There are countless beautiful old homes in New Zealand. For owners of such properties, it’s important to maintain them not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also for safety.
Updating the electrical installation in an old home is a key requirement when it comes to ensuring the safety of the property and everyone and everything in it. Yet it can be hard to know when it’s necessary.
Read on to learn more about how to tell when you should rewire an old home, what it might cost, and how you can get it done as efficiently and professionally as possible.
How do you know if you should rewire your home?
There are many reasons why you might consider rewiring, or at least having a professional inspection to determine if rewiring is necessary.
For a start, if the property is over 30 years old, it is a good idea to get an electrical inspection. Today we use more electrical items which increases the strain an old electrical system. Regulations and safety devices have come a long way in that time, so it may benefit you to get an inspection for peace of mind and to ensure the system is still sound. Planning an upgrade gives you the ability to consider what changes you may wish to include and allows time to budget for the work.
Here are some of the more common obvious warning signs that you might notice that suggest it’s time to rewire your old home:
- The fuse blows regularly.
- Light bulbs requiring regular replacement.
- Buzzing sounds from your power outlets or fuse board.
- Burning smells.
- Loose, or damaged outlets.
- Switches failing.
- Dim or flickering lights.
- Rewireable fuses.
You can also consider rewiring an old home for convenience. Homes built decades ago did not account for a multitude of electrical appliances, most have only had one per room. Rewiring your home can also introduce more outlets in more convenient places for your modern lifestyle (as well as updating the wiring for safety in the process).
The cost of rewiring an old home
The cost of rewiring your old home will largely depend on the size of your home. Other factors include the extent of the rewiring required, how accessible the spaces are, and the number of cables and fittings involved.
That said, to give you a basic idea of the cost of rewiring, a small, basic job will typically cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000.
Regular homes can be anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000, whereas large homes can go upwards from there.
The good news is that it doesn’t typically take too long to rewire a home, and you don’t necessarily need to move out for the duration, although you may prefer to stay with a friend for a day or two for your own comfort.
The best way to get an idea of the cost of rewiring your home is to request a quote. Your electrician will be able to assess the property and give you an estimate for the cost and the time it will take.
Rewiring with AMC Electrical
AMC Electrical offers experienced and friendly electricians who are highly skilled and efficient when it comes to rewiring old homes in Wellington and Palmerston North.
We know that outdated wiring is one of the most common causes of housefires in New Zealand, and we enjoy helping Kiwi families to enjoy safer, more convenient homes.
Contact us today to arrange a quote to rewire your old home, or ask us any questions you have about the process.