There are many advantages to purchasing a newly constructed home in a modern subdivision, but home buyers on a budget often choose to invest in a “handyman special” in an up-and-coming neighborhood. You probably already had several projects in mind when you made the offer on your home, but now that it’s yours, you might not quite know where to start! The good news is that our team of experienced residential electricians at Gary Houston Electric is here to help!

We’ve been providing trusted residential electrical service in Little Rock since 1978 and are always happy to consult with homeowners to ensure their home improvement projects remain on time and within budget. We can also make specific recommendations to help you reduce your overall energy consumption and give you a no-obligation quote for a KOHLER emergency backup generator. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your home renovations:

Safety First! Home wiring should be professionally inspected and/or replaced at least every 25 years or any time you purchase a new home or investment property. Obsolete two-prong outlets should be replaced with grounded outlets, and you should have outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) installed in your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor outlets.

Energy Efficiency-It’s always a good idea to have the home’s HVAC system and ductwork professionally inspected before you close, and scheduling annual preventive maintenance is the best way to prolong the unit’s operational lifespan once you own the home. If upgrading the windows and doors exceeds your current remodeling budget, inexpensive weatherstripping is a very effective way to reduce thermal exchange from indoors to outdoors and only takes minutes to install!

Functionality-Earlier generations of homebuilders could have never imagined how many electronic devices future homeowners would use, and it’s a good bet there are plenty of areas in the home that could use additional electrical outlets with built-in surge protection and USB charging slots. Moving in is also a great time to upgrade your home lighting package and ensure you strike the right balance of ambient and task lighting throughout the home.

If you have questions about home or property maintenance or need an electrician, contact us online or at 501-375-8330.