Electrical work in home renovations can be surprisingly complex, so when you’re looking for a sparkie for your rebuild you’ll need someone who demonstrates adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Outdated wiring means that many older homes may not meet current safety codes, and will be unable to cope with modern electrical demands. Your electrician should carefully assess the existing wiring to determine whether it can accommodate new loads, such as additional outlets or modern appliances, and most electricians now recommend adding a second circuit to kitchens due to the number of appliances that will be running at one time.
Don’t want holes in your walls?
It can be tricky for electricians to navigate the existing layout in older homes, and having to work within the confines of established walls, floors, and ceilings sometimes limits the placement of new fixtures and outlets. Electricians who are experienced in renovation work have, through trial and error, learned to think creatively in order to find suitable solutions without compromising the overall design of the space, and they really can be worth their weight in gold, especially if your home was built prior to 1970.
Hidden infrastructure can also throw up some curly problems during renovations, and your electrician may encounter unexpected obstacles such as plumbing, ductwork, or structural beams that weren’t obvious from the beginning. Your sparkie may need to adjust his or her plans on the fly more than once in order to prevent your costs escalating, and this requires skill, experience, and the ability to innovate.
Upgrading the wiring in an old home can necessitate some fairly invasive work such as opening walls, which can potentially damage your paintwork, so it pays to use experienced renovation specialists who have learned a thing or two about getting new wiring through old walls with the minimum amount of disruption!
Adherence to building codes and regulations can also be complex in renovations, and electricians need to ensure that their work complies with current standards, which may differ considerably from those that were in place when the home was originally built. This means that they are not only responsible for upgrading electrical systems but must also ensure that any modifications meet safety standards, which can be a time-consuming process requiring additional inspections.
Lastly, an experienced renovation electrician will also know how to balance functionality with style, ensuring that new installations harmonise with the existing décor. This may involve the use of unique fixtures and the ability to conceal wiring in creative ways while ensuring that the system remains safe and efficient.
Communication is key.
Communication between all parties is absolutely crucial during the renovation process. Your electrician needs to be able to work closely with other tradies such as plumbers and carpenters, and they need to keep you, the homeowner, involved at every stage of the process. Clear dialogue helps ensure that everyone is on the same page, and reduces the risk of potentially expensive problems further down the line.
Let’s face it, it’s a whole lot easier to to run wires through walls before the gib goes up, but for the team at Juice Electrical new builds aren’t really our thing. If you’re thinking of renovating your home and you’re looking for Master Electricians who have been there done that, give Greg a call today on 03 379 6644. After all, renovations are what we do.
