Though wireless power transfer is rapidly advancing, we still need electrical connections that are safe and reliable in our homes for the not-so-distant future to ensure power for appliances, gadgets, heating and cooling, and so on.
It’s recommended to have your house completely rewired – or at least certain areas – if it’s 30 years or older because old wiring fails to meet the electrical demands of the present and increases the chances of a fire. Rewiring entails replacing all of the existing wiring and accessories, including power sockets, switches, light fittings, and the fuse board. Work will be carried out in each room of your home.
Rewiring Can Be Carried Out Without Planning Permission
All electrical installation work carried out in a house is subject to Requirement P1 to protect the individuals operating, maintaining, or altering wiring from fire or injury. You don’t require planning permission to rewire your dwelling, except if you live in a listed property or conservation area, in which case you must reach out to your local planning department before getting the project off the ground. Bear in mind that rewiring a house is classed as notifiable work and is subject to compliance with Building Regulations, so ensure you have the correct paperwork. The duty to observe the requirements of Part P of Building Regulations rests with the person undertaking the electrical work.
On Average, Rewiring A Home Takes Between Three And 10 Days
It goes without saying that the work takes longer than one day. The size of the property is a key factor determining the time required for rewiring, which means that as the size of the dwelling increases, so does the cost and the amount of time needed to finalize the project. The supervisor will inform you of any delays. For health and safety reasons, you must leave the home for the electrical work to be carried out because rewiring can pose certain risks, such as exposure to open wires, dust, and noise. If possible, consider temporary relocation or discuss with the contractor to maintain power in some parts of the house.
A lack of planning will always contribute towards an unsuccessful project, while thorough consideration allows for identifying both limitations and opportunities. Store your possessions with family and friends or rent a storage unit for your things, look into pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities that can accommodate your furry friend for the project’s duration, and be aware that, in some instances, carpets or underlay can disintegrate on being lifted. Since the rewiring process requires holes to be drilled into the walls and floors to be lifted, there will unquestionably be some disruption to your daily life.
DIY Electrical Work Can Make Your House A Safety Hazard
You shouldn’t attempt to do electrical work in your home, so employ a registered electrical installer to handle anything more elaborate than replacing fixtures and fittings. Some individuals are electrically competent, such as electricians working on commercial properties, higher education lecturers, and those of old school or even apprentices working outside the industry, and so forth. You can notify your local Building Control department beforehand, and they will inspect the work. The electrical certifier will need to complete a Third Party Certifier’s Electrical Installation Report, which will be submitted to the NAPIT within 21 days.
An installation not performed by a professional can cause many issues, including short circuits, poorly dimensioned cables, and incorrectly placed circuit breakers. To avoid these headaches, you should hire a certified electrician. It’s possible to wire something so that it works, but it could be a fire hazard or you may unbalance your electrical box and end up paying for more electricity than you’re actually using. Hiring a local electrician is a smart move for homeowners because they can save money, time, and frustration. In South East England, the demand is already strong, and for an electrician in Cornwall bidding on a large project, having the right tools is a must.
Where Do You Start When Rewiring A House?
During the initial appointment, the electrical contractor will discuss the extent of the rewiring work required and inform you what you need to do before the project can begin, which might consist of:
Removing The Different Types Of Floor Coverings From The House
It’s possible to rewire a property without pulling up any flooring, even if it’s uncommon, so you can have the cables hidden, i.e., chased into the wall. As a rule, the home’s electrical wires run under the flooring, so rewiring requires lifting and storing the floor coverings. Rewiring a house isn’t a simple, quick job, and there’s the risk of ruining the floors if an inexperienced person executes the work. Any carpet that remains in the home will be covered with plastic sheeting for protection. If the floor coverings have been in place for many years, they might not be salvageable.
Clearing The Rooms
Before the electric work can begin, the property must be cleared to prevent accidental damage to the furniture and minimise obstruction to rewiring. Identify the items you use daily and store them in an easily accessible area, eliminate anything that won’t fit in your new space, and lock your valuables in a safe or deposit box. The contractor can provide boxes to help with packing. Once the electric work is complete, it’s time for cleaning, which can be managed with proper equipment and procedure. A versatile vacuum cleaner can ease a lot of the trouble of getting rid of dust and debris.
Informing The Supervisor Of Any Outbuildings
If you have a smaller separate building like a shed or a barn that has an electrical supply, you must let the electrician know ahead of time. A qualified electrician is needed to reconnect the electrical supply to the outbuilding area; prior permission must be obtained, and relevant test certificates must be submitted for this work. If your needs are humble, you might be able to tap into an interior outlet instead of splicing new wires and extend the circuit from there. Still, it’s important not to do DIY electrical work.
