Electrics are cheap to change before the plaster goes on and expensive afterwards. A couple of hours of planning early in a renovation saves most of the compromises people end up living with.
Decide these before first fix
First fix is the point of no return for anything buried in a wall. Worth settling beforehand:
- Furniture layout — it dictates socket and switch positions
- TV, media and network points, and where equipment will live
- Lighting layers and which circuits will be dimmed
- External lighting, garden supplies and any outbuilding
- EV charging, now or provision for later
- Heating controls, extraction and any smart control system
How the work is sequenced
First fix runs the cables and back boxes while walls are open. Plastering follows. Second fix installs the accessories and fittings, then the installation is tested and certified.
On a renovation we usually also test the existing circuits early, so you find out whether the older parts of the house need including in the budget while there is still time to plan for it.
Working with other trades
We coordinate with builders, kitchen fitters, plasterers and plumbers directly rather than through you. It keeps the programme moving and avoids the situation where two trades need the same wall on the same day.
Certification and handover
At completion you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate, a schedule of test results, and clear circuit identification at the board. Keep them — they are what a buyer's solicitor, an insurer or a letting agent will ask for.
Common Questions
Not always. If testing shows the existing circuits are sound, a partial rewire covering the altered areas is often the sensible choice. We test first and give you the honest answer rather than defaulting to the larger job.
This article is general guidance, not a substitute for inspection and testing of your specific installation. If you're unsure, call us on 07496 242488 — advice over the phone is free.
