Category: Residential Electrician

When it comes to making money on rental properties, there are a few important things to keep in mind. 

First, you want to invest in a long-lasting home or apartment that will require minimal maintenance for you as the landlord. Second, you want to invest in renovations that will increase your property’s value, promising higher resale value and allowing you to charge higher rent costs.

Let’s look at a few smart rental property renovations worth investing in to increase your profitability on your units:

1. Remodel the Bathroom for Functionality & Make High-Impact, Cost-Effective Aesthetic Upgrades

No one, we repeat, no one likes a gross bathroom. This is often a huge determining factor for house or apartment hunters, and it’s crucial to have a clean and functional lavatory.

Begin by looking at the bathroom’s functionality. Dripping faucets need to be fixed, low water pressure systems increased and any damages repaired. These are the most obvious fixes and should never be neglected. Another necessity is proper ventilation to avoid the growth of mold in this moist space, so be sure to install a fan system.

Then, think about the functions your renters will need on a day-to-day basis. Install towel hooks or rods and replace subpar showerheads. People also want storage in or directly next to their bathrooms to keep towels, toiletries and cosmetics. If the bathroom has minimal cabinetry, counter space or storage, we recommend adding these features to satisfy new renters.

From here, make cost-effective yet high-impact aesthetic upgrades. For instance, one major feature in any bathroom is the mirror above the sink. Buy an eye-catching, uniquely shaped mirror and invest in good overhead lighting, since this is where your renters will spend the most time styling their hair, doing their make-up, etc. 

When showing the house, choose a show-stopping shower curtain, but keep other decor simple. Since bathrooms are relatively smaller when compared to other rooms, it’s important to not overwhelm but still catch your prospect’s attention.

2. Renovate the Kitchen Cabinetry & Upgrade Major Appliances

Similarly to how no one wants to spend time in an unpleasant bathroom, no one wants an outdated kitchen. 

The first thing many renters will look at is your kitchen’s storage— specifically, cabinetry. Give your renters ample space to store dishware, food, etc. but also make sure the cabinets are stylish and modern by replacing or repainting them and finishing them off with sharp-looking hardware. 

Renter’s eyes are also drawn to the kitchen’s countertops. These need to be clean and durable, as they’ll be exposed to a lot of action for heavy cookers. If within your budget, marble or stone countertops are very attractive for any apartment or house and will last for many years to come. If not, opt for a material that’s resistant to heat, scuffing, etc. to avoid frequent replacement or repairs. In general, trends show that tile countertops aren’t that popular and may not be as easy to keep clean, so we recommend avoiding that material. 

Lastly, increase your rental property value by upgrading the major appliances, like the fridge, dishwasher, stove and microwave. It’s important that these appliances all match aesthetically and that they’re clean. A good sink and faucet are another appealing resale feature, so consider adding a dual-bay sink, garbage disposal and a faucet with a spray head or filtration system. 

3. Focus on the Floors by Cleaning Carpets or Choosing Hardwood

Carpeting can be an extremely inviting feature, but only in certain rooms and only if it’s well-kept. 

If you allow animals, carpeting is definitely a risk— easily ruined by pet bathroom accidents. High foot traffic over time can also cause the carpet to wear and families with children risk staining or other damage. If using carpet in an intimate space like a bedroom, we recommend choosing a dark fabric at a medium thickness to mask dirt or natural wear. Before showing the place to possible renters, have any carpeting professionally steam-cleaned.

For other areas of your house, choose a durable flooring that’s resistant to damage. While hardwood is one of the most desired features of Florida homeowners, it can be an expensive addition. We recommend choosing engineered or composite hardwood instead. This “fake wood” looks just as stylish, but often handles moisture, chipping and other wear better than raw wood. 

4. Replace the Windows

Your rental property’s windows are responsible for the building’s insulation. Older or worn windows without proper sealing can end up costing your renters more in heating or cooling costs— an unattractive feature for would-be residents. Replace the windows with ENERGY STAR^® rated windows with improved efficiency and UV protection to increase your space’s appeal.

New windows can also help to increase your property value and are a great bonus for homeowners’ insurance providers, especially if they are rated to withstand storm weather or prevent burglary. As a Florida property owner, ensure the windows are hurricane-safe by learning more about the different kinds of impact glass types here.

5. Upgrade the Lighting Features

Proper lighting can go a long way in brightening up a space. Dark rooms are uninviting and poorly efficient floor or tabletop lamps can spike your resident’s electrical costs. You don’t want to tempt your renters to install their own overhead lighting systems either, as sloppy jobs are dangerous for those installing them, your rental property as a whole and other current or future renters.

Lighting fixture installation is not something we recommend the average property owner doing on their own. Hire a professional electrician to do the job right and keep your rooms lit for many years to come.

We’re Here for the Electrical Upgrades

You have enough to worry about when you’re upgrading your rental property— let our electricians handle the electrical. From installing lighting in every room to adding outlets, we’ll help you transform your units into highly coveted, modern spaces.

Fill out this form to learn more about our lighting installation offerings or give us a call at 239-935-5892, today.

That annoying chirping sound that always seems to start at the worst possible time is your fire alarm’s way of saying, “My batteries are getting low! Replace them.” But unfortunately, the darn thing won’t stop beeping until you swap those dying batteries out for fully charged ones.

Sometimes, homeowners take the dying batteries out, thinking that’ll stop the low-battery noise— and, oftentimes, that does indeed do the trick. But then they forget to replace the batteries later!

One third of fire deaths were in homes that did not have smoke detectors, according to The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half where smoke detectors are properly installed and maintained.

Keep your loved ones safe by learning how to replace your fire alarm’s battery and test that its fully functional afterwards:

Battery-Operated vs. Hardwired Smoke Detectors

Before you begin, it’s important to understand that there are two types of smoke detectors: battery-operated and hardwired alarms.

As you may have guessed, battery-operated detectors run on batteries alone. Hardwired alarms, on the other hand, use electricity. But here’s the catch: hardwired smoke detectors also have a backup battery for power outages. These backup batteries get low just like any battery, and will chirp all-the-same when needing to be replaced. 

With this in mind, all smoke detectors have batteries! Don’t be confused when your hardwired detector starts chirping. 

How to Replace the Batteries on a Smoke Detector

Here are a few quick steps to properly replacing your smoke detector’s batteries:

• Turn off power to the circuit that your smoke detector is on (if you have a hardwired detector). Safety first! Whenever tinkering with electronics, it’s best to cut all electricity to the source.
• Remove your detector’s plastic covering/face. Some detectors simply twist open, others pop off, while others still require a screwdriver to remove hardware. Google search your specific detector brand and model to find its user’s manual if you aren’t sure how to open it.
• Remove the old battery. Once opened, you’ll notice all the alarm’s internal parts, from its sensing chamber and horn. All you’ll need to worry about is the battery. For most detectors, this is a large, rectangular 9-volt battery and pretty hard to miss. Pop that dying guy out and set aside to properly dispose of.
• Add the juiced-up battery. Ensure the male and female (+ and -) terminals are properly aligned and that it’s pushed snuggly into its chamber.
• Lock the cover back into place. Easy enough, right? Don’t forget to turn your breaker back on if you flicked it off.

And there you have it. New battery in— in just a few short minutes. 

How Often Should the Batteries in a Fire Alarm Be Replaced?

Your smoke detector manufacturer’s guide should outline a timeline for when batteries will need to be replaced. But while every manufacturer is free to make their own recommendations, the safest course of action is to replace all the batteries in all of your smoke detectors annually or biannually, according to The National Fire Protection Association.

While this can be hard to remember to do, consider replacing the smoke detector batteries on New Year’s Day every year or scheduling a “repeat yearly” calendar alert on your phone. If you’d rather replace the batteries twice a year to be extra sure of your home and family’s safety, replace the smoke detector batteries on Daylight Saving Time days in the fall and spring.

If you forget one year, don’t beat yourself up. Most 9-volt batteries are rated for last for a few years— but it’s best to be safe!

Pro Tip: Keeping batteries for your fire alarm on hand allows you to replace the battery immediately, without having to listen to the annoying chirping for days on end until you can order them online or get to the store.

How to Test a Smoke Detector After Battery Replacement

Once your battery is replaced, you still have one last important step: testing that the new battery actually works. The good news is, this is usually super easy!

After putting the detector cover/face back on, simply press the “test” button. If you’re having trouble finding it, check your manufacturer’s manual for its location. 

If after pressing the test button you hear nothing, that means there’s a problem with the battery or your detector itself. Try a completely different battery and hit “test” again. If it’s still not making an alarm noise, it might be time to replace the entire smoke detector unit itself. Most fire alarm units have a life-expectancy of about 10 years. Do you know the last time you had yours replaced?

To turn off the shrill alarm, simply press “test” again. Now you can rest easy knowing your detector is fully functional and you don’t have to put up with that dreadful low-battery chirping sound!

How Often Should a Fire Alarm Battery Be Tested?

It’s just as important to routinely test that your smoke detector battery is in tip-top shape as it is to check it after a battery replacement.

You should test all the smoke detectors in your home once a month, according to The USFA. Just like our advice for replacing your battery, make a plan to test the smoke detector on a day you will remember to do so. Consider making the first of the month your big day, or when you pay your mortgage, or every month when you give your dog their heartworm medication. Set reminders on your phone and write it down the monthly smoke detector test on your calendar.

What Other DIY Electrical Projects Can You Tackle?

Now that you’ve replaced your dying smoke detector battery, have you considered what other electrical projects you can do yourself?

In our free Electric Toolkit, we’ll share how to test your outlets, your lightbulbs, and more! Download it today.

If it’s time for a full smoke detector unit replacement, we’re happy to help with that. Submit a form on our Home Electrical Services page, or give us a call at 239-307-0716.

It can be a real pain trying to find a trusted professional. And when it comes to your electrical, quality and qualifications aren’t things to gamble with.

A shoddy handyman could end up costing you thousands of dollars in damage or put you and your family at risk of electrical fire! And oftentimes, DIY electrical projects are just as risky.

When looking for an electrician, be sure to weigh your options wisely. Here are a few tips for choosing the right electrician in Southwest Florida:

Look up online reviews, but don’t forget about personal references.

Recommendations are a great place to start when searching for a reputable electrician. While some electricians will post testimonials on their website, branch out onto other review sites to get a broader picture. Be sure to check out their ratings on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and other popular review sites where you can read what real customers have to say— being careful to pay close attention to the most thoughtful, detailed accounts to see a clear representation of their work.

Beyond the Internet, ask everyone you know if they’ve used an electrician, what the electrician did, and how much the work ran them. Also, be sure to ask if they would use their services again— that’s the best way to gauge how impressed they were by the work. Friends or family may have an excellent local electrician up their sleeves that’ll save you a lot of work comparing others in the area. Never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.

Look up the electrician’s Better Business Bureau rating.

Before you narrow it down to one electrician, do a thorough check with the Better Business Bureau. There, you can find out if there are any negative complaints against the electrician you’ve chosen.

This is often a “higher-escalation” mecca for information on bad issues, where you can see if legal action was ever taken against electricians for poor workmanship or other legitimate reasons.

Be sure the electrician is licensed and insured.

The last thing you want is an unqualified and under-trained person working with your electrical systems. Remember, a cheap handyman might seem like the most financially-suited option at the time, but if they mess up the electrical, the damage caused by their mistake will be your responsibility to pay for.

In order to avoid costly damage, you need to ensure that the electrician has a current license that’s valid in your state, and that the license covers the variety of work that you need done in your home. You should also request proof of insurance coverage, just to make sure that everything is completely up-to-date and not expired so that mistakes don’t fall onto your lap.

Seek a Master Electrician, or one who specializes in your specific kind of electrical project.

Not every electrician has the experience working with the specific issue you need addressed. While some electricians are great at outlet upgrades, for instance, they may not be versed in all forms of rewiring projects.

A Master Electrician title, however, guarantees the person has a minimum of four years of experience in all things residential electrical. This means that they’re probably up for whatever job you have in mind, but it’s wise to confirm with them just to make sure.

Look for quality and transparency.

You don’t want to overpay for the work but, on the other hand, we’ve all heard the phrase, “you get what you pay for.” Be sure that each electrician gives you a breakdown of the prices for the materials as well as labor so you can accurately compare quotes. Naturally, there are other factors to consider beyond the price, but you need to know what you’re paying for.

It helps to understand that electricians typically bill by the hour for their labor. The average cost for a traditional electrician is typically $50-100 an hour, according to Home Advisor. However, a specialist or senior electrician may charge more for their superior tools, experience, and reputation.

Others charge a “trip charge,” or a flat fee or minimum for each visit, which then allows them to charge a lower hourly rate. This is especially true if the task is simple (for them) and they want to make sure they’re still profiting for their travel and effort, despite a quick fix. When discussing price, make sure the electrician is clear about how they charge so you don’t run into unexpected fees.

Get a quote from a few different electricians.

If you’re looking up electricians based on online ratings, be sure to get quotes from a few different companies.

You want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck while seeing how the business handles a little healthy competition when asked why they’re more expensive than their local rival! They may explain why the ceiling fan brand they choose is better than their competitors, or how they offer a better guarantee on their work.

Seek an electrician with guarantees and warranties.

Speaking of guarantees, the best electricians offer some sort of warranty on their fix or install. Whether they’re a dealer for a certain brand and offer a service warranty on these authorized products or make a big “satisfaction always guaranteed” promise, ask the company how they hold themselves accountable for a job well done.

Look No Further!

Are you searching for a reliable electrician in Southwest Florida? We’ve got a bright idea— give us a call at 239-307-0716!

We can handle all of your electrical needs for both residential and commercial projects. Also, all new customers get a 10% discount!

Your lights are flickering or your outlets are sparking. Whatever the case, you have an electrical issue that needs fixing.

How do you know what’s a job for an electrician— like our friendly team here at SWFL Electric!— or the responsibility of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)?

Here’s a breakdown of when to call us versus the power company:

When to Call an Electrician

There’s a few electrical projects that savvy homeowners can do themselves, but there’s certain instances when you should turn to certified electrician:

• If your circuit breaker keeps tripping.

  Not all trips are caused by overloads and sometimes you’ll have to investigate the issue. Here’s some tips for troubleshooting the trip and resetting your breaker yourself, but if after reading this you still find yourself still experiencing frequent breaker trips, it’s best to call an electrician— as you may need a whole new electrical panel.

• If you want to upgrade your outlets.

  Older homes may not have three-pronged outlets, or GFCI complaint receptacles— which the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires in areas of high water splash risk like kitchens and bathrooms. While upgraded outlets can help protect against electrical shock, they can be a pain to install yourself and sometimes more easily performed by a professional.

• If your electrical switches are hot to the touch or your outlets spark.

  These are fire hazards and can put you and your family in danger. Sometimes, these issues are complemented by a black discoloration around the source due to overheating. Projects like these may require rewiring, which should always be performed by a trained electrician.

• If lights are flickering or dimming.

  When a bunch of devices are running, do you notice that your lights dim? These appliances might need to be wired to their own dedicated circuits or checked for a faulty connection— and these lighting changes shouldn’t be neglected. If for some reason your neighbors are also experiencing these disturbances as well, this might be the fault of your power company and require their assistance.

• If you have a mess of wires and not enough plugs.

  If you’re relying on outlet strips and have wires tangling together, it might be time to consider adding more electrical ports around your home. Anytime you’re ripping into walls and messing with wires like this, it’s a job for an electrician.

• The problem is high!

  Your lofted chandelier is on the fritz, but hanging over your ledge with a ladder is risky. Falls remain the leading cause of unintentional injury and deaths nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Contact the professionals, who are trained to perform the fix safely.

When to Call the Power Company

There’s few reasons you’d need to get FPL involved, but here’s when you should give them a call:

• Your power goes completely out.

  Whether it was due to a bad storm or your whole block simply falls dark, this is likely an issue for the power company. If you’re lucky, you’ll have a backup or standby generator to keep the lights on until FPL resolves the issue.

• You can’t identify why part of your power is out.

  If you reset your breaker after a partial home outage and can’t pinpoint the problem, the power company can help to determine if there’s a problem with the grid or not.

• Your Florida Power & Light Company service wires or cables are damaged.

  Electricians are not allowed to work on FPL lines from a pole or transformer to your home, as stated on their site. Call the power company for these fixes.

We’re Your Trusted Florida Electricians

Is your problem listed above? Our team at SWFL Electric is here to help.

There’s a ton of reason to choose us over the competition and we’re proud of it! Check out what sets us apart and call us for help with your electrical problems today at 239-307-0716.

When it comes to your home, you might be surprised how many things run off of electric. From your water heater to your smoke detector, your house relies on many energy-powered systems to run smoothly.

It can sure be a pain phoning a mechanic to fix your generator or trying to find a landscaping expert to light up your backyard lanai. Luckily, we’re your guys for all things electrical in Southwest Florida.

Here’s a few reasons to choose us as your local residential electricians:

We’re Fully Licenced & Insured

That cheap family friend or Craigslist handyman might not have the proper licensing or insurance coverage to protect themselves, and consequently, you, if something goes wrong.

Poorly installed systems could also cause more problems, potentially sparking a fire, shocking you or your family and threatening your overall safety. Not only that, but any damages, faulty wiring or resulting injuries are up to YOU to pay for— not the unprotected electrician you hired without proper screening.

Some of our master electricians at SWFL Electric have been in school or went through extensive trainings, akin to the time a doctor spends getting his degree! Our electricians must pass a written examination and go through local and national background checks. Not to mention, each must adhere to the latest electrical codes and standards.

Turn to our highly knowledgeable and skilled technicians to get the job done right the first time, with a team held fully accountable for taking proper safety and protective measures.

We Work With & Have Helped Trusted Brands

We’re proud to be fully authorized Generac and KOHLER service dealers. Meaning, we not only sell these trusted brands, but we are certified to assist you with servicing your generators— from replacing an old part to a routine check-up.

You name it: electric, gas, standby, emergency back-up and all full or partial home generators in between. We’re here to serve your complete maintenance needs.

We’ve helped big names throughout Florida such as Stiles, Impulse Creative, Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, TIAA Bank and Gartner with their electrical needs— and have been trusted for years to serve our local neighbors.

No Job is Too Big or Too Small

When it comes to the size of your home, no need to worry. We’re licensed and insured in all areas of electrical repair. Want landscape lighting? How about help installing a ceiling fan? Maybe you’re looking for recommendations on energy-efficient upgrades.  

From cable TV hookups and upgrading electric panels to installing residential lighting and adding proper surge protection, we’re here to upgrade or fix it all.

Do Your Research

Before choosing the right electrician, make sure you do your research. We can talk ourselves up all day long, but we encourage you to seek other opinions.

Be sure to ask your local friends and family for recommendations, ask other electricians to see their work and get a quote from a few different professionals.

For more information on our residential services in Southwest Florida, check out our page or contact us. We may be a little biased, but we think we can get the job done quicker (and probably cheaper!) than the competition.

Call Us Today: 239-307-0716