Life’s too short, let a pro handle electrical upgrades

Q: We’re planning to renovate our kitchen — not just replacing old cabinets, but tearing everything out and remaking the space into a much more functional and modern-looking area. We want to do as much work as possible ourselves. The thing is, we would like to place the new stove on the opposite wall from the current one and would like to know if we can change the electrical outlets or add new ones to the new wall ourselves? — John and Trudy H., via e-mail

A: I wouldn’t recommend redoing the kitchen’s electrical wiring by yourselves. In addition to safety concerns, building codes in every state require that you get a permit before performing substantial electric or plumbing work.

Extensive renovation work doesn’t have to be — and in some cases cannot be — 100 percent do-it-yourself. When it comes to critical systems, work that needs to meet a certain code, and upgrades that take time or skills you don’t have, working with a contractor is often easier, and sometimes even costs less, than attempting the job yourself.

In this case, a licensed electrician can inspect the kitchen’s wiring and offer suggestions on updating and changing the wiring to meet the design needs of the new kitchen.

There are a few electrical elements that you can update with minimal issues, particularly light fixtures and receptacles (outlets). No permits are required as long as you are using the existing wiring to replace these fixtures. But any major changes to the circuits must meet codes, and a professional electrician has the knowledge and experience to make sure they do.

In addition (and the electrician should remind you of this) any major electrical or plumbing work must be checked by a licensed inspector before the wall coverings are replaced.

In the meantime, you can assemble a basic toolkit for electrical work, since you may do some before the renovation is completed.

Keep these on hand:

•A diagonal cutter, to cut wire and cable;

•Wire strippers and needle-nose pliers, to create and make connections;

•Screwdrivers of different sizes;

•Linesman pliers, a hybrid tool to cut and grip wire;

•A fuse puller, for working with old fuse boxes;

•Wire nuts, small plastic “caps” that make quick, secure connections between wires;

•A circuit tester, to quickly check for power on a circuit;

•A multitasked, which shows how much power is on a circuit; and, of course, electrician’s tape, to secure and insulate electrical parts.

These should be kept in a separate storage container from your standard toolkit, so they are organized and on hand as soon as you need them.