I saw a home once, with basic electrical wiring that was way beyond "basic". They had an electrical panel beside the bed in the master bedroom, with at least a dozen little lights on it. These little lights all lit up, one for each main light in the house.
Upon going to bed, the parents could see if any lights were left on in the house and turn them off by switching a switch beside the little light in their bedroom.
What a good idea, I thought. Then, many years later, we started building our own home. I wanted that panel put in our home, but I was promptly told how we couldn't afford all the copper wire it would take to wire all the lights to our bedroom, where we could turn off the lights.
I learned that the cost is a big factor in selecting the special electrical effects that you want in your home.
What are some of those special items one might like in his/her home, and how much do they cost?
When my sister and her husband were building their home, she told me that the additional upgrades that she added to her home cost them an additional ,000. I couldn't believe it could cost that much to add some niceties to a home, until we were building our home. The big difference with us and them, is that they hired the general contractor, and we were acting as our own general contractor, so our cost was considerably reduced because we didn't need "our cut" of the cost.
As I have checked around with several websites, other people, and some of my friends, I have compiled a list of ideas of things one might need, and other items you might want to add to your "basic" electrical wiring list.
First, there are 3 main categories of wiring needed for most homes:
220 voltage
110 voltage
LOW voltage
Examples of 220 voltage needs are as follows:
220 outlet for electric range
220 line for dryer,
220 line for water heater
The 110 voltage items you may want are:
lights above sinks in bathrooms
TV and computer connection in each room
heat lamps in the bathrooms
intercom system
central vac system
under cabinet kick-plate for vac
surround sound
security system
smoke detectors & CO detectors
water softener
lights in china storage or in glass faced cupboards or china cupboards
dimmer capability on particular lights
fan lights above the stove and sinks
can-lights and number desired
outside spot lights
Low voltage items could be as follows:
outside flood lights for plants or shrubbery
spot lights for pictures to be hung inside
spot lights for special plants and alcoves inside
door bell
under counter lighting
under cabinet string lights and switch
reading lights above bed
lights on the stair risers
Some of the above can be used either for low voltage or 110 voltage, but you have to be certain you buy the proper light for the voltage it is wired for.
There are many other ideas you might want in your home and so this list can be a list to tickle your fancy a bit. Be sure you realize that it's cheaper to wire for these items before, rather than after your home is built. If you really want them, plan ahead, make a list, and get them wired for while your home is being built.
| Price : $157.50 | Post Date : May 05, 2012 15:21:24
