Prepare your property for a rewire - home electrics guide

There are several reasons to rewire your home, whether you’re modernising an older property, you’ve had ongoing electrical faults, or you want to bring your electrics up to the latest standards. While planning a rewire can feel stressful, it’s worth it, and you can reduce the chaos by preparing for the work.

Here’s how to get your property ready for rewiring.

Choose the right electrical contractor for rewiring services

Whether you want new lighting or robust electrical installations for a home extension, choosing the right contractor for the job is the key to success. Always check their qualifications, experience, credentials and online reviews.

If you want rewiring solutions, it’s best to hire an electrical contractor with specialist skills in this area. They may even have a dedicated section on their website explaining what rewiring services they offer.

Decide which areas of your home need rewiring

Before work begins, you should clearly know which areas of your property need rewiring and why.

Work closely with your electrician to plan your renovation, deciding where practical changes can make your home work better for you. For example, where will new light switches and power sockets be required in each room? Where is TV wiring required? Where will your beds be positioned? It’s best to install all the fixtures you need now rather than adding more later, which can be costly, including modern features like USB charging sockets.

You should also think carefully about future property plans and what you want in each space. For example, are you planning to install a high-tech security system or in-built speakers? Are you planning on buying an electric car? You’ll also need to consider any necessary upgrades, such as replacing old fuse boxes with a safe and modern consumer unit with circuit breakers.

How to prepare your property for a rewire

Get your house prepared for the rewire

Properties should be as empty and clear as possible in readiness for rewiring services. This type of in-depth work comes under the umbrella of ‘first fix electrics’, laying the foundations of your electrical systems.

Wiring runs everywhere, from underneath floorboards to behind walls. Therefore, if there’s any work to be done in readiness for the renovation, such as stripping out carpets, complete these tasks before the rewire.

Rewire an empty property

For a smooth house rewiring project, moving out or keeping the property empty before you move in is a great idea if possible. Living in a property being rewired is challenging, with the power being turned off and invasive work being completed behind plastered walls, ceilings and floors.

If there is anything you want to protect during the rewire, you’ll need dust sheets, which you should seal at the bottom. Furniture should be moved away from walls, and you can protect smaller items by placing them in boxes.

Overall, setting realistic expectations will help achieve a stress-free experience, including planning any renovation work like plastering after the rewire has taken place.