Electrician Services: Kitchen Electrical Remodeling
Scope of a Kitchen Electrical Remodeling/Rewiring Project
As electricians in San Antonio, the first order of service whenever we start on a kitchen electrical remodeling, repair, or rewiring project is to establish precisely the scope of the project in collaboration with the homeowners and their general contractor or architect. Whether we work directly for the owners or as subcontractors, we don’t start on a project before the participants have dotted all the i’s and crossed all the t’s.
Beyond the task of estimating the cost of the project, establishing its scope enables all the stakeholders to discuss and agree on critical choices. It also helps making sure nothing escapes the attention of everyone: it’s not when the electrician has completed the wiring that someone can suddenly wake up and “Oh gosh, we forgot the _______!”.
The scope of our work extends to the entire electrical circuitry, from the service panel to the LED lighting. We would not install the cabinetry, for instance. Instead, we work with your GC or your architect to advise them at the blueprinting stage of the remodeling project. Then we ensure the proper installation of all circuits, according to specifications and in compliance with federal standards and local codes.
Designing the electrical layout of a modern kitchen
At the beginning of this collaboration, our work plan would start according to this outline.
1. Initial Consultation and Planning
After reviewing your kitchen layout, we discuss with the GC or architect the placement of all appliances, lighting, and control systems. A well-coordinated exchange of information and ideas at this stage enables the electrician, the architect/GC, and the homeowners to have a clear view of the sequence of the project. We all agree on timings too, as our team of electricians will have to finish some specific steps before the cabinet installers start working on the site, and reciprocally.
During this phase, we review the placement of all major appliances and control circuits (switches and outlets) just to make sure everything is up to code. As homeowners, you must be sure that you have sufficient and comfortable access to all controls in your new kitchen.
2. Wiring Diagrams and Circuit Layout
Typically, architects do not dabble in electrical calculations: they imagine what the ideal kitchen should be, and design draft plans that give a grand vision to the owners. The electrical contractor’s job is to implement their vision as agreed with the homeowners.
Failure to complete proper load calculation will create electrical overloads on circuits, and potential electrical fire hazards. This is rare, of course, because electrical contractors are very generally good at their job and years of experience sanctioned by state exams.
We create a detailed wiring diagram and plan the circuit layout, including load calculations for each circuit. This is one of the stages of the project where the electrical contractor brings high value to the table. Load calculations ensure that all circuits can easily support the electrical load required by the appliances and the lighting system.
3. Permitting
We will obtain all required permits from the local building department in San Antonio, ensuring compliance with local codes. A kitchen remodeling project is a major deal in a home, and the permitting and inspections phases ensure the outcome guarantees the safety of the occupants of the house and their neighbors. Insurance companies have an indirect say in the process as they won’t underwrite a policy on a home without proper permits and inspection documents in hand.
4. Installing or Upgrading the Main Service Panel
This step is optional: it mostly applies to homes built over a couple decades ago with under-powered service panels, or in more extreme cases, in historic homes equipped with service panels using fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers.
On the contrary, if your home already has a 200-amp main service panel that can accommodate all new circuits and the power demand of a modern home, you don’t need a new panel.
However, note that we sometimes install new subpanels to isolate certain circuits. And in all cases, we recommend the installation of a whole-house surge protector to shield your appliances and sensitive electronic devices from sudden drops or spikes in voltage (due to grid instability or to thunderstorms).
At this juncture, we are ready to pull cables and install circuits.
5. Installing Circuits
In this example of a kitchen electrical remodeling project, we have broken down the elements of the remodel in 4 categories: lighting, large appliances, small appliances, other fixtures. This proceeds from our first planning steps, but we seek confirmations from the homeowners or their architect, just to ensure no one forgot anything or discuss any modification we would not be aware of.
| Lighting installation | Large appliances | Small appliances | Other fixtures |
|---|---|---|---|
| OVERHEAD LIGHTS • General ceiling LED lights • LED pendant light fixtures above kitchen island CABINETRY • Undercabinet LED strips • Inside cabinet LED lights • Internal drawer LED lights • LED lights for the kitchen pantry • Running board LED strips SWITCHES & OUTLETS • Light switches with dimmers accessible from 2 different walls • Kitchen island light switches our GFCI outlets • GFCI outlets near all countertops | • Large fridge with freezer • Dishwasher • Electric range with oven • Kitchen hood | • Under-sink garbage disposal • Reverse Osmosis filter system • Flat OLED TV integrated in kitchen cabinetry with 2 loudspeakers sound system integrated in cabinetry • LCD screen connected to doorbell camera system | • GFCIs to run small appliances on countertops • Smoke detector system |
The Electrician’s Work Plan
Those 4 categories (see above table) are based on general functions, not circuits. Though useful for the homeowners to review and confirm, this table is of limited use for us as electrical contractors: as an electrical contractor, we think in terms of circuitry. Once we are all in agreement that the project fully covers all groups of functions, we reorganize the functional categories into groups of circuits covering each part of the kitchen electrical remodeling plan.
Circuit Planning and Layout
As a first step, we plan the layout for each type of circuit, considering the load and location of lighting fixtures, appliances, GFCI outlets, control systems, and safety devices like smoke detectors.
| Lighting Circuits | Appliance Circuits | GFCI Outlets and Small Appliance Circuits | Control Systems | Safety Systems |
| Detailed layout for undercabinet lights, sink overhead light, ceiling lights, running board lights, internal drawer lighting, inside cabinet lighting, recessed window lights, and other specific lighting fixtures. | Circuit specifications for the fridge, dishwasher, cooktop, ovens, kitchen hood, garbage disposal, and Reverse Osmosis filter system. | Layout for GFCI outlets for small appliances. | Wiring for light switches with dimmers, LCD screen, and TV with sound system. | Integration of the smoke detector system into the electrical layout. |
Based on the layout, we devise a work plan for each group of circuits and tackle the overlapping tasks.
Circuit Breakers
- Setting up appropriate circuit breakers in the main service panel for each type of circuit, such as 15-amp breakers for lighting and specific appliances, 20-amp breakers for GFCI outlets and certain appliances, and higher amperage breakers for major appliances like cooktops and ovens.
Electrical Cables
- Further, running the correct gauge of electrical cables (like 14/2 NM for 15-amp circuits and appropriate gauges for higher amperage circuits) from the service panel to the designated points for lighting, appliances, GFCI outlets, control systems, and safety systems.
Outlets and Junction Boxes
- Installing outlets and junction boxes at required locations, ensuring they are appropriate for the type of connected device or appliance, such as GFCI outlets for small appliances and standard or high-capacity outlets for larger appliances.
Electrical Connections
- Afterward, connecting the wiring to outlets, switches, light fixtures, appliances, control systems, and safety devices, ensuring all connections are secure and comply with electrical codes.
Control and Safety Systems
- Wiring installed control systems, such as dimmer switches and LCD screens, ensuring they integrate correctly with the electrical system.
- Installing safety systems like smoke detectors, ensuring correct wiring and operation together with battery backups.
Testing and Safety Checks
- After installation, testing each circuit and connected device or appliance to ensure proper functionality and safety.
- Finally, testing GFCI outlets and ensuring that control and safety systems are operational.
Combining Work Plans: Electrical Contractor (EC) and General Contractor (GC)
As mentioned above, these steps are our own electrical layout work plan, based on the groups of circuits we plan to install, all the way to the testing phase.
In the context of a kitchen electrical remodeling project however, we would collaborate tightly with your architect or general contractor. We make sure their team does not have to wait on us any longer than necessary and can complete their tasks on time.
Here is a view of what our interaction would look like, in sequence (“EC” stands for electrical contractor).
- Preparation and Rough-In
- Demolish and prepare the kitchen space [GC Task].
- Then, install main service panel (can begin after GC’s demolition and preparation) [EC Task].
- At this point, perform structural modifications [GC Task].
- Finally, run electrical cables for circuits (dependent on GC’s structural modifications) [EC Task].
- Installation of Key Components
- Install outlets, junction boxes, and fixtures for lighting and appliances [EC Task].
- Then, mount cabinetry and kitchen islands (dependent on EC’s installation of outlets and junction boxes) [GC Task].
- Finally, make electrical connections to outlets, switches, and fixtures [EC Task].
- Finishing and Testing
- Test and check safety of all electrical installations [EC Task].
- Then, finalize wall finishes, painting, and tiling (can begin after EC’s testing and safety checks) [GC Task].
- Finally, perform a last inspection and cleanup (dependent on GC’s wall finishes) [EC + GC Task].
Selecting Lighting Fixtures
Typically, when architects work on remodeling a kitchen, they select the lighting fixtures: they pick what complement their vision. However, when there is no architect working on the project, the General Contractor does not always assume this advisory role. Instead, they often turn to the electrical contractor to propose suitable choices to the homeowners.
In fact, licensed electricians like All Star Electric San Antonio have access to wholesale suppliers that homeowners can’t work with. This enables the latter to have choose among a large number of options, often at better-than-retail prices.
Types of Lighting Fixtures Suitable for a Modern Kitchen
| Type of Fixture | Use of Fixture |
|---|---|
| Recessed Ceiling Lights | For overall ambient lighting, often used in multiples. |
| Undercabinet LED Strips | Provide task lighting on countertops, enhancing visibility for food preparation. |
| Pendant Lights | Stylish fixtures that hang over kitchen islands or dining areas. |
| Chandeliers | Elegant lighting options for a central focal point, suitable for spacious kitchens or dining areas. |
| Track Lighting | Flexible and adjustable lighting, for highlighting specific areas or objects. |
| Flush Mount Ceiling Lights | Work well for general lighting in kitchens with lower ceilings. |
| Semi-Flush Mount Lights | A blend between flush mount and pendant, they offer both style and good illumination. |
| Wall Sconces | Additional ambient or task lighting, often placed on either side of a window or backsplash. |
| LED Panel Lights | Sleek and modern, they offer a uniform light ideal for general kitchen lighting. |
| Over-Cabinet Lighting | To add ambiance and highlights cabinet top decor. |
| Toe Kick Lights | LED strips or small fixtures installed at the base of cabinets. They provide subtle floor lighting. |
| Island Lighting | Larger fixtures or a series of pendants specifically designed to light up kitchen islands. |
| Spotlights | Focused lights directed at specific areas like a pantry or display shelves. |
| Cabinet Interior Lights | Use to illuminate the inside of cabinets. Very cool effect in glass-fronted cabinetry. |
| Range Hood Lights | Integrated lighting in range hoods to illuminate the cooktop area. |
| Adjustable Arm Lights | Flexible fixtures that allow you to direct light where it’s needed most. |
| Smart LED Bulbs | Controllable via smartphone or voice commands, they create customizable lighting scenes. |
| Picture Lights | Used to highlight artwork or decorative elements in the kitchen. |
| Accent LED Strips | Placed in coves or high on walls for ambient mood lighting. |
| Skylight or Solar Tube LED | These natural lighting options can be enhanced with LED rings for evening use. |
Why Trust All Star Electric San Antonio for your Kitchen Electrical Remodeling Project?
Firstly, All Star Electric San Antonio has been operating as licensed electricians in San Antonio for almost 30 years. During the course of our business, we installed thousands of electrical systems, from simple GFCI outlets to sophisticated whole-house installations. All the while, we have kept an impeccable A+ rating at the BBB San Antonio. Just as well, our reviews in Google shows that you are dealing with a competent electrical contractor.
On top of that, we also offer a 2-year warranty on all our labor. If anything we did in your home stops working, just call us and we’ll fix the issue asap. Most importantly, we are licensed, bonded and insured, so there is no liability issue for you.
Despite our industry’s reputation for missing deadlines, we have a very long experience in kitchen electrical remodeling. Likewise, we have been collaborating with architects and general contractors for a long time. As a result, we finish our jobs on time. Your electrical installation will be ready when planned.
At this point, we invite you to call us at (210) 391-0274 for any estimate. Also ask us for any advice needed to ensure your full satisfaction with your kitchen electrical remodeling project.
Additional resources
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