Amid the excited anticipation of renovating your home, it’s easy to overlook that your home electrical systems also need to be prepared. If your circuitry isn’t properly inspected and prepared, you run the risk of leaving safety hazards exposed, not to mention the expensive repairs you could encounter, and the legal compliance required. Proper preparation that includes a full electrical inspection by a certified electrician will ensure that your renovations proceed safely and that your electrical circuitry is compliant with Australian standards.
Safety is the primary concern. Faulty or outdated wiring, switches and outlets can cause circuit overloads, shocks or electrical fires. A licensed electrician will inspect your home for any potential hazards that renovations could cause. If you need to knock down walls, for instance, this could expose or damage the wiring. Or you might be living in an older home, where the existing wiring doesn’t meet current standards, making it dangerous to start home renovations. Taking the right precautions not only protects your family and your home – it also creates a safe working environment for builders.
Home Electrical Inspection and Assessment
Before undertaking any renovations, the state of your home electrical system needs to be assessed. Under Australian law this can only be done by a licensed, certified electrician. They will check for obvious hazards like exposed wires, and also run overload tests on the circuitry. A home electrical inspection determines whether the current system can deal with the post-renovation requirements, or whether it needs to be upgraded. They will also check your switchboard to make sure it’s up to date and complies with the current AS/NZS 3000 standards.
Checking Your Switchboard and Circuitry
As more and more home renovations in Melbourne now involve installing modern components like LED lighting, smart appliances and home automation systems, our power demands increase. This requires a robust, up-to-date electrical switchboard. It must contain sufficient residual current devices (safety switches) to protect against electrocution. An electrician can assess whether your switchboard and home electrical systems are sufficient for your renovation plans, or whether you need to upgrade them or add new circuits to ensure safe use.
Preparing for Future Home Electrical System Needs
Home renovations are an ideal time to future-proof your electrical circuitry. It’s an opportunity to plan for a more efficient modern home electrical system that’s power-efficient, reducing your power consumption and costs. Think about switching from traditional light fittings to LED strips, for example, or install motion-sensor lighting to optimise power usage. You can also consider smart home features that you can control remotely, like switching your geyser on and off. With kitchen renovations, an experienced electrician can install a dedicated circuit for high-consumption appliances like stoves and dishwashers, so that they don’t overload the rest of your home circuitry.
Rewiring Older Home Electrical Systems
Some of Melbourne’s inner suburbs, like Richmond and Carlton, have older houses that could still have their original wiring. These outdated systems use different materials, like cotton insulated and vulcanised rubber cabling. They degrade over time, exposing the metal wires and creating a serious fire risk. If you live in an older house and are planning home renovations, it’s a good idea to have an electrician create new home electricity plans and have your entire home rewired to meet the latest standards. This will also reduce power wastage and save on electricity bills.
Electrical Evaluations for Home and Garden Renovations
If your home renovations include outdoor areas like a gazebo, a pergola or a pool deck, a professional electrical assessment is essential. Lighting and power outlets will be exposed to the elements, so they need to be weatherproof, particularly in Melbourne’s unpredictable climate. All installations must be officially rated for outdoor use. You should always consult an professional when planning any kind of outdoor renovations that involve electricity.
Switching to Sustainable Energy at Home
Renewable energy sources are becoming more popular in home renovations in Australia, as people seek to reduce energy costs and lower their carbon footprint. Preparing your home electrical systems for solar power requires an electrician to upgrade your switchboard, install an inverter, and integrate all the wiring. A pre-inspection will determine exactly what’s necessary. An electrician can also advise on and install energy saving appliances like heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats and LED lighting.
Final Home Electrical Inspection for Legal Compliance
Once your renovations are finished and all your home electrical systems have been installed, you’ll need a final electrical inspection by a certified electrician. This is to ensure that your home complies with all safety standards and regulations. You’ll receive a Certificate of Electrical Safety, which gives you proof of compliance, and will smooth the process if you want to sell your house later.
Budgeting for Home Electrical System Upgrades
Another reason to get a clear idea of the extent of the electrical work your home renovations will require is so that you can budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs. These costs can vary, depending on the complexity and extent of the work. It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes for comparison, and to do some online research into the companies’ reputations.
Minimising Household Disruption
Home renovations inevitably disrupt your home life if you’re living there while they’re being done, and this can be exacerbated if you need extensive electricity upgrades. Our experienced electricians will help you plan the process in advance to at least minimise this. We can schedule the work in phases, especially if you need a switchboard upgrade or major rewiring. By coordinating with you, we can ensure that the essential electricity you need is available when you need it. We can also advise on temporary alternative power solutions if you’re likely to be without power for a couple of days.
Choosing the Right Electrician for Home Renovations
The safety of your home after renovating is paramount. That’s why it’s crucial to choose Melbourne electricians who are fully licensed and registered by Energy Safe Victoria . We aspire to the highest standards, and our decades of experience allow us to give you the best expert advice, professional service and safe, dependable work. Contact STL Electrical to future-proof your home electrical system, no matter where you are you in the wider Melbourne region.
