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Electrical Retrofit / Remodeling

People say it is harder to add something or to do a repair to an existing structure than it is to build it new. I feel this is generally true. You are fitting something new into something "old." There are also inherent risks in this like cutting or drilling into an existing plumbing or electrical line but there are of course ways to prevent this. Remodeling in general....you could be there to do a $150 repair and knock over a $100,000 vase or a visiting grandma can fall on the screwdriver you left on the floor and break a hip. There was the time my clients' dog rammed the gate, got out and got hit by a car. After coaxing the dog out from under the car; yes; under; and then personally driving the dog to the vet and writing the check, I was very happy to find out that Houdini Hound was incredibly ok...or the time an HVAC contractor I was working with had his hand torn up badly by a client's dog where his hand needed several extensive surgeries. It happens. Such is life in an imperfect world. Think ahead; take nothing for granted; plan for the unexpected; be careful and take your time. There are many contractors that despise residential remodel when they got tired of the client making 27 changes to the plans; having to work around and move furniture or are asked to drive the clients' kids to school and I have done all of that. When you told Mrs. Client on the phone it would be about $150 to add a new wall receptacle, she didn't tell you it would be behind a 900 pound 7-foot-tall china cabinet. 900 pounds; empty. After 30 years, you learn to ask the right questions; 3 times. The 3rd time is when you might get the correct information. Whatever work you do for a career, it's about how you interact with all the different types of people and personalities you encounter. Sure, you need to be proficient ( a "qualified individual" ) in your trade but it's really about people and building relationships and trust which is a whole nuther' conversation. I have been an electrician specializing in residential electrical remodel and repair for over 30 years and I have been an electrical instructor since 2012. I am also a published technical author and certified photographer, I love to teach and I love to write so this web-site seemed like a good idea to share the tips, tricks and experience I have gathered along the way, Perhaps the info in these pages can save you some grief; answer your questions and help you to create safe and simple, yet elegant electrical remodeling solutions while hopefully helping you to keep yourself safe while doing so.

introduction

Electrical Retrofit / Remodeling

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