Working with thousands of homeowners as a Top Dallas Electrician, ElectricMan Inc. has taken part in just about every home improvement project you can think up. Unfortunately, many homeowners’ plans for their dream home makeover have been put on hold due to a lack of funds. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to perform an Affordable Home Makeover for a lot less than you might think.

By far, the most dramatic way to change the look and feel of your home, without a complete makeover, is by simply changing the way it shines! The lighting in your home plays a huge role in the first impression that you get when you walk into a room, and can be one of the major determining factors in setting the ambiance and overall feel of the room. By installing the proper recessed lights and pendant lights, along with chandeliers in your home, you will be able to accent the existing décor you already have.

Recessed can lighting will clean up your ceiling and do away with unsightly light fixtures installed everywhere.  When installing a recessed can, the type of trim is essential to maximizing the amount of light that you can get in an area.  A baffled or recessed trim will create a spotlight effect, whereas a flush mount trim allows the light to start at the ceiling and move throughout the room.  This gives a much more even look upon finished product.  Any electrician that has done a lot of installations should be able to guide you in the proper direction so that the style of lighting that you are looking for will be achieved.  Be careful attempting these by yourself, drywall will need to be cut for installation, and you never know where a wire or plumbing pipe may be hiding.

Pendant lighting is also making a big hit right now.  This type of lighting can be used to decoratively light up kitchen islands and kitchen bar-type counters.  This is a creative way to separate your kitchen from your living room.  Typically, homes are not pre-wired for these lights, and wiring will have to be added before they can be installed.  We highly suggest when wiring for these lights, that a new switch leg be installed for independent control.  As always, installing new wiring to your existing electrical should be done by a top Dallas electrician.

Depending upon your tastes in furniture, replacing a living room of furniture can cost ten or twenty thousand dollars! Updating the lighting in the same room can drastically change the look and feel of the room, often for less than one thousand dollars. Replacing lamps and old fixtures with recessed can lighting and a classy chandelier can transform a dim dreary space into a room that you can be proud of. Switch out the chandelier with a nice ceiling fan that compliments the room, and you can even do your part in going green with the energy savings that come with using a fan to circulate the air in your home instead of relying constantly on your energy hogging air conditioning system!

If you need some help in creating your own Affordable Home Makeover by replacing the out of date lighting in your home, contact Top Dallas Electrician, ElectricMan Inc. to discuss the options available to upgrade your home. Feel free to contact ElectricMan Inc. by phone at 972-792-7270, or through the contact form on our website at www.electricmaninc.com.

Cold winter months bring opportunities for cozy moments indoors  — but also some potential hidden dangers. More than 45,000 electrical fires occur in homes each year, according to thea licensed electrician update any damaged or two-prong outlets.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you have old and unsafe wiring because electrical work is mostly hidden behind the walls of your home. Remember, however, that wiring problems are a major fire threat. Pay attention to these signs of hidden electrical issues and then get safe by

Lamps and other light fixtures provide necessary illumination but can also pose a risk. Placing a bulb with a higher wattage than a fixture can handle poses a risk for igniting a fire. Heed the maximum wattage allowed for all fixtures and decrease the wattage or replace ones that seem to get excessively hot when lit.

Never decorate a lamp with paper or cloth that could ignite, and keep fixtures away from textiles, like bedding or curtains. Replace cords that are frayed or damaged.    

7.  Convert the extra closet into a sewing/hobby center.  Install a custom-cut countertop and a little task light… “Viola!” You are done.

8.  Or, maybe you are not done….Why not literally “Knock Her Socks Off” and build her a bigger closet?!

Whether you are building a new closet or updating an existing one, there are specific rules for lighting an enclosed closet space.  The National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code (NEC) sets standards for safety:

Because closets contain flammable material with limited ventilation, strict building codes dictate that specified lighting fixtures must be installed 18” to 24” from walls depending upon which lamp source is being used.  Surface mounted and recessed fixtures must allow for 6”-12” of clearance from any storage space, such as shelving or clothing rods.

♦Of course,these standards are not a problem for Mariah Carey whose closet is as big as a bedroom!

One of the latest changes to the NEC code is the addition of LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures.  LED lighting may cost a bit more, but energy-savings, greater illumination and safety features will prove to be well worth the investment over time.  The quality and adaptability of newer LED lighting makes it an excellent choice for closets and dressing rooms.

9.  Don’t leave Mom in the dark!  Create a cozy corner with a new den floor lamp so she may relax and read, while you watch the ball game! Try a lamp with full-spectrum lighting to elevate her spirits.

10.  Reward yourself:  Clean out the garage and carve out a space for a workshop that is all your own!

People are investing more into floor covering, cabinetry and shelving to make the most of their garage space.    Fluorescent fixtures, track lighting and simple portable lamps are making their way into upgraded organized garage systems.

Do you have working smoke alarms? It could mean the difference between life and death. Smoke alarms are the first line of defense in a house fire. They act as an early warning sign, allowing you enough time to evacuate the premise. While these devices are small and often unnoticed, they could save your life. If you can’t recall the locations of your smoke alarms or when they were last tested, now is the time to act.