles your contractor should make sure that planned load does not exceed the capacity of circuits used. Sometimes you need to bring in extra circuits from the main panel. Assuming load requirements can be met single duplex receptacles might be doubled up for convenience. Still additional locations are often needed. Make sure over stove microwaves, garbage disposals and dishwashers have grounded receptacles and are not hard wired. This will make for easier future service. You may want a receptacle above your upper cabinets for adding holiday and party lighting.

Make sure you hire a recommended, licensed electrician. We have come across a lot of improper wiring through the years and the people have been very fortunate disaster didn’t occur. The money you spend now on lighting and electrical receptacles will add immensely to your overall remodeling effort and the cost during a remodel can save a lot over making it a separate project.