Thinking of Renovating? Don’t Skip the Residential Electrical Check
Imagine spending months designing your dream home, investing your savings into the perfect renovation, and once everything looks flawless, someone points out there’s a wiring fault hidden behind the walls or an outdated electrical system underneath it all. You’d think, “If only I had known earlier, I could’ve fixed it before finishing everything.”
That’s why the first step before any renovation should always be a residential electrical check. Before you repaint, rebuild, or redesign, make sure your home’s wiring and safety systems are up to standard. To help homeowners understand what’s involved and why it matters, DM Electrical has prepared this detailed guide covering the essentials of residential electrical inspections and how they keep your renovation safe, compliant, and worry-free.
Why Electrical Checks Matter Before Any Renovation
Electrical checks help uncover hidden issues like damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, or missing safety switches. Many older Australian homes, especially those built before the 1990s, still have outdated fuse boxes and ungrounded power outlets.
Doing a full inspection before starting any renovation sets a clear safety baseline and ensures your home meets the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules. It also keeps your insurance valid by proving your system is safe and compliant. Skipping this step can lead to serious problems later, from electrical fires to expensive repairs once the walls are already sealed.
What a Licensed Electrician Inspects
A licensed electrician carefully checks every major part of your home’s electrical system to ensure it is safe and will be ready for renovation.
- Switchboard condition: The main switchboard of the house is inspected to ensure it is equipped with modern circuit breakers and safety switches, avoiding old fuses or damaged components that could cause faults or become fire hazards.
- RCD coverage: The lighting and power circuits are all guaranteed to have been wired by the electrician with RCDs, which instantly cut off power in the event of a fault or shock.
- Earthing and bonding: The electrician checks the ground connection to ensure no one is shocked by currents that could come from any part of the building, including metal fixtures and pipes.
- Circuit load balance: The electrician monitors the existing circuits to see if they can support new devices or more power points without risking a system overload, which is essential to avoid tripping and overheating.
- Cable integrity: They examine if any old, brittle, or undersized wires need replacement, especially in older houses where the insulation of wiring might degrade with time.
Room-by-Room Electrical Planning
The electrical needs of each room in your house are unique, and planning them can save you time and money and help you avoid safety issues later.
Kitchen: This is the room that consumes the most power in the house. It is wise to have separate circuits for high-load appliances like ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers so that tripping and overloading do not happen. Small appliances should have an adequate number of power points, and under-cabinet lighting can be considered for better visibility if included in the plan.
Bathroom: Electrical work must comply with strict wet-area safety rules. Lights, exhaust fans, and power outlets must sit in approved zones to avoid water exposure. Use fittings rated for moisture-prone environments.
Outdoors: Light fittings and sockets for outdoor areas must be weatherproof (IP-rated), and electrical outlets must be weatherproof. To prevent electric shocks caused by rain or dampness, all outdoor circuits should be protected by RCDs.
Home Office: Provide dedicated outlets for computers, routers, and essential devices to avoid power drops or interference. Surge protection helps safeguard sensitive electronics.
The proper planning of each room not only helps in avoiding mid-renovation delays but also keeps your circuits organised and every part of your home safe and efficient.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Australian homes are moving towards a smarter and more energy-efficient lifestyle. In order to be future-ready, it would be wise to add:
EV charger circuits: Future
electric vehicle chargers should be supplied with dedicated wiring that has the appropriate amperage and isolation.
Solar inverter setup: Installing conduits or providing space in your switchboard for future solar panels and battery systems is a very good idea.
Smart lighting: When planning circuits, consider the compatibility with Wi-Fi or smart home hubs for flexible control.
Data cabling: Introduce structured cabling for fast internet, smart security, and home automation.
It is planned now that the rewiring later will not be an expensive deal, as your home’s energy and tech needs will grow.
Also read this:Everything you need to know about home automation
Cost Ranges and How to Budget
Electrical costs depend on your location, home size, and the scope of work, but here’s a simple guide to plan your budget:
- Call-out or hourly rates: Expect to pay around $90–$120 per hour for
licensed electricians.
- Switchboard upgrades: Usually range from $500–$1,200, depending on the number of circuits and RCD installations.
- Full house rewiring: Can cost between $3,000 and $9,000, based on house size and access difficulty.
Always ask for itemised quotes and keep a 10–15% buffer for unexpected issues, like hidden faults or old wiring replacements discovered during renovation.
Compliance and Certificates You Must Get
Every state in Australia requires official paperwork to confirm that electrical work meets safety standards.
- NSW:
Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW).
- VIC:
Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES).
- QLD and SA: Certificates of Testing or Compliance.
Your electrician must issue these certificates within about seven days of completing the job. Keep them safe, they’re often needed for insurance claims, property sales, or future renovations.
Hiring the Right Electrician
Choosing the proper professional makes all the difference. Always:
- Verify their licence with your state regulator to ensure they’re qualified.
- Request a detailed quote outlining labour, materials, and the scope of work.
- Confirm warranty coverage for both workmanship and installed parts.
Partnering with an experienced, trusted team like DM Electrical ensures your renovation remains compliant, safe, and completed to the highest standard.
Final Thought
Electrical checks aren't just a routine step; they’re your home's safeguard against hidden faults and costly repairs. Whether you’re upgrading one room or renovating your entire house, begin with a licensed electrical inspection. A trusted professional, such as DM Electrical, ensures your home remains safe, compliant, and prepared for the future.
