Do I Need To Rewire My Property?
Why do some people need to rewire a house or a business property?
This could be for a number of reasons. In some cases, its usually because you are purchasing a property and your mortgage survey has noticed that the electrical installation is in a poor condition.
Or is it because you are renovating or extending a property and are considering having a rewire or part rewire?
In both cases, the only true way to identify if the wiring in a home or business is past it's best is to get it checked.
This check is called an Electrical Installation Condition Report EICR. (Sometimes referred to as a Periodic Inspection).
This report will give you detailed information about the condition of the existing electrical installation. Importantly, at this stage you will require an estimate for any remedial work required to bring the installation up to a safe working standard.
An EICR has saved our customers thousands of pounds!
Why?
Usually, the asking price of the property for sale, does not reflect the condition of the property. Unexpected costs such as rewiring can be a shock for a new home owner. So, before purchasing a property it’s important that problems are identified and estimates are produced. This will help you to understand the true value of the property.
The same is true if you are considering carrying out renovation work or extending your property. All new wiring will need to comply with the latest building regulations and wiring regulations. Usually, estimates received from your builder will not include recommended improvement work to bring your existing electrical installation up to a safe condition. Again, unexpected costs such as rewiring can be a shock. An EICR will identify any problems with the existing installation. An estimate for any remedial work or rewiring will allow you to calculate the actual cost of the total electrical work for an extension or renovation project.
How can I tell if a property needs a rewire?
If a property is around 30 years old or less, this is a good indication that the original wiring is in a good condition. Ask to see the original Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). If the installation is older than ten years, also ask for the current Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). You may also need to carry out remedial work such as improvements to the main earthing and bonding, or a new consumer unit. If this has already been carried out, again ask for the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) which covers this work.
What if a property is older than 30 years?
If the property is older than 30 years it can sometimes be difficult (even for an electrician) to visually assess if it needs a rewire. As previously mentioned, an EICR will be required to confirm the condition of the existing electrical installation. That said there are some basic things you can ask or check yourself.
- Ask for a copy of the existing electrical reports of certificates.
- If none are forthcoming, carry out an EICR.
- What is the condition of switch gear fuse box and accessories?
- Fuse Box, If the electrical installation has an old fuse box with rewireable fuses, this is a good indication that the property is in need of a rewire.
- Sockets, If the electrical installation has one or two single sockets in each room, or the sockets are mounted on very low or on the wooden skirting board. This is also a good indication that the property is in need of a rewire.
- Light Pendants, If the electrical installation has old type pendants with single stranded twisted flex. This is also a good indication that the property is in need of a rewire.
Points to remember before you ask for a rewire quotation.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to rewire your home is always when it is completely empty. This is because wires and cables need to be run under floors and chased into walls. If you are living in a property and rooms are occupied, extra time is required to move or cover items of furniture. Also, more time is required to tidy up at the end of the day. Consideration will be made to maintain lighting and power through the project. Rewiring in most cases will require sockets, lights and cables to be flushed into walls. This requires the electrician to chase boxes and channels into walls which then will be filled with plaster. Before you decorate any room it’s important to check that rewiring work is not required.
Until Next Time, PM Electrical