When it comes to home projects and renovations, budgets are key. A job such as rewiring can have a significant impact on your overall renovation budget. But how do you know if your house project really needs it?

If your property has not been rewired in the past 25 to 30 years, the chances are that at least some parts of it will require rewiring. If you are buying a property which has not been rewired for that period, then it is essential to get a survey before you buy to ascertain the extent of any rewiring work that will be needed. This will help to inform your budget planning and confirm whether purchasing that property is financially viable.

Rewiring will also be necessary if the building work you are undertaking is deemed as a ‘material alteration’ as defined by the Building Regulations, which are designed to ensure new buildings meet welfare, health & safety and environmental standards. In this case, you should expect at least some of the property to require rewiring. It is also likely that the fuse box or consumer unit will need to be upgraded too.

Many types of home extension will also require rewiring work to be carried out. This includes loft or garage conversions. The new space will need to meet certain requirements and standards (Part P: Electrical Safety). This may also impact existing wiring in the property as it needs to be able to carry extra loads to the new spaces. If this is not the case, or other issues arise, then rewiring work will be necessary. Sometimes, an upgrade of existing wiring may also be necessary to meet energy efficiency requirements stipulated by the Building Regulations where a building has been extended or remodelled.

It is important to remember that poor or inadequate wiring can be extremely dangerous, leading to fires or a risk of electrocution. Always use a qualified and accredited electrical service such as MK Electrics Ltd.