Transforming a basement into livable space is a big deal. It requires a lot of planning, work and execution. If you have a basement, you have a lot of space down there that you could be using to entertain, as bedrooms or simply to add value to your home. When done correctly and up to code, your basement can count towards the total square footage of your home. Every additional square foot adds anywhere from $50 to $200 to your total value depending on where you live. An electrician in Glendale, like those at The Electric Connection, can help you get that remodel underway and up to code in no time.

Basements are generally already wired with electricity, but the lack of walls, ceiling and more than a cement floor are an issue. Once you add flooring and put in a ceiling, the ceiling height tends to be a bit smaller than the average. However, it is still functional and as long as it meets the building code, you can make it work. Now, basements tend to be dark, but you can change that with the installation of recessed lights by an electrician. Glendale homeowners will not have to worry about losing any head room with these lights because they are flush with the ceiling.

You can add several lights that will really brighten up the space. Whether you are transforming your basement into a den or the ultimate game room, you want to preserve as much ceiling space as possible while providing plenty of light. If you are dividing the area into separate rooms, your Glendale electrician can add the wiring needed for the outlets as well as the light switches needed to operate the lights in each space. A basement remodel is a fun project that is rewarding and will provide an excellent return on your investment. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your lighting installation.

The changing seasons, like the changing characteristics of matter, present dichotomies and the challenge in life is learning to find a successful balance.  Cultivating the right lighting design is all about a successful balance. Our outdoor lighting how-to guide will help you to establish and maintain a splendid outdoor oasis to be enjoyed year-round.

Capitol Lighting Respects the Night with Champion Illumination

The trend toward outdoor living continues with expanding decks and patios and customizing outdoor kitchens for outdoor entertainment.  Also, fireplaces, fire pits, and space heaters are being added to extend outdoor living well beyond the spring and summer months.  To make these areas as comfortable, safe, and maintenance-free as possible, great lighting is key.

Capitol Lighting’s Expert Advice for Lighting Up Outdoors

The conditions are perfect for outdoor lighting installations. Learn how-to customize the perfect outdoor lighting design and : Follow along with our

1.  Consider the areas to be illuminated:

•General lighting for decks, porches and patios.

•Accent lighting for gardens, fountains, statues and unique architectural elements.

•Security lighting for walkways and driveways.

•Decorative lighting for home entry zones.

2.  Choose your power supply and be sure that all outdoor and landscape lighting fixtures are compatible with the system.

3.  Choose landscape lighting fixtures more for their lighting effects rather than their aesthetic appeal.  The decorative features of landscape lights should be secondary to the objects they illuminate. With a good lighting design, landscape fixtures will provide understated elegance to the outdoor environment during the day, as well as at night.

4.  Decide which system works best for you:  Low voltage lighting provides softer more luxurious illumination, while LED is extremely energy-efficient, low-maintenance and most durable.  Incandescent bulbs typically last 1,000-2,000 hours; fluorescent bulbs may last 10,000-15,000 hours; and, LED bulbs may last 35,000-50,000 hours.

5.  Make sure to power your lighting with the appropriate transformers and wiring. If you are thinking about adding to your outside lighting system, choose power sources that will accommodate the additional fixtures.

6.  Automated timers and motion- or heat-sensitive controls make your home appear occupied during the night and save on energy costs. Locate timers and controls in areas where they are easily accessible.

7.  All outside lighting fixtures and accessories must be selected to withstand the elements, including sun, humidity, rain, ice and snow.  Check that all items are waterproof and UL-approved for outdoor use. Copper, brass and composite fixtures are excellent for homes near the seashore where salty air may be a factor.

8.  Think about landscape lighting as part of your planning and construction in a new home environment.  Outdoor lighting designers should coordinate with landscape architects and electricians.

9.  Traditional wall lights such as wall lanterns bracketing main entryway doors help you to identify visitors and ensure their safety.  They are also appropriate for rear and side entrances and over garage doors. Be sure to select post lanterns and wall brackets that are proportional to your home.  When in doubt, size up.  Fixtures appear smaller from curbside viewing than most people would imagine. * *

10.  Take care to avoid glare and pointing fixtures into your neighbor’s property. Curb “light pollution” with shielded fixtures that focus illumination downward.  Most outdoor fixtures may be easily focused to light the environment for safety, security and aesthetics while protecting other areas from unwanted glare and profuse light. * * *

**Rule of thumb for sizing outdoor wall lanterns:  The height of the lantern should be based on the height of the door.  If brackets are to be installed on either side of the door, they should measure about one-fourth the height of the door.  If using only one lantern, size up to about one-third the height of the door.

***“Dark Sky” Compliancy and light pollution:  A man-made culprit, due mainly to poor lighting design, is a phenomenon called “light pollution.”  Light pollution is any adverse effect of artificial light, including sky glow, glare, light trespass, light clutter, decreased visibility at night, and energy waste.  Many of Capitol Lighting’s trusted manufacturers offer “Dark Sky” versions of their outdoor lighting products, which “collar” the light bulb around its base to block superfluous upward emissions of light.

Capitol Lighting’s professional lighting consultants will help you in selecting everything from timers and outdoor hanging pendants to path lights and post lanterns.  Work with the experts to devise fabulous landscape lighting designs and prepare your outdoor environment with quality security lighting customized to enhance the beauty of your home.

There are times when you may think there is something wrong with your home in general. Your lights may flicker or burn out quickly or you can’t seem to get the toaster to work when it is plugged into a certain outlet. It can be difficult to determine if it is an appliance, a faulty light fixture or just one of those flukes that happens. You need a Santa Monica electrician to help you troubleshoot a problem that could turn out to be an electrical situation that requires a professional to handle. When you need help with the electrical problems in your house, you can count on The Electric Connection to provide you with the service you need in a timely manner.

Flickering lights are actually a signal that there may be some faulty wiring behind the walls that you cannot see. It is important the light fixtures are checked by an electrician. Santa Monica homeowners who notice lights that flicker, intermittently shut off or fixtures that go through bulbs quicker than normal should call an electrician. There is a chance the wiring to the fixture is exposed. This can be a serious risk for an electrical fire.

Breakers that trip often are also indicators of a bigger problem. The breaker may be weakened and need replacing or upgrading. This is something that will need to be evaluated by an electrician. If the home is more than 50 years old, the wiring may be outdated. Cloth wiring was commonly used in construction of homes before 1950. Today, we know that type of wiring isn’t safe and overtime, it can become an electrical hazard.

If you notice anything suspicious or smell burning wires or see black streaks shooting up the wall above an outlet, call an electrician right away. Taking quick action can save you the devastation of losing everything in a home fire. Give The Electric Connection a call today and take care of any electrical troubleshooting needs you have.