You’re picturing your dream kitchen. Quartz counters. A tile backsplash that reflects the light just right. Maybe an island big enough to serve Thanksgiving dinner.
But here’s the catch: none of that matters if the wiring behind your walls can’t keep up. Most kitchen remodels focus on finishes. What gets overlooked—until something fails—is the kitchen’s electrical layout. And that’s where trouble starts.
Electrical remodels aren’t flashy. But they matter more than almost anything else. If you skip the upgrade, you’re risking your appliances, your safety, and your sanity.
This article breaks it down clearly—what you need to check, what’s required by code, and how to make sure your kitchen runs like it should.
Key Takeaways
- Outdated wiring in older homes creates safety hazards.
- Every major appliance needs its own dedicated circuit.
- Proper lighting planning avoids dark corners and blown circuits.
- Smart kitchens need future-ready wiring.
- Islands need more than just an outlet, they need smart design.
- Clean up legacy wiring during a remodel; don’t patch around it.
- Get the timing right with other trades to avoid costly delays.
- Budget early for panel upgrades and new circuits.
Assess Your Existing Electrical System
Before you swing a hammer or move a cabinet, check the wiring. Kitchens use more power than almost any other room. Old homes—especially those built before 1985—often have wiring that can’t keep up.
Watch for red flags:
- Two-prong outlets: No grounding = no protection.
- Aluminum wiring: Prone to corrosion and overheating.
- Overloaded circuits: Too many outlets on one line = fire risk.
- No grounding: Modern appliances demand it.
A licensed electrician can assess what’s safe and what needs replacement. Don’t guess. Don’t assume. Know.
Code Compliance: NEC Rules You Need to Know
Code isn’t just paperwork. It protects your house and your family. And if you ignore it, you could void insurance or fail a home inspection.
Here’s what the National Electrical Code (NEC) says about kitchen remodels, explained simply:
- GFCI protection is required near sinks, dishwashers, and any water source.
- Tamper-resistant outlets are mandatory to protect kids.
- Countertop receptacles: You need outlets every 4 feet, and one for every 2 feet of counter space.
- Lighting load: Don’t overload lighting circuits with other devices.
- Dedicated circuits are required for big appliances.
Dedicated Circuits: Your Kitchen’s Power Backbone
Dedicated circuits serve one device only. No sharing. No overloads.
Here’s what your kitchen likely needs:
- Refrigerator – 15-20 amps, 120 volts
- Dishwasher – 15 amps, 120 volts
- Microwave – 20 amps, 120 volts
- Oven/Range – Gas: 120 volts; Electric: 240 volts, 40-50 amps
- Garbage disposal – 15 amps
- Small appliance circuits – Two 20-amp circuits for mixers, toasters, and coffee machines
- Lighting and smart devices – Separate 15-amp circuit for lights and low-voltage controls
If you skip this, your breakers will trip every time someone makes toast and microwaves soup at the same time.
Kitchen Lighting: The Power of Proper Layering
Lighting isn’t just decorative. It’s functional. You need multiple layers:
- Ambient – Ceiling or recessed lighting
- Task – Under-cabinet or pendant lighting
- Accent – Cabinet lights or toe-kick strips
Use dimmers and smart switches. Plan now before drywall covers the wires. LED lights are the smart choice. Less heat. Less energy. Longer life.
Smart Kitchens: Planning for the Future of Home Tech
Smart kitchens need smarter wiring.
Add:
- Smart switches and dimmers
- Voice control hubs
- Wi-Fi-connected outlets
- USB-C outlets at counter height
- Charging drawers or stations
- EV-readiness in the panel
These upgrades don’t just make life easier. They boost resale value and future-proof your home.
Kitchen Islands: The Most Forgotten Electrical Detail
Most homeowners forget: You need at least one outlet on a kitchen island. It’s required by code.
But one may not be enough.
Use in-floor wiring boxes. They’re safe and allow multiple outlets without running cords across the kitchen. You can also install:
- Wireless phone chargers
- Smart speaker hubs
- Extra task lighting
Plan early. Fixing this after the cabinets are in is a headache.
Hidden Hazards: Correcting Past Electrical Mistakes
Remodels are a chance to do it right not patch around what’s broken.
Look for:
- Overloaded shared circuits
- Junction boxes buried behind walls
- Spliced wires wrapped in electrical tape
- Loose or ungrounded wires in the attic
This is where an experienced electrician earns their money. Don’t let a general contractor guess at what’s safe.
Timing is Everything: How to Coordinate Electrical with Other Trades
Electrical work needs to come before insulation, drywall, and cabinet installation. Otherwise, you’ll cut into finished walls later.
Smart remodelers:
- Schedule the electrician after demo, before framing inspections
- Delay countertop templates until outlet spacing is confirmed
- Wait on painting until all wiring tests out clean
Watch for real-world delays:
- Appliance deliveries
- Permit sign-offs
- Utility inspections
Plan your remodel around the electrician’s schedule—not the other way around.
Budgeting for Electrical Upgrades
Here’s what to expect:
- Panel upgrades – $1,500–$3,000
- New circuits – $250–$500 each
- Recessed lighting – $150–$300 per light
- Smart system wiring – $500–$2,000+
It costs less to do this during a remodel. Once walls go up, prices double. Ask your electrician about rebates for energy-efficient lighting and upgrades.
Call a Licensed Pro: DIY vs. Hiring a Certified Electrician
YouTube won’t teach you safe electrical work.
Risks of DIY:
- Failed inspections
- Code violations
- Insurance claims denied after a fire
Why pros are better:
- They understand circuit requirements
- They install wiring that passes inspection
- They offer warranty and insurance
A licensed electrician doesn’t just run wire. They plan your system, troubleshoot problems, and protect your investment.
Right Touch Electrical: Quality with a Master’s Touch
Right Touch Electrical offers full kitchen electrical remodel services in Houston, TX and nearby areas.
Our team handles:
- Electrical outlet upgrades
- New electrical circuits
- Smart system installs
- Garbage disposal wiring
- Under-cabinet and recessed lighting
- Electrical panel replacements
We believe in quality with a master’s touch. Call us today to schedule your inspection or get a quote.
FAQs
Electrical remodels can feel overwhelming. Here are clear answers to common questions homeowners ask:
Do I really need to upgrade the wiring if my kitchen “works”?
Yes. Older wiring can’t handle modern loads. It might work now, but it’s not safe.
How many circuits should a kitchen have?
At least 7–8 dedicated circuits for appliances and lights. That number grows with smart devices and island outlets.
Can I run lighting and outlets on the same circuit?
Not in a kitchen. Code requires separate circuits to prevent overload.
Are GFCI outlets required everywhere?
Anywhere near water—yes. That means sinks, dishwashers, and even some lighting.
What if my panel is full?
You’ll likely need a panel upgrade. Your electrician can add space or install a subpanel.
Can I do any of the work myself?
Legally, maybe. But the risk of fire, shock, and code violations makes it a bad idea.
Is smart lighting worth the extra cost?
Yes. It adds convenience, improves resale value, and gives better control of your energy use.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen remodel is your chance to fix hidden problems and plan for the future. Get the wiring right, and everything else works better.
Cut corners, and you’ll regret it.
Don’t guess. Don’t assume. Call Right Touch Electrical—where every job gets quality with a master’s touch.
