Unfinished basements are common in Utah homes, and finishing one is among the best-value projects you can take on. The electrical plan should be settled before the first stud goes up.
Start at the panel
Count the open spaces and check the service size. A finished basement typically adds several circuits. If the panel is full, plan for a sub panel or an electrical panel upgrade.
Circuits to plan for
- General outlets and lighting for each area
- A bathroom circuit with GFCI protection and an exhaust fan
- A kitchenette or wet bar with its own counter circuits
- Dedicated circuits for a freezer, treadmill, space heating or a home theater
- A circuit for a sump pump where one is installed
Outlets and switches
Outlets are required along walls at regular spacing so no cord has to stretch far. Add extras where desks, TVs and beds will sit. Put switches at every entrance and use three-way switching on stairs. See outlet and switch installation.
Lighting
Basements need more light than upstairs rooms. Recessed LED lighting keeps headroom, and slim fixtures fit under ducts and beams.
Bedrooms
Basement bedrooms need hardwired smoke alarms interconnected with the rest of the house, a carbon monoxide alarm nearby and arc-fault protection on the circuits.
Low voltage while the walls are open
Run network cable to the office and TV locations and plan smart home wiring now. It costs little before drywall and a lot after.
Permits and inspection
Basement wiring is inspected at rough-in, before insulation and drywall, and again at the end. Our basement electrical crews schedule both.
KITMUND wires basements across the Wasatch Front and beyond, including Herriman, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Kaysville and Spanish Fork. Call (888) 633-7804.