An Electrical Solution for a Historic House in Portsmouth
The Client
A local contractor who was already an East Coast HVAC customer reached out to us about an electrical job for the Warner House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He trusted our HVAC work and decided to give East Coast Electric a try, knowing he could expect the same quality, communication, and great people to work with.
What was the sales process like?
We acknowledged our interest in the project and responded to the client’s request for pricing the same day. We were then sent over the electrical plans and our team began reviewing them within 48 hours. Our motto is “Let us take charge,” and we were up for the challenge with this project!
What did the electrical project involve?
The Warner House in Portsmouth is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest urban brick residence in New England. Built in 1716 for an influential family, the house is a well-preserved example of early Georgian architecture and home to the oldest colonial-era wall murals in America. Once slated for demolition to make way for a gas station, the Warner House is now a museum documenting the history of the period, and of the family who occupied it for over 200 years.
Working with the contractor, we upgraded the existing 60 amp electrical service in a newly built replica of the original carriage house to a 200 amp underground service. We followed the architect’s plans for power and lighting for museum-quality displays, and also subcontracted the fire and alarm company, working with them to make sure the building was safe and protected. Lastly, we provided all the mechanical wiring necessary for HVAC and plumbing. The project was pretty extensive and took place in stages. It was fully completed in about 7 months.
What challenges were encountered on this electrical project?
Because the Warner House is a commercial property, it needs to have emergency display lighting on the exterior exit doors. Typical emergency lights are not very attractive and would have detracted from the visual experience of the museum. So, to satisfy the requirement we used a small backup power source concealed in a closet no one would see. Problem-solving is part of the job!
Working on the Warner House project was a satisfying challenge for our team. Because it’s a historic property, we had to come up with a solution to an electrical problem that would be in keeping with the character of the house. This job also involved collaborating with many different players, from contractors to fire safety specialists to architects, and all were pleased with the results. As for challenges, this was the first–and probably last–time we have ever upgraded a 60 amp service to a 200 amp service!