As a general contractor and remodeling company in Birmingham, Alabama, we frequently get asked about what an electrical rough is. Many people don’t know about this essential step in any construction or renovation project but it is crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most common questions we receive about electrical rough-in installations in the Birmingham, AL area:
What is an Electrical Rough?
An Electrical Rough-In, often shortened to just Rough, refers to the installation of the electrical wiring and components that will be concealed behind walls, floors, and ceilings. This includes running wires, installing junction boxes, and positioning outlet boxes and switch boxes. The Electrical Rough is a critical part of any construction or renovation project because it lays the foundation for the entire electrical system.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, for each project that comes our way, looks to see if doing an Electrical Rough is necessary, then after we call in our state certified electrical contractor, we begin the process of installing the essential components; our installs typically change depending on things like customer wants/needs, the height of the walls, the layout of the room, the building’s other electrical systems, etc. Afterwards, we call a building official to inspect the work we’ve done, in order to make sure we’ve followed all regulations and rules required for an Rough-In. Only then do we proceed to lay drywall and install the finishing touches, like wall covers. After that, Reliable finally powers on the grid.
Typically the inspector for an electrical Rough-In is always someone from the municipality of the town or city your home is located in. Their presence is essential to make sure nothing went wrong during installation.
How long does it take to complete a Rough-In?
The time required to complete an electrical rough-in can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. An electrical rough-in in the Birmingham area can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months to complete. However, it’s important to note that rushing through this step can lead to mistakes that can be costly to fix down the line.
A simple outdoor decking is an example of a project that does not require an Electrical Rough.
Is this something I should leave to a professional?
Absolutely. Unless you are a licensed electrician with experience in rough-ins, you should not attempt to do this yourself. Electrical Rough-Ins involve working with live wires and can be dangerous if not done correctly. It’s essential to hire a professional electrician who has the necessary training, tools, and safety equipment to perform the job safely and effectively.
As we stated above, Reliable can begin the project, but we still need to bring in an inspector to make sure everything is up to code.
What are the dangers of improperly performing an Electrical Rough?
The consequences of improperly performing an anything electrical in your home can be severe, if not deadly. Improperly installed wiring can cause electrical fires, which can lead to property damage, injury, and even death. Faulty electrical systems can also cause electrocution, which can be fatal. Unless if you are a certified electrician with expertise in home design and building, we seriously recommend you contact a professional to handle these tasks for you.
How much does this cost?
The cost can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the location and labor costs in your area. Reliable’s Design-Build process really doesn’t assign a dollar amount to an Electrical Rough, as it’s considered only a part of a larger remodel or renovation (I.E. Kitchen Remodel, Basement Addition, etc.)
However, it’s essential to get a detailed estimate for the overall project, and if you’re concerned about the dollar figure, you could probably ask for an itemized listing of costs, in order to create a ballpark figure in your head about how much the specific Rough-In could cost; generally though, for a firm that’s using the Design-Build process, it’s usually factored into the cost of whatever remodel you’re paying for already.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
Visit us at reliablerem.com, and like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
