A Different Kind of Sparks

« Back to Home

Tips To Prepare Your Home For Rewiring

Posted on

One of the projects you should look forward to as a homeowner is rewiring. Some reasons for rewiring include updating your home's electrical connections and preparing your home for a prospective buyer. Whatever your reasons for home rewiring, here are some preparation tips to ensure the project runs successfully.

Consider the Age of the Wiring

The first thing you need to do when planning to rewire your home is to determine the age of the electrical wires. Some wires are behind walls, and others are in the loft space. This makes it difficult to inspect them.

One of the best ways to determine the age of your home's wiring is examining the fuse box. An outdated fuse box features big white ceramic-style fuses. If your fuse box is outdated, you will have to invest in complete home rewiring.

However, if the fuse box features circuit breakers and residual current devices, you might only need minor rewiring. Also, check the light fittings for visible cables. Your home has modern electrical wiring if the cables are white or gray.

Remember, old wiring will not be able to handle additional devices in your home. These connections can quickly heat up and burn under the pressure of modern electrical gadgets. This is one of the reasons why your electrician will check the age of the wiring before making recommendations for a rewiring project.

Plan Ahead

Apart from checking the condition of your current wiring, you need to evaluate your expectations. You need to make plans about where everything will go. Adding things like extra sockets or lights later on will be costly.

Additionally, plan for the tech gadgets you want both now and in the future. For example, you may want speakers and security cameras in every room. Also, you probably have Wi-Fi needs and need phone sockets in specific rooms. Share your expectations with the electrician so they can accommodate them in the final rewiring blueprint.

Make Temporary Living Arrangements

A typical home rewiring project may take a few days, depending on your home's size and the project's scope. For example, if the project involves replacing old wiring standards, it will last longer than if it involves making a few upgrades and additions.

Since the power will be shut off during the entire process, you should prepare for disruptions to your normal schedule. Also, remember there will be a lot of noise and commotion because the workers will be drilling holes, chiseling into and plastering walls, and engaging in other rigorous activities. The project will also involve a lot of dust and debris. Therefore, you should plan to temporarily vacate your home until the wiring is completed.

Contact an electrician in your area to learn more.


Share