Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Call Today (678) 960-4239

We offer a wide range of home remodeling, interior design, and interior and exterior planning servicesthat can be customized to meet yourneeds. Our team works directly with you to come to the best solution for your home, business, or commercial needs.

From concept to completion, every step of aprojectis handled by our experienced team.

Proudly Serving Buford, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Duluth, Suwanee, and Braselton.

Basement Finishing in Milton, Basement Finishing in Buford, Basement Finishing in Johns Creek

If you're looking to add a home theater, our team can custom build the theater of your dreams.

If you're looking to add on a room to your home or office, our designers and space planners are here to help you every step of the way.

We specialize in custom built bars that are built on site. Let us make your dream a reality.

- Basement Finishing

- Home Remodeling- Kitchen Remodeling- Bathroom Remodeling

- Custom Bars

- Home Theaters

- Wine Cellars

- Framing

- Custom Trim

- Built in Bookcases

- Plumbing/HVAC/Electrical

- Flooring

- Decks & Covered Porches

Read the original here:
Basement Finishing in Milton - Atlanta Basements & Decks

Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank Installation Methods

Beautiful, comfortable and quiet. You can have it all with Shaw resilient flooring.

These products feature Shaw's VersaLock edge. Planks lock together and are not adhered to subfloor.

Install an entire floor in just a few hours with no mess.

VersaFit Floating Floor

These products have Shaw's VersaFit Technology which allows for three versatile installation methods. Choose loose-lay, full spread, or perimeter glue installation. It doesn't get any simpler than this.

Install an entire floor in just a few hours with no mess.

Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank - Direct Glue Dry Back Products

Shaw's LVT dry back products have fiberglass filled bodies and are made from "Virgin" vinyl. Many of the products feature OptiClean, Shaw's easy to clean surface that offers additional stain resistance.

Installation advantages include:

Floorte Floating Floor

Floorte's Fold-N-Tap Locking system is precision engineered with the most advanced technology possible - making it easy to use, strong and durable. Floorte floors are also flexible, concealing imperfections of the floor beneath, so less prep is needed.

Installation advantages include:

Be sure to discuss your installation needs with your Shaw retailer or your installerWhether you choose one of our floating resilient floors or choose a Direct Glue Dry Back product, you can feel confident knowing that you can have it all with Shaw resilient vinyl flooring.

Read the rest here:
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Plank Installation Methods ...

On This Page:

The average homeowner pays between $5,000 and $14,050 for siding to be installed on their home exterior. Vinyl siding costs about $0.90 to $2.50 per square foot compared to fiber cement at $0.70 to $5.25 and brick at about $3.50 per square foot. Aside from the material, your home's size and shape will also impact the price of installing siding.

There are a lot of factors that go into the final cost of installing siding. These include:

Finally, when you have your siding installed can make a big difference in the cost. Installing siding during the off-season will usually grant you a lower price from your contractor. In contrast, installing during the spring and summer months will generally cost a premium since these are the times when contractors are most in demand. Costs vary by region, so where you live will also play a role in how much you will end up paying.

Some vinyl siding manufacturers recommend using a pressure washer once a year, while others advise against using pressure. Be sure to check with your manufacturer's instructions before using a pressure washer as the damage done will be permanent. You can rent a pressure washer from Home Depot for an average of $34 per day, making vinyl maintenance a relatively inexpensive task.

An easy DIY cleaning solution can also be used to clean vinyl siding throughout the year. The combination of 70% water and 30% white vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleanser that removes light mold and mildew stains. Use a soft brush to clean siding and avoid using anything harsh such as steel wool or other highly-abrasive scrubbers.

Engineered wood is another option for wood siding. Engineered wood is plywood or hardwood sheets made up of bits of wood bonded together with special resins and treated with insecticide and fungicide. It often comes pre-primed and ready to paint or already finished in a number of styles that mimic the look of real wood. Engineered wood is lighter and easier to install than traditional wood, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. The average total cost of installing engineered wood is $3,000-$5,000.

After installing engineered wood siding, the only maintenance that should be done is washing once a year with a power washer and possible repainting every 5 to 10 years. The chemical compounds in engineered wood helps withstand mold, rot, and prevent insects.

Bevel or clapboard wood siding is a traditional form of siding on homes. Some popular wood siding options include pine, spruce, cypress, and Douglas fir. These woods are economical and durable. Cedar and redwood are also great options since they naturally contain rot resistance. However, they are more costly than other wood options. The added upfront cost, though, could save you money down the road by preventing termite and other insect damage along with water damage.

The price of wood varies from year to year and by location. Here are some average prices for wood siding materials:

Unlike vinyl and aluminum siding, wood siding requires some additional maintenance. Along with washing siding annually using soap and water, wood siding needs to be treated every four to six years depending on the amount of snow and sun your area receives. This may require re-staining and/or re-painting. It is important to keep on top of wood maintenance to prevent rotting, mold, and insect damage. A complete refinishing job including clear finishes, semi-transparent stains, and re-painting will cost $2,000-$5,000 total.

Engineered wood is another option for wood siding. Engineered wood is plywood or hardwood sheets made up of bits of wood bonded together with special resins and treated with insecticide and fungicide. It often comes pre-primed and ready to paint or already finished in a number of styles that mimic the look of real wood. Engineered wood is lighter and easier to install than traditional wood, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. The average total cost of installing engineered wood is $3,000-$5,000.

James Hardie Fiber Cement is touted as a low-maintenance option for a wood-like appearance. It should be cleaned annually like aluminum, vinyl, and wood siding using soap and water (with or without a pressure washer). JamesHardie.com also offers a variety of maintenance products for your specific siding. In addition, any dents, chips, cracks, and other minor surface damage in James Hardie siding and trim products can be filled with a cementitious patching compound.

More here:
2018 Average Siding Prices | Home Siding Cost Estimator

Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator

Kitchen remodels cost $75 to $250 per square foot. The first step in determiningyour estimate is looking at the space. Before you get to the smaller questions, ask yourself the big questions:

Also ask: What should you spend? The industry says spend 5% to 15% of the homes value on this project. If your house is worth $300,000, you could spend $30,000 without negatively affecting its resale price.

Consider some of these alternative options if you want to save money:

Kitchen renovations cost $12,500 to $34,0000, with a typical spend of around $23,000. The rate divides into materials, installation, lighting and plumbing fixtures.

According to theNational Kitchen & Bath Association, the expenses break down as follows:

Design fees

4%

$920

Installation

17%

$3,910

Appliances and ventilation

14%

$3,220

Cabinetry and hardware

29%

$6,670

Countertops

10%

$2,300

Lighting

5%

$1,150

Flooring

7%

$1,610

Doors and windows

4%

$920

Walls and ceilings

5%

$1,150

Faucets and plumbing

4%

$920

Other

1%

$230

Professional kitchen designers charge $100 to $200 per hour. Though the NKBA suggests four percent of your budget will go to design fees, this shoots up to closer to 10 percent when you hire a certified professional on-site. If you get advice or an in-home consultation from a materials and design store, it will certainly stay in the range of a $100 to $800 flat fee. However, homeowners report paying $3,500 to $18,500 for certified professionals and independent services. At this rate, you might expect such services as:

Expect to pay $3,500 to $6,000 for installation alone. Professional labor typically factors into the total in a range from 15 to 25 percent. The NKBA suggests 17 percent as the median. This percentage will vary depending on the size of the space and the features you install. Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractoris the best way to get the most out of your project and budget.

It could cost as little as $5,000 to remodel a small kitchen and as much as $60,000+ to do a large renovation. The size of your space will play a significant role in how expensive your renovation gets. Below, see the typical spend for various sizes and the factors involved.

Small (<70)

$5,000-$20,000

Medium (100-150)

$15,000-$40,000

Large (200+)

$30,000-$60,000+

The rate to update a small kitchen is between$5,000 and $20,000, depending on what you install, repair or upgrade. For this room, small is defined as 70 square feet or smaller. You'll have limited options for a project of this size. It's important to set your budget and plan for some DIY work to save time and money. Here are some recommendations for keeping expenses low:

You can remove walls and cabinetry if you have the space and the budget to do it. You can even combine this space with the dining room for one large, unified area, instead of having a bar or tall wall separate the two. If you live in a condo, check building codes to make sure you can knock out walls. Also, consult with a contractor, as they could recognize that the wall is connected to a supporting beam.

A 100 square foot kitchen renovation costs $15,000 to $30,000. These dimensions qualify a space as medium.

Renovating a 12x12 kitchen runs between $20,000 and $40,000. This is close to the standard size, which is between 150 and 175 square feet.

A large kitchen is defined as 200 feet or more and typically runs between $30,000 and $60,000. Upscale remodels can reach from $75,000 to $100,000 and beyond. With a large area like this, you may include features like:

Here are some of the elements that go into an average kitchen remodel and their typical installation prices, based on small, mid-range or major options:

Install an appliance

$100-$200 per appliance

$200-$400 per appliance

$400-$600+ per appliance

Install cabinets

$100-$200 per cabinet

$200-$300 per cabinet

$300-$500 per cabinet

Install countertops

$200-$500

$400-$1,000

$1,000-$2,500

Install a faucet

$125-$200 per faucet

$200-$300 per faucet

$300-$550+ per faucet

Install flooring

$600-$1,000

$1,000-$1,500

$1,500-$3,000

Install a sink

$100-$250

$250-$400

$400-$600

Backsplash installation

$150-$400

$400-$800

$800-$1,200

Painting/adding wallpaper

$100-$200

$200-$400

$400-$600

Kitchen cabinet installation costs an average of $2,000 to $8,000, with the products themselves ranging from $75 to $1,500 per linear foot.Kitchen cabinets pricesvary depending on whether you opt for custom or stock products, and your project price will also depend on whether you update them rather than replace them. These features often make a room's first impression. If they are dated or damaged, potential buyers may walk away underwhelmed.

Installing kitchen appliances costs $100 to $300 per appliance on average. Investing in higher quality stoves, dishwashers or refrigerators will certainly drive up your total price. However, if you want to improve your homes value, it will pay to install higher quality products. There are various options to choose from, including EnergyStar-certified, custom built-in, high-end store bought and budget outlet products. If longevity is important to you, look for products with longer life expectancies.

Installing countertops costs$2,000 to $4,000, though this price will fluctuate depending on the material and measurements. Countertops play a major role in the look and usability of your space. Choose the materials based on what looks and functions best.

Within each category of materials, price depends on quality. Seamless materials, such as Corian and granite, tend to be more durable, but are generally more expensive. Formica and concrete tend to be cheaper but add less value. Tile can be pretty, but you can expect quite a bit of maintenance down the road and regular grout cleaning. Countertop materials include:

Flooring installation costs $1,500 to $4,500, depending on various factors. The largest factors include the square footage and material you choose. Vinyl and linoleum flooring tend to be the most affordable but add little or nothing to the value of your house. Tile, granite and wood are more expensive and will help to increase value. The more expensive flooring sometimes proves to be the more difficult ones to maintain.

These spaces can be volatile workstations. Damage from stains, grease, heat and moisture are common. If you can't keep up with the cleaning and maintenance, the more expensive flooring might not be the best for you. Options include:

Installing a faucet costs $150 to $350. If you dont need to change the plumbing layout, installing a sink costs $200 to $550.

If you decide to do a major change and rearrange your appliances, you will have to relocate the pipes. This often involves getting new pipes installing additional pipes costs about $1,100 and connecting them to the main line. This also means spending more on labor and, in some cases,hiring a plumber. Plus, you mighthave to get a permitfrom the city. These building permits could cost up to $800 if your contractor gets it for you.

The rate for electrical work is $50 to $100 per hour on average. Its best to do electrical work during the tear-out process. However, many homeowners dont factor in this expense until the work is underway.

Plan ahead and determine whether you need toupgrade your electrical boardto accommodate a new refrigerator or oven -- which can be $1,000. You may also need to move outlets and fixtures to accommodate a new layout. Plus, you may have outdated outlets that need replacement --adding $175to your total. Have an electricianon hand to guide you through the process and be ready to spend about 5 percent of your total on electrical work.

Moving a gas linecosts $250 to $800. Unless you're planning to move your oven and stove cooktop to an entirely differently place in the room, you should be able to avoid this expense. The process involves moving and running additional gas lines, upending flooring and knocking out walls. It also requires a permit for handling natural gas lines.

Building a budget should be your number one concern when planning a kitchen remodel. It determines how much you can accomplish, the materials available, how much professional help youll need, and what the final product will look like, among other aspects. If you don't plan appropriately, there's a good chance that you will find yourself in debt by the end of the project or left with a half-finished space after the funds run out.

Homeowners should expect to spend the following:

You should also set aside 15 to 20 percent of your budget for any unexpected problems during the remodel. These issues can include plumbing, electrical, structural, and pest or toxic material problems that could arise.

Continue reading here:
2018 Kitchen Remodel Costs | Average Price to Renovate a Kitchen

Second Floor Addition to make your Home Spacious!

Family grows and your home grows smaller! Are you facing this trouble? Now, buying a new home in Toronto is difficult because of the rising real-estate prices. And, leaving your paradise whenever there is an addition to your family is not a solution. You can always hire The Home Improvement Group, GTAs reputed home addition contractor to add space to the house. Make your home spacious with a second floor addition.

You can either opt for adding a room to the second story, increase the height of the attic to create a new story or even consider adding a complete new floor to your existing one-story home.When it comes to second floor addition, you have limitless options. It all depends on your imagination and your needs.

If you have extra space, you can consider a bump out addition. But, if you have space constrains, a second floor top up is the perfect solution.This way you will not have to part ways with the beautiful trees in the courtyard. It will help you to keep the incredible landscape of your home as it is and ensure larger living space. So, if you want to build a home office, gym, bedroom or a kitchen, choosing the second story addition will solve all your problems.

Lack of space is a big issue in Toronto and other communities of Greater Toronto Area. But, by adding a second story to your bungalow, you can make it beautiful as well as increase its real-estate value. Second floor additions have a high ROI, typically in the range of 80%-85%.So, do not think that hiring a contractor and undertaking a home addition project will not bear fruits in the long-run.

By adding a second story to your home, you will have the opportunity of remodeling your entire home. You can relocate your home office on the second floor or shift the gym upstairs. It will allow you to add space to kitchen or help you to consider a living room addition project in your home. The options are endless!

Now, remember that the actual cost of the home addition project depends on your requirements, your budget and the expertise of the home addition contractor that you hire. Usually, average costs range from $80 to $200 per square feet. If you are interested in building a bathroom on the second floor, you have to add the plumbing costs to the budget.

The Home Improvement Group has adequate experience of home addition projects such as sunroom additions, garage additions as well as second story additions. It has helped several homeowners in building the home of their dreams. So, when space is a constraint, you can think of Torontos favorite home addition contractor to add space to your home.

With our unique design-build service, you will be able to enjoy all home improvement options under one roof. You need not hire an architect, structural engineer, electrician, plumber and handyman separately. We are a team of licensed professionals. Our team includes all types of experts that are required to make your home beautiful.So, do not worry about finding crew, we will do all the legwork!

With our licensed and fully insured crew, we work hard to give you the home you desire. We stand by our work and ensure you of quality craftsmanship. We provide a 12 months warranty on every home additions project including a second floor top up. So, rest assured! When you hire The Home Improvement Group, all your doubts and tensions are put to rest!

Dont think of leaving your home that is full of memories! Simply add a second story and create new stories with your loved ones. Call The Home Improvement Group today and allows us to create a beautiful and functional home for you. Dial (416) 477-4500 today for quick and reliable second floor additions in Toronto.

Read this article:
Second Floor/Story Addition - The Home Improvment Group

Recent Job Requests for Build a Second Story Addition Contractors in Chicago, Illinois:

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60619

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

What type of second floor addition will this be?: Partial Addition

Rooms Included:: Bedroom(s)

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 months

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: i have already up-stairs bed rooms just want to raise the other side of the roof both sides and rear of second level

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60630

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: I am looking to remodel my home and add on a second floor addition.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60631

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Type of Addition: Second story addition

Rooms Included:: Bathroom, Living/Family room

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: Currently we have a 1947 Georgian brick home (3bed 1.5bath). We are interested in exploring cost for two options: First - add a first floor family room + bathroom off the back of the house Second - adding a 2-story addition off the back of the house (1st floor - family room/bathroom, 2nd floor - one large bedroom).

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60634

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: looking to add a 2 story addition to the back of an existing Georgian.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60629

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Comment: Adding a second floor. It would be a studio type of room

Project Location: CHICAGO, IL 60641

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: we have some temp drawing for a 3 bedroom room 1 bath second floor addition and need pricing for the build

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60631

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Type of Addition: Ground level addition

Rooms Included:: Bathroom, Living/Family room

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: Currently we have a 1947 Georgian brick home (3bed 1.5bath). We are interested in exploring cost for two options: First - add a first floor family room + bathroom off the back of the house Second - adding a 2-story addition off the back of the house (1st floor - family room/bathroom, 2nd floor - one large bedroom).

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60652

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Type of Addition: Second story addition

Rooms Included:: Bathroom, Bedroom(s)

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 months

Property Owner: Yes

Requires Work on Historical Structure: No

Request for Commercial Location: No

Comment: 1 floor home looking to add a second floor

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60632

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: More than 2 months

Comment: Double family floor and garage to be build on site

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60630

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Timing is flexible

Comment: I am looking to remodel my home and add on a second floor addition.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60636

Date: 10/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Comment: Add a second floor to my ranch style home 1 master room and one bedroom with a living area and a full bathroom

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60657

Date: 09/2018

Project Description: Build - Use existing architectural drawings

Request Stage: Ready to Hire

Desired Completion Date: Less than 2 months

Comment: Current 2.5 story home needs attic addition. Re-pitch current 12-12 to 5-12. Drawings and permit complete. Nov 1st demo start date.

Project Location: Chicago, IL 60643

Date: 09/2018

Project Description: Design and build

Request Stage: Planning & Budgeting

See original here:
9 Best Second Story Addition Builders in Chicago IL

We cant talk about the best home security systems without getting into home automation. Today, you can get so much more than peace of mind from your security system. But what are the benefits of home automation, and how does it interact with your home security system? Read on to learn why home automation and home security are a perfect match.

Home security is the application of tools and technology to help keep you, your family, and your property safe. Home security is made up of many tools and resources including burglar alarms, security cameras, window and door sensors, reinforced locks, and more.

Home automation uses technology to automate everyday activities like locking the doors, turning up the thermostat, or starting the coffee pot. Home automation is what makes smart products (like a smart thermostat) smart.

It really is a match made in heaven. Home automation makes home security more accessible and it gives your security system an IQ boost. Instead of having to turn the car around to make sure you locked the door, you can use your phone to double-check. Best of allif you did forgetthe only thing you need to do is swipe the screen and your smart security system will lock everything up tight.

Its easy to dismiss home automation as something meant for super-geeks or a luxury item for people who are willing to pay for convenience. But theres a lot more to it than that. These are our favorite reasons to combine home automation and home security:

The difference between a traditional home security system and a smart one is that different components within the system can communicate with one another. Not only does smart technology give you the ability to control and monitor your home alarm system from anywhereit also makes your system able to respond to your habits and routines. These are the most common elements of a smart security system:

This is the brain of your smart system. The hub is where all the parts come together for control and communication.

A security system with home automation makes it possible for you to arm and disarm your alarm system from anywhereusing your phone, tablet, or computer. If your smart security system is connected to a smart thermostat or light control, you can also control temperature and lighting no matter where you are.

Most smart home security systems provide options for you to livestream video and receive alerts when a door is opened or a motion detector is activated. Some even let you talk to people at your house through your smartphone.

Other common home automation features help you monitor the overall health of your home. Environmental sensors include smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You can also add sensors that let you know about air quality or the presence of water in a basement.

Not all components of a smart security system come as part of home protection. What you want to look for is the ability to integrate your security system with home automation products like smart lights, locks, thermostats, appliances, and garage door controls.

The latest development in home security and home automation is the ability to control your system and accessories with the sound of your voice. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa let you turn up the heat, lock the door, or close the garage without moving a finger.

Original post:
10 Best Home Security Systems of 2018 - Reviews | SafeWise

Whether your pet had an accident, the party got too wild, or your kids cant control their juice boxes we all need rug cleaning from time to time. In fact, even if you dont have a spill or spot, its wise to have your area rug cleaned approximately once a year to keep the rug fibers in good health. In general, rug cleaning prices depend on the square footage of the rug, what the rug is made of, whether any repairs are needed, and whether you require the pro to travel to your location or provide pickup and drop-off services. Nationally, average area rug cleaning prices range from $80 to $120.

Wool and silk area rugs typically cost more to clean than rugs made from synthetic fibers because the more delicate materials take more care and may require specialized cleaning fluids. For example, a synthetic rug may cost $1.50 per square foot to clean; a wool, cotton, or chiffon rug could be $2 per square foot; and a silk or Navajo wool rug could cost $3 per square foot. The two most common rug cleaning methods are steam and chemical cleaning. The costs for the two methods are often the same, although a steam-cleaned rug will take longer to dry due to the moisture. If your area rug needs odor removal, moth deterrent, or hand washing, there will be additional charges.

See the article here:
The 10 Best Carpet Cleaning Services in Secaucus, NJ 2018

I was lost, and in need of some serious design assistance, and that is when EcoChi came to the rescue!Debra and the EcoChi team became the interior designers of our new restaurant. Before contracting with EcoChi, I met with several other designers, but it was not until I spoke with Debra, that I found someone who saw my vision. She was able to articulate and envision how I wanted the space to feel and look. It is very difficult to be able to cohesively design an environment that simultaneously inspires you, soothes you and revitalizes you, and yet, Debra is able to execute such a vision. Its all the odds and ends that bring your space together, and EcoChi was able to tie together these design elements, leaving a fabulous end result.The experience you will garner with Debra and EcoChi team will be such a happy and memorable experience. She is very professional, and she forms a very personal and unique relationship with you. Furthermore, she always promptly replies to all your questions morning or night! I look forward to working with her again in the future!

Excerpt from:
The 10 Best Interior Designers Near Me (with Free Estimates)

What is a Wiring Diagram?

A wiring diagram is a simple visual representation of the physical connections and physical layout of an electrical system or circuit. It shows how the electrical wires are interconnected and can also show where fixtures and components may be connected to the system.

Use wiring diagrams to assist in building or manufacturing the circuit or electronic device. They are also useful for making repairs.

DIY enthusiasts use wiring diagrams but they are also common in home building and auto repair.

For example, a home builder will want to confirm the physical location of electrical outlets and light fixtures using a wiring diagram to avoid costly mistakes and building code violations.

SmartDraw comes with pre-made wiring diagram templates. Customize hundreds of electrical symbols and quickly drop them into your wiring diagram. Special control handles around each symbol allow you to quickly resize or rotate them as necessary.

To draw a wire, simply click on the Draw Lines option on the left hand side of the drawing area. If you right click on a line, you can change the line's color or thickness and add or remove arrowheads as necessary. Drag a symbol onto the line and it will insert itself and snap into place. Once connected, it will remain connected even if you move the wire.

If you need additional symbols, click the arrow next to the visible library to bring up a drop down menu and select More. You'll be able to search for additional symbols and open any relevant libraries.

Click on Set Line Hops in the SmartPanel to show or hide line hops at crossover points. You can also change the size and shape of your line hops. Select Show Dimensions to show the length of your wires or size of your component.

Click here to read SmartDraw's complete tutorial on how to draw circuit diagrams and other electrical diagrams.

A schematic shows the plan and function for an electrical circuit, but is not concerned with the physical layout of the wires. Wiring diagrams show how the wires are connected and where they should located in the actual device, as well as the physical connections between all the components.

Unlike a pictorial diagram, a wiring diagram uses abstract or simplified shapes and lines to show components. Pictorial diagrams are often photos with labels or highly-detailed drawings of the physical components.

If a line touching another line has a black dot, it means the lines are connected. When unconnected lines are shown crossing, you'll see a line hop.

Most symbols used on a wiring diagram look like abstract versions of the real objects they represent. For example, a switch will be a break in the line with a line at an angle to the wire, much like a light switch you can flip on and off. A resistor will be represented with a series of squiggles symbolizing the restriction of current flow. An antenna is a straight line with three small lines branching off at its end, much like a real antenna.

The best way to understand wiring diagrams is to look at some examples of wiring diagrams.

Click on any of these wiring diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them:

Browse SmartDraw's entire collection of wiring diagram examples and templates

Link:
Wiring Diagram - Everything You Need to Know About Wiring ...