How should I upgrade my home’s electrical panel?
Most of the time, you probably don’t think much about your home’s electrical system. As long as the power is flowing into the home and the lights are still on, everything seems fine. But wear and tear over time can put a real strain on your wiring and system.
After enough decades have passed, any electrical system needs to be upgraded or replaced. Replacing your wiring or electrical panel doesn’t come cheap, but it can future-proof your home’s energy needs for decades to come.
Generally speaking, any electrical panel that’s older than 25 years could need to be replaced, and the older it is, the more likely that is to be the case. Warning signs that it’s time to upgrade your wiring include burning odors near the panel, circuit breakers that frequently trip, and signs of rust, corrosion, or water damage on your electrical panel. If your home was built in the 1960s or 1970s and includes aluminum wiring, pros recommend replacing the wiring, since it transmits heat and can pose a fire hazard.
When you hire a pro to replace the panel, they’ll remove the panel, conduct all the necessary wiring replacement, and install the new panel and component.
Your pro will also handle applying for permits and coordinating the work with the power company. Their expertise will help you determine what kind of upgrade you need and what factors to take into account. They’ll also make sure the job is done in compliance with safety regulations and electrical codes. Replacing a panel requires a permit in many localities, so be cautious of a pro who says you don’t need to bother with permits.
On average, you’ll pay between $1,200 and $2,000 for this work, depending on the scope of the job, how much extra amperage is required, permit fees and parts. The amperage represents one of the most important decisions. Some older homes have 100-amp panels, and if you have a lot of energy-hungry appliances, you might want to upgrade to a 200-amp panel, which will take up a bit more space and cost a few hundred dollars more. If you have a larger home or use electrical heating or air conditioning, you’ll probably want that upgrade.
This is a fairly big job with a lot of different elements, so expect it to take a while to get on the schedule. The more information you can provide your electrician up front, the better. The more they understand the job, the more they can prepare and be ready to fulfill your needs.
While white walls allow for the greatest amount of flexibility. There is still the desire to add both color and interest to help make a room finished with color and texture. Beyond the traditional accent wall there are some other options that include wallpaper and even wall stickers.
When looking to add a bit of interest to your walls, here are some top tips.
Wallpaper comes in myriad colors, patterns and textures as well as price points. Wallpaper also remains on-trend and has regained popularity for use in spaces from living rooms and dining spaces to bedrooms and bathrooms. Be sure to properly measure your walls and compare to the width and height of the wallpaper you are purchasing so you don’t purchase too much or too little. A professional installa
Boost your success, save money and reduce plastic waste when starting plants from seeds this year. The options are many, so you are sure to find one that works for you.
Reuse plastic containers for starting plants from seeds. Disinfect the pots, flats and cell packs before planting to avoid problems with damping off and other diseases. Soak the containers in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for 10 minutes. Rinse with clear water. The pots are now clean and safe for starting seeds.
Biodegradable pots are another option. They have been around for many years, eliminating plastic and reducing transplant shock. Just plant the container along with the seedling when moving plants into the garden. You will find degradable pots made from a variety of materials.
Organic gardeners may want to use biodegradable pots made from sustainably grown wood fiber. These contain no glue or binders and are Organic Materials Review Institute listed. Cow pots tion is also recommended.
Wall stickers have come a long way and are now used in a variety of ways and can perk up nearly any room of the home. Wall stickers are a non-permanent way to add interest to walls but also allow for one’s imagination to flow. Place stickers in whimsical or creative ways while also allowing for “negative” space. Leaving certain areas white or uncovered will allow the wall stickers to take center stage.
Not ready to take the plunge painting an entire room? An accent wall is an easy and simple way to add color to a room. One can add an accent wall that blends or complements existing decor or in a contrasting color for more of a “wow” factor.
Paint a single accent wall a contrast color if looking for a “pop of color” that won’t overwhelm.
Consider wallpaper or grasscloth to add color, pattern and texture.
Use removable wall stickers even in unexpected areas of the home.
Hire a local artist to paint a custom mural.
Hang oversized artwork in a series in large areas.