What Aspects Do You Need to Think About
If you own a house and have been experiencing electrical issues or are considering an upgrade of various parts of your electrics, a rewiring project might be in order. Rewiring your home can ensure the safety, efficiency, and functionality of your electrical system. However, it’s essential to approach this task with proper planning, knowledge of materials, and awareness of potential pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll cover all aspects of a rewiring project to help you make informed decisions and highlight the benefits of hiring a reputable and experienced firm.
Assessing the Need for a Rewire
The first step is to determine whether your house requires a rewiring. Signs may include outdated wiring, frequent electrical malfunctions, circuit overloads, or the presence of green goo. Green goo is a phenomenon caused by breakdown of the wiring due to age and occurs in many properties with old, outdated wiring from the 70s. If your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t undergone rewiring, it’s worth considering. Another way of determining this is to have an EICR carried out to see what the condition of the installation is like. Sometimes a rewire can be avoided if the electrics turn out to be of a decent standard with relatively few problems on the EICR.
Planning the Rewire
Proper planning is crucial to ensure a smooth rewiring process. Start by creating a detailed electrical layout and identifying the scope of the project. Consider the number of rooms, outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures, and work out if you want more or less, or existing fixtures moving. Determine if you want to incorporate smart home technology such as Phillips Hue or other upgrades during the rewiring such as Audio Visual cables and/or Wifi. Also consider the type of fixtures you want and the design of them. Electric4U provides white accessories for free but if you want something like chrome or brass, we can provide this as an extra. In addition, we supply all lighting ready to go in the form of pendants or downlights. However, if you would like us to hang your bespoke lighting at the end of the project we can provide a quote for this as well.
Hiring a Reputable and Experienced Firm
A rewiring project is complex and should be entrusted to a professional electrical firm who are NICEIC qualified with experience in residential rewiring. Research local companies, read reviews, and ask for recommendations. Look for firms that are licensed, insured appropriately with a good level of liability insurance, and have a track record of successful rewiring projects. Hiring experts will ensure compliance with electrical codes (such as the 18th Edition and its subsequent Amendment), safety standards, and the use of quality materials.
Materials Needed
During a rewiring project, various materials will be required. These may include electrical wires, cables, junction boxes, circuit breakers, outlets, switches, lighting fixtures and possibly a new fuse board/consumer unit. Electric4U can provide all of the above and do so with a 2-year workmanship and parts guarantee. In addition, due to our NICEIC membership NICEIC offer a Platinum Promise, providing an extra layer of protection: In the unlikely event that a NICEIC registered business carries out work which turns out to be non-compliant and they have ceased trading, NICEIC will step in. At no extra cost to you they will employ another registered business to come in and fix the issue. Of course, Electric4U are not planning on ceasing trading, but this does provide you with a great reassurance. Working with a professional electrical firm who are a NICEIC approved installer ensures the use of high-quality materials and proper installation techniques.
Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them
Rewiring a house can come with challenges such as hidden wiring issues, damage to walls or ceilings during installation (note that much wiring needs to be chased into walls and then made good afterwards with bonding plaster – it would then need to be smoothed and painted by a follow on trade), or disruptions to daily activities due the electrics being off while work is carried out or furniture being moved so the electricians can access the various parts of the house needing rewire. Indeed, it is better if you do not live in the property during the rewire as the rewire can be very disruptive and will cost more due to electrics needing to be managed and furniture constantly having to be moved if you live there during the work. An experienced firm will anticipate these pitfalls and take steps to mitigate them. They will conduct thorough inspections, employ skilled electricians, and provide clear communication to minimize inconvenience.
Conclusion
A rewiring project for your house is an investment in the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. By assessing the need for a rewiring, planning the project, hiring a reputable firm, using quality materials, and addressing potential pitfalls, you can ensure a successful outcome. Remember, entrusting the rewiring to an experienced electrical firm will provide peace of mind, expert guidance, and a professional finish. Don’t hesitate to consult with professionals like us who can assess your specific needs and help you embark on a rewiring journey that enhances your home’s electrical infrastructure for years to come. Please contact us on 0208 004 581 or electrics@electric4u.org to discuss your project further.
