skip to main content

Basemt refinish + electrical upgrade

9 years ago

I have a 1947 two-bed rambler with full basement. The bsmt has 1950s knotty pine paneling that is quite dark, with a bit of water damage from some time in the past. House also needs an electrical upgrade. I'm stumped on what order to try to have things done, esp. as I cannot afford to just hire a contractor to do it all! I may have to have friends help, or do a few projects over several years. Electrical bothers me the most, so want it done this year. I will hire an electrician; I don't do wiring myself. Any advice?

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

Bruce in Northern Virginia
9 years ago
It sounds like the 1st step is a "heavy up" to a 200 amp electrical panel. A 1947 house will probably also have 2 wire ungrounded outlets. You could rewire completely with new NM-B cable, but with a rambler you may be able to just have the electrician add a ground to some of the outlets.

As a minimum I would have the electrician fix any wiring issues with the kitchen, bath, laundry and HVAC first. If you can remove the ceiling in the basement you should be able to use the basement and attic to run any new wiring.

Bruce
Related Professionals
King of Prussia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Ojus Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Schenectady Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Waianae Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Bremerton Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Cleveland Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Hanover Township Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Kendale Lakes Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Mesquite Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · South Park Township Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Beachwood Architects & Building Designers · Bull Run Architects & Building Designers · Clive Architects & Building Designers · Spring Valley Architects & Building Designers · Taylors Architects & Building Designers

Related Stories

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Room of the Day: See the Bathroom That Helped a House Sell in a Day

By Annie Thornton

Sophisticated but sensitive bathroom upgrades help a century-old house move fast on the market

KITCHEN DESIGN How Much Does a Kitchen Makeover Cost?

By Rock Paper Hammer

See what upgrades you can expect in 3 budget ranges, from basic swap-outs to full-on overhauls

HOUZZ TOURS AIASF Marin Home Tour: The Radius House

By Becky Harris

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Historic Coastal Home Is Rescued From Neglect

By Becky Harris

A designer lavishes TLC on a splendid Normandy revival house in Laguna Beach, embracing its original style in the renovation

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Mission District Row House

By Becky Harris

FLOORS How to Paint Your Hardwood Floors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Know how to apply nail polish? Then you can give your wooden floors a brand-new look

BEFORE AND AFTERS Gray Cabinets Update a Texas Kitchen

By Mitchell Parker

Julie Shannon spent 3 years planning her kitchen update, choosing a gray palette and finding the materials for a transitional style

DECORATING GUIDES Budget Decorating: How to Decorate Smart and Slow

By Laura Gaskill

To make the most of your decorating dollar, forgo the disposable stuff, think vintage and free first and give yourself a splurge

SMALL HOMES My Houzz: Thrifty, Crafty and Charming in a Portland Bungalow

By Whitney Lyons

Newlyweds use DIY ingenuity and scores from friends and garage sales to give their home inviting, comfy style

KITCHEN WORKBOOK How to Remodel Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Follow these start-to-finish steps to achieve a successful kitchen remodel

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Before and after - antique cottage kitchen

26

Source for fluted glass?

7

Help with lighting & arranging small, dark, narrow living room 1840's

1

Bungalow Small Kitchen Design-thought I had it, now I’m wavering!!

2

Addition/floor plan help in a duplex

16