Renovation and Remodel Electrical in New York

What renovation wiring covers

A renovation changes where people cook, bathe and plug things in, so the old circuit layout rarely fits. We start from the plan: appliance list, lighting layout, outlet spacing along the counters, and what the existing panel can carry. That becomes a circuit plan before anyone opens a box.

Then the sequence follows the build. Rough-in happens with the studs open, the inspector sees it before insulation and board, and we return for trim once the finishes are in. If the panel cannot take the new load, a panel upgrade or a subpanel is planned now rather than discovered at trim.

Updated September 2026

What drives renovation electrical cost

The finish schedule matters as much as the fixture count.

• Circuit countEach new dedicated circuit adds wire, a breaker and a home run.
• Panel capacityA full or undersized panel means a subpanel or an upgrade.
• Lighting planRecessed and layered lighting multiply boxes and switching.
• Building rulesRestricted hours and riser shutdowns stretch the schedule.
• Walls open or closedWiring open studs is far faster than fishing finished walls.

Four common renovation scopes

Kitchen Renovation Wiring

Kitchens carry the heaviest loads in a home. We plan separate 20 amp circuits for the countertop outlets, dedicated lines for the dishwasher, disposal, microwave and refrigerator where the equipment calls for them, and a range or cooktop circuit sized to the nameplate. Under-cabinet and recessed lighting go on their own switching. Counter outlets are spaced so no stretch of counter is far from one, and all of them get GFCI protection. Island outlets and appliance garages are planned now, because adding them after the stone is cut is painful.

Bathroom Renovation Wiring

Bathroom work is mostly about water and heat: GFCI protection for the outlets, a properly vented exhaust fan, lighting rated for damp locations near the shower, and sometimes a heated floor or towel warmer on its own circuit. Vanity lighting is placed for faces rather than for the ceiling. We coordinate with the tile setter so boxes land where the tile layout expects them instead of in the middle of a grout line, and we set mirror and medicine-cabinet power before the walls are closed.

Combining Apartments

Joining two units usually means two electrical services becoming one, or one panel feeding rooms it was never meant to reach. We work out which panel stays, whether the combined load needs more capacity, and how the building's riser and meter arrangement allows the change. It is filed as part of the alteration and coordinated with the building, since meter and riser work touches shared equipment and often needs a scheduled shutdown that the building sets weeks ahead of time.

Rough-In and Finish for Contractors

Many renovations are run by a general contractor, and the electrician's job is to hit their dates. We take the drawings, rough in on the agreed day, call for the inspection, and come back for trim when the painter is out. The GC gets one point of contact for the electrical scope and inspection results in writing, which keeps the rest of the schedule moving when a finish date is tight. Change orders are priced before they are done, not after.

How the electrical fits the renovation calendar

Related work in the same system

Guides: NYC permits and the 2025 code and How to choose an electrician