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Smart  Homes: when  to  call  in  a  professional  electrician

3/27/2020

 
Smart Homes is an increasingly popular term we’ve been hearing for some time now so let’s first start with a basic understanding of what it is.
 
Coldwell Banker and CNET defined a smart home as: 
A home that is equipped with network-connected products (i.e., "smart products," connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself
According to e-Marketer, more than 1/5 of U.S. internet users already own or are very familiar with wireless lighting that can be controlled from a smartphone device.
 
With how quickly the world changes due to technology, it’s not surprising that smart homes are now becoming practically a standard in the U.S.
 
Has anyone seen the Disney show from the 90’s Smart House? Did you ever think any of the concepts in the show were actually even possible? It’s pretty crazy to think that less than 20 years later, some of those concepts are now a reality.
 
As described in the definition, there are many different ways to make your home…well “smart”. From controlling lighting to temperature to safety, the list could go on. The question is: how difficult is it to install smart home technologies? Is this something anyone can install or is this a project for a professional electrician?
 
Depending on your knowledge level of technology, this answer can vary. There are some devices that can easily be installed by anyone familiar with most modern-day technology. Products such as smart light bulbs, wireless speakers, wireless security cameras, etc. are all smart products that you can easily install yourself by following the directions on the product packaging.
 
When you start talking about wanting to install a smart HVAC system, light dimmers, thermostats compatible throughout your home, whole home security systems, etc. – this is when it would be wise to call up your local electricians. When systems require tampering with wiring, it can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. From deciding the proper voltage, connecting to a network and then programming and trouble shooting devices, there are many steps that electricians need to take in order to safely and properly install smart home devices.
 
It’s no question as to why smart homes are increasingly becoming more popular. If you can just dim the lights from your smartphone without having to get out of your warm and cozy bed, why wouldn’t you right? 
 
If you are in Michigan and interested in turning your home smart, contact R.A. Lee Electric: your local electricians, to make an appointment. Some of the most common smart home installations include:
  • Smart lighting
  • Whole house security systems
  • Home automation

Summer  came  early  and  your  pool  is  calling  your  name

5/21/2019

 

New  Product

SATCO Flat Panel Lights
Perfect for garages, laundry rooms and closets, SATCO’s flat panel lights have an ultra-slim edge-lit design that allows for even light distribution. The flat panel lights can be suspended or dropped into a T-bar grid.
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Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your SATCO Flat Panel Lights. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

This  Month's  Special

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Did  you  know?

Electrocution is a serious concern for pools that are not hooked up properly. There are a few causes, some include: faulty electrical installation, pool lighting, and electronics falling into the water. There are a few defenses that electricians can do to prevent these accidents from occurring.

Be sure to call R.A. Lee Electric, Your Local Electricians to properly hook up your pool and hot tub connections.
Schedule Service

Featured  JOB

Do you remember this featured project from back in November?! Well, we're happy to share that the job is all complete. We were thrilled to team up with Joseph Phillip Craig Custom Homes and Renovations to complete the electrical work for his home in Troy. It's safe to say this house turned out absolutely beautiful!
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Outdoor Lighting Trends for 2018

5/18/2018

 
Blue skies, warm sun, blooming flowers, and longer days are all just a few signs that Spring is finally here and Summer is just around the corner. With the weather turning, there’s no better place to be than on your porch after a long day’s work or on the back patio with friends for a weekend get-together. Not only does the weather make these nights perfect, but it’s the lighting that really sets the mood.
 
Outdoor lighting is one of the easiest ways to add beauty and character to your home. For it being it being easy, there are many different options of lighting to choose from that make the task more difficult than it needs to be. Let’s look at some of the outdoor lighting trends for 2018 to help you decide the rights lights for the exterior of your home:
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Subtle Wall Lights
On those clear night skies, all you want to do is gaze up at the bright stars. The upward shine of lights can sometimes screen the stars from view, which is why subtle wall lights where the light points downward are in this year. The subtle wall lights not only give you a better view of the sky, but also give your home an elegant and chic look.

​Colored Filters
Traditionally, white lights were the only option as far as outdoor lighting décor. Today, color filters can be used to bring out warmth or create a cool tone – highlighting certain areas of your lawn or drawing attention to seating areas.
​Small Lights
Small lights bunched together and hidden in accent areas around your patio can add depth and help highlight those landscape features you’ve spent a bit of time and money on.
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Large and Bold Feature Lights
For your covered front porch or around your backyard, large and bold feature lights are in. These lights are not only the centerpiece, but can also be quite the conversation starters. 

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Hanging Lights
Pendant lights are popular this year and provide a beautiful soft illumination for over your garden or table.

​Environmentally Friendly Lights
It’s no surprise that environmentally friendly lights make this year’s lighting trends. LED lights not only help reduce the cost of your energy bill, but also have a much longer life. Solar powered lights are also up and coming for those homeowners interested in natural resources.
Choosing the right outdoor lights for your home doesn’t have to be difficult. R.A. Lee Electric, the Michigan-based electrical contracting company, offers unique and beautifully-made Kichler light fixtures. For more information on outdoor lighting ideas or to have your outdoor lights installed, give R.A. Lee Electric a call at (248) 332-8100.  
 
Sources:
https://www.loveyourlandscape.org/expert-advice/outdoor-living/outdoor-lighting/the-brightest-trends-in-outdoor-lighting/
https://www.google.com/amp/www.bellacor.com/blog/2018-outdoor-lighting-trends-for-the-early-bird/amp/
https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/14-outdoor-lighting-trends-for-2018/view-all/
​

This  is  the  year  to  get  those  outdoor  lights  you've  been  wanting

5/8/2018

 

New  product

Outdoor lighting is one of the easiest ways to add beauty and character to the exterior of your home. At R.A. Lee Electric, our priority is quality, which is why we use Kichler light fixtures. Kichler offers a variety of light fixtures ranging in size and style ensuring there is something for every part of the home. Whether you’re needing a light for the front or back of your home, the garden, or garage, we’re thrilled to be able to offer Kichler fixtures.  ​
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Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your outdoor light fixtures. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

this  month's  special

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did  you  know?

There are many important reasons to add outdoor lighting to your home other than the obvious need for light. Below are just a few of the benefits to consider when deciding on your outdoor lighting project.
  • Illumination - a way to light up the outside
  • Safety - to prevent injuries when dark
  • Decor - to help showcase aspects of home
  • Curb Appeal - to hide unattractive areas of home
  • Property Value - to add additional value to home
  • Security - to keep intruders from entering
Call to have R.A. Lee Electric install your outdoor lights.

featured job

This month’s featured job is a beautiful 15,000-square foot home up in Traverse City. Scott is the head guy on the job with Aaron as the apprentice. When finished, the entire home will have LED lighting throughout and will be complete with a 100kw standby generator.
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Spring  into  the  season  with  the  latest  smart  home  devices

4/1/2018

 

new  product

Decora Smart Wi-Fi 15A Switch

Wouldn’t it be nice to turn off your bedroom lights from your bed instead of having to get up once you’re all tucked in? Now you can with the Decora Smart Wi-Fi 15A Switch. Using the free My Leviton app, you can control the lights throughout your home from your phone. You can create schedules, scenes, and customize your experience as you wish. Make your home smarter with the Decora Smart Wi-Fit 15A Switch.
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Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install Eaton's Complete Home Surge Protectors. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

this  month's  special

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did  you  know?

According to eMarketer, the most common smart home devices include:

Appliances
Camera systems
Thermostats
Security systems
Lighting

new  at  r.a. lee  electric

We are thrilled to share that Rich Lee is back to work full time. After a few weeks out due to being ill, Rich is slowly, but surely getting back into the swing of things. Thank you to everyone who reached out with well wishes. We are happy to have him back!
Rich Lee_RA Lee Electric

Protect  your  devices  from  random  power  strike  damages

3/1/2018

 

New  product

Eaton's Complete Home Surge Protectors
Eaton’s Complete Home Surge Protectors provide superior protection and safety for sensitive electronics. All products are HOLMES approved and provide AC power protection, LED status indication, and are suitable for indoor/outdoor applications.
Eaton Complete Home Surge Protectors
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install Eaton's Complete Home Surge Protectors. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

This  month's  special

$25 off whole house surge protection

surge  protectors?

A power surge is an increase in voltage that is significantly above safe levels. The standard voltage in a home and office is 120 volts. There is a problem if the voltage rises above this level. Surge protectors help protect other components connected through the same line against random power strike damages.

Call R.A. Lee Electric to have your whole house surge protection installed for $25 off!

light  up  your  life  (and  backyard)  with  new,  motion  sensitive  flood  lights

2/1/2018

 

new  product

RAB Flood Lights
The RAB flood lights are ideal for security purposes around your house or a good source of light for the backyard. The lights have LED detection to show when sensor is detecting in daytime and glows red at night for "on-guard" mode. The RAB flood lights can easily be connected and controlled by your mobile device.
RAB Flood Lights
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your RAB Flood Lights. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

this  month's  special

$25 toward any service when you refer a customer

did  you  know?

R.A. Lee Electric is a family-owned business that has been around since 1995. We are committed to building lifelong relationships based on uncompromised service and integrity. Our team consists of highly trained Master, Journeyman, and Apprentice electricians. All of our electrical services, from installations to wiring to repairs, are backed by our guarantee.

Call R.A. Lee Electric for all your electrical needs.

featured  project

This edition's featured job is a commercial project at Goldfish Swim School. The school hired R.A. Lee to install a few different lights to see which ones they liked best. Two of our guys, Brett and Justin, went in and installed the different lights over and around the pool area.
Gold Fish Swim School Electrical
Gold Fish Swim School Electrical
Gold Fish Swim School Electrical
Gold Fish Swim School Electrical

new  at  r.a. lee  electric

January ended our #HelpOurHeroes campaign. In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aimed at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows.

We were so pleased with the calls we received for the campaign. From fixing broken circuits to installing light fixtures, the R.A. Lee team was thrilled to be able to give back to those who have given so much. What a wonderful experience it was getting to know some of our heroes around the local area. ​
#HelpOurHeroes

start  off  the  year  right  with  a  safe  roof  over  your  head

1/1/2018

 

New  product

Emerson SR Heat Cable
The Emerson SR Heat Cable protects your roof from damages caused by ice formation and snow accumulation, specifically in gutters, downspouts, and roof valleys. It's a self-regulating heat cable and automatically varies its heat output as the surrounding temperature changes.
Emerson SR Heat Cable
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your Emerson SR Heat Cable. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

this  month's  special

10% off all service calls for senior citizens

did  you  know?

R.A. Lee Electric is a family-owned business that has been around since 1995. We are committed to building lifelong relationships based on uncompromised service and integrity. Our team consists of highly trained Master, Journeyman, and Apprentice electricians. All of our electrical services, from installations to wiring to repairs, are backed by our guarantee.

Call R.A. Lee Electric for all your electrical needs.

New  at  R.A. Lee  Electric

It's the last month of our #HelpOurHeroes campaign - make sure to share this campaign with your friends who are eligible.

In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we've launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aims at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows.

"We want to give back to the families who have given so much" - Rich Lee

With the winter approaching and the holidays coming up, there's no better time than now to show our heroes how much they mean to us. #HelpOurHeroes runs from November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. For campaign details, visit our website. You can also visit our social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to share the campaign with your friends.
#HelpOurHeroes

Now  is  the  time  (before  michigan  winter  hits)  to  have  your  back  up  generator  installed

12/1/2017

 

new  product

Generac Generators
It is an uncertain world out there. It's best to be prepared for a power failure with an emergency power generation system. We provide the following services for your Generac generators:
  • Home Generator Installation
  • Commercial Generator Installation
  • Electrical Wiring
  • Emergency Power Generation Systems
Generac Generators
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your Generac generator. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

this  month's  special

one year warranty free of charge

did  you  know?

R.A. Lee is a premier dealer of Generac generators. Generac is one of the most well-known and reliable brands in the generator industry.

With the winter just around the corner, now is the time to have your back up power installed. Give R. A. Lee Electric a call to set up your generator installation.

New  at  R.A. Lee  Electric

Christmas Party
R. A. Lee Electric hosted our annual Christmas party this past weekend at Buck Shots Bar & Grill in Clarkston. It's always wonderful to end the year by getting together with everyone and their families. There is never a dull moment when we all come together to celebrate the joy of the season!
R.A. Lee Electric team
R.A. Lee Electric team
R.A. Lee Electric team
R.A. Lee Electric team

#HelpOurHeroes
In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we've launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aims at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows.

"We want to give back to the families who have given so much" - Rich Lee

With the winter approaching and the holidays coming up, there's no better time than now to show our heroes how much they mean to us. #HelpOurHeroes runs from November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. For campaign details, visit our website. You can also visit our social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to share the campaign with your friends.
#HelpOurHeroes

Is  your  home  prepped  for  the  holidays?

11/1/2017

 

New  product

LED Linkable Diamond
The LED Linkable Diamond is constructed of a metal housing with decorative plastic end caps and a pull chain for easy on/off operation. This product provides general illumination in residential and light commercial applications. It's ideal for use in workshops, utility rooms, and garages.  [READ MORE]
LED Linkable Diamond
Set up an appointment to have R.A. Lee Electric come out and install your LED Linkable Diamond. Give us a call at (248) 332.8100.

this  month's  special

$250 toward your next generator project

did  you  know?

R.A. Lee is a premier dealer of Generac generators. Generac is one of the most well-known and reliable brands in the generator industry.

With the winter just around the corner, now is the time to have your back up power installed. Give R. A. Lee Electric a call to set up your generator installation.

featured  job

Our featured job this month is a brand new, almost completed home in Troy, Michigan. Two of our head guys, Chris and Brett, did a fantastic job tag teaming this home. One of our apprentices, Tommy, did a great job assisting in the finish of this beautiful home by some unique fixtures!
home electrical
home electrical
home electrical
home electrical

new  at  r.a. lee  electric

November is the first month of our #HelpOurHeroes campaign! 

In honor of those who have served or are currently serving our country, we've launched a campaign called #HelpOurHeroes, which aims at providing free electrical services to disabled veterans, those whose spouses are serving in the military, deployed military personnel, and military widows.

"We want to give back to the families who have given so much" - Rich Lee

With the winter approaching and the holidays coming up, there's no better time than now to show our heroes how much they mean to us. #HelpOurHeroes runs from November 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. For campaign details, visit our website. You can also visit our social accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) to share the campaign with your friends.
#HelpOurHeroes
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    R.A. Lee Electric is Michigan-based, family-owned electrical contracting company that specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical projects of any size.

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Pontiac, MI 48342

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lisa@raservicesmi.com
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
    • RESIDENTIAL
    • COMMERCIAL
    • INDUSTRIAL
    • GENERATORS
  • CAREERS
  • BLOG & SPECIALS
    • MONTHLY SPECIAL
    • THE PLUG
  • CONTACT US