When you think of how people use electricity today, things were not the same when your older house was under construction. The demand for electricity in a home was lower, and supply was built to match it. Today, many people are living in older homes making modern demands for electricity from outdated supplies.
This is a dangerous practice and can lead to an electrical fire. To avoid having this happen, having an old house rewired is your best option. However, it is not a simple job and must be done by a professional. Here are some things you should expect to happen during a rewiring project:
Making a start
The first step is to do an electrical audit of your home. Make a list of what electrical supply you have, and what you feel you need. This could involve having additional outlets installed or moving existing ones to a more convenient location.
To do an accurate calculation, look at how many appliances and devices you need to be plugged in. The ideal would be to have sufficient electrical outlets with plug points that allow each one to be plugged in on its own without using double adaptors or extension cords.
Once you have a list drawn up, you are ready to contact an electrician for a consultation. Walk them around the house, explaining your needs, and what you think should be done.
Taking advice
An electrician is up to date with local codes and standards and can tell you which parts of your plans would be compliant, and those that need some adjustment. To ensure you get the best advice, use a certified electrical contractor that guarantees their work.
Experts at Bates Electrical say that an electrician should also give you an indication of whether all the work you want to be done is necessary or if there are parts of the wiring that do not need replacement.
From this point, you and the electrician can create a detailed plan of action, including what supplies and parts you require. This allows the electrical contractor to prepare a detailed quotation for your perusal and approval.
Choose the parts
While a lot of electrical parts are hidden, some are visible in a room and should match the look you are aiming to achieve. For example, if you want to maintain a vintage theme, shop for light fittings and outlet covers that support that older feel while offering a modern electrical supply.
Preparing
Working in older homes can be challenging, and you must have a contractor experienced in the field, especially if you want to retain that old-world charm of your house.
Having rewiring done during remodeling is the best approach as you have a building contractor on hand to cut away pieces of walling and repair them afterward. This is not the electrician’s specialty and is best left to a professional.
Make cleaning up and restoration an integral part of the job while it is in progress. Old wires should be removed, walls and ceiling boards patched or replaced, and the room restored to retain your desired aesthetic effect.
Getting the job done
Unexpected surprises may arise once the electrical contractor gets into the walls and sees what is going on with your wiring. This could mean that the job takes longer or that extra costs will become payable.
Without X-ray vision, no one can predict how the job will happen with 100% accuracy, so do not assume that a contractor is demanding if a problem arises. Flexibility on your side and theirs will be essential to maintain a cordial working relationship.
