#1 Way to Make Your Home Feel New on a Budget

Each week, at least one new client wants to know what to do with their 20-30 year old track house. They often want to take drastic measures—such as removing a wall or a window. However, as I look at their tired interior building elements, I typically see one simple change they could make that doesn’t cost a fortune and is far less drastic.

How to Transform Your Home Instantly

You know those yellowed horrible switches and outlets? Let’s replace all of them with updated, clean and fashionable switches and outlets.

Believe it or not, this one simple update can transform a room. The tiniest details have the biggest impact. (And besides, aren’t you tired of the vacuum cord always falling out of those worn outlets anyway?)

Brands and Products I Recommend

I’ve always liked Legrand’s Adorne® Collection of electrical outlets and switches. We put them in all of our high end home remodels.

In Bruce’s kitchen we used Adorne® undercabinet system. It includes a track with the outlets and switches so that the expensive gorgeous backsplash tile is not disrupted. Sleek!

My favorite part of LeGrand‘s® products are wall plate coverings—because there are no screws! They snap on and off with the help of a flat head screwdriver, which means one less unsightly place to collect grime.

My next favorite element of the Legrand® product line is the integrated USB port in the switches and outlets. The integrated nightlights are also at the top of my list. Many homeowners appreciate having inconspicuous nightlights to help with those late night trips to the bathroom or kitchen.

The Radiant Collection® from Legrand® is a step up from typical standards with simple, classic options for wiring devices, home automation controls, and screwless wall plates that complement today’s homes.

What and Where to Purchase Switches and Outlets

DUPLEX RECEPTACLE, WHITE

• High-impact resistant thermoplastic construction

• Extra-long strap

• Quickloop wire looping aid

• Tri-drive screws

• Side-access push wire release

• Side wire accepts #12 – #14 AWG solid; push wire accepts #14 AWG solid only

CLICK LINK TO BUY

15A SINGLE POLE SWITCH, WHITE

• Replaces any standard switch with ease

• Smooth paddle action

• High-Impact resistant thermoplastic construction

• Side wire terminal screws #12 – #14 AWG solid wire; push wire terminals accept #14 AWG solid copper wire only

• Narrow back body leaves more room for wires in the electrical box

• Captivated mounting screws offer hassle-free installation

• Coordinate your USB charger with a Radiant screwless wall plate

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ONE-GANG SCREWLESS WALL PLATE, WHITE

A step above the standard with no unsightly screws, this modern, low-profile wall plate instantly elevates the look of Radiant® dimmers, switches, outlets, home automation controls, and more.

These are available in an array of colors and finishes to coordinate with most any décor.

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NIGHT LIGHT WITH SINGLE-POLE, 3-WAY SWITCH, WHITE

• Part of the all-new Radiant® collection

• Replaces any standard outlet

• Ideal for hallways, kitchens and nurseries

• Five adjustable light levels, including Ultra Low, Low, Medium, High and OFF

• Hidden sensor automatically controls night light based on ambient light

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120V SINGLE POLE/3-WAY OCCUPANCY SENSOR, TRI-COLOR

• Automatically turns lights ON when someone enters a room and OFF when they exit; three settings: Automatic-ON, Manual-ON, and Selectable Auto/Manual ON for more flexible control

• Adjustable time delay of 30 seconds to 30 minutes

• Low-profile styling with uniform color-matched lens and device

• White LED glows when OFF for easy location in the dark

• Works with most common residential lighting types; no neutral required

• Coverage: 180 degrees, max. 600 ft.2 (56m2)

• Supported load types: Incandescent, LED, fluorescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), magnetic low-voltage (MLV) and electronic low-voltage (ELV), 1/6 hp

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USB CHARGERS WITH DUPLEX 15A TAMPER-RESISTANT OUTLETS, WHITE

Sure, outlets deliver power, but this one is also a USB charging station that lets you charge more of your devices without the need for bulky AC adapters.

• Charge two mobile phones or tablets simultaneously while enjoying the added power convenience of a tamper-resistant outlet

• Compatible with USB 2.0 & 3.0 compatible devices

• Total charging capacity of 3.1A, shared between both ports

• Power outlets meet NEC® Tamper-Resistant requirements

• Protects children: patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects—now with black “invisi-shutters” for an invisible effect preferred by end users

• Back and side wire terminals accommodate #10-#14 AWG stranded and solid copper wire for installation flexibility; tightening torque: 12-14 lbf-in

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TRU-UNIVERSAL SINGLE POLE/3-WAY DIMMER, TRI-COLOR

Create the perfect mood by adjusting dimmer light levels with a single slide (and conserve a little energy, too).

• Part of the all-new Radiant® collection

• Self-calibration feature allows you to select lamp type, which then automatically sets the minimum voltage for that lamp, eliminating flicker and poor performance

• Works with every 120V dimmable lamp and load on typical residential and light commercial wiring

• Convenient operation—combines ON/OFF paddle switch with separate slider for dimming control

• Wider slide controller for easier dimming operation

• Preset, single pole and 3-way operation

• Constant memory returns lights to previous level after a power failure

• White LED glows when dimmer is OFF for easy location in the dark

• Rating: Incandescent, Halogen & ELV: 700W, MLV: 500VA, LED/CFL: 450W, EFL: 5.5A (Use RH4FBL3PTC for 0-10V)

• Tru-Universal requires Neutral

• SSL 7A Compliant

CLICK LINK TO BUY

Switches and outlets are probably the last thing people think about when updating their home, but new technologies can truly make a difference without costing a fortune.

If you love this, you’d better pin this post so you remember these tips when it comes time to remodel your home.

NOTE: We may be paid a small percentage of any purchases made with other retailers by way of this article…at no additional cost to you.

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