The experts at RM plumbing and electrical know rewiring your house is a big job, especially if you live in an older property. Not only does it ensure your electrics are safe and up to date but it also opens up the opportunity to add new, modern features. Here’s what you need to know about getting your house rewired in the UK.
Why Rewiring is a Must
Over time electrics can deteriorate and become a serious fire hazard and other safety risks. Older homes, especially those built before the 80s, have outdated wiring systems that can’t cope with modern appliances and technology. Rewiring brings your home up to current safety standards and can handle modern electrical loads.
Key Things to Consider Before RewiringAssessment and Planning
Before you start, have a qualified electrician come and inspect your existing wiring to identify any immediate hazards and scope of work required. This initial assessment will help you plan effectively, considering your current needs and future requirements.
Planning is key. Think about where you need sockets, light fittings and switches. Think about your lifestyle—do you need USB outlets, extra sockets in the kitchen or dedicated circuits for high powered appliances?
Budgeting
Rewiring can be an expensive job but it’s worth it for safety and functionality. Get several quotes from reputable, certified electricians to get an idea of the costs. Remember the cheapest quote isn’t always the best; consider the electrician’s experience and reputation too.
New Features for Your Home
Rewiring gives you the opportunity to modernise your home with exciting features:
Smart Home
One of the most popular upgrades is smart home technology. From smart lighting systems you can control with your smartphone to smart thermostats that optimise your heating, these technologies are convenient and efficient. You can even install smart security systems, including cameras and doorbells, for extra safety.
Energy Efficiency
Add energy efficient solutions like LED lighting and smart plugs. LED lights use much less energy than traditional bulbs and have a longer lifespan. Smart plugs let you control appliances remotely so they’re not left on unnecessarily which reduces energy consumption.
Additional Safety Features
Modern electrics include additional safety features like Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs). RCDs cut off the power supply to prevent shocks, AFDDs detect and mitigate fire hazards caused by arc faults.
USB Outlets and Charging Points
With all the devices we have these days, having USB outlets and dedicated charging points can be really handy. These can be added to sockets around the house, especially in the kitchen, bedroom and home office.
Potential Challenges
Rewiring a house has its set of challenges to consider:
Disruption and Mess
Rewiring is an invasive process that involves lifting floorboards, cutting into walls and potentially damaging plasterwork. This will disrupt your daily life. Be prepared for some mess and consider temporary arrangements if needed. A good electrician will work to minimise disruption and keep the work area clean.
Hidden Problems
Older homes have hidden problems like outdated wiring materials, non-compliant installations or previous DIY fixes. These can complicate the rewiring process and add to the cost. During the initial assessment your electrician should be able to identify some of these issues but be prepared for unexpected surprises once work starts.
Choosing the Right Electrician
Choosing the right electrician is key to a successful rewiring project. Look for certifications from recognised bodies like NICEIC or ELECSA and check for good reviews and references. A good electrician will give you a detailed quote, timeline and be transparent about potential issues.
Legal and Safety Compliance
In the UK all electrical work must comply with the Building Regulations and the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). Make sure your electrician gives you an Electrical Installation Certificate and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate upon completion. These are essential for future property sales and insurance.
Summary
Rewiring a house is a big job but one that’s worth it for safety, functionality and efficiency. With careful planning, budgeting and choosing the right features and electrician you can bring your home’s electrics up to modern standards and future proof it. Despite the challenges the end result will be a safer, more efficient and more techy home.
