When you’re planning a renovation, most of the excitement goes into benchtops, tiles and colours. The electrical work tends to come up later, usually when someone asks where the power points are going. By then, it can be harder and more expensive to change.
Getting your electrician involved early makes the whole job run smoother. Here’s what to think about before the walls come down.
Why the electrical side needs to be planned early
Walls and ceilings are only open once
During a renovation, walls and ceilings are often opened up. That’s the easiest time to run new wiring, add circuits or move power points. Once the plaster is back on and painted, every change means more work.
It affects your layout
Where the oven, cooktop, rangehood, fridge and dishwasher go all depends on power. Same with heated towel rails, exhaust fans and lighting in a bathroom. Planning those early stops last minute compromises.
Your switchboard may need attention
Adding new appliances or circuits can be more than an older switchboard can comfortably handle. If your home is older, it’s worth checking the board while you’re planning, not halfway through.
Kitchen renovations
Kitchens are usually the busiest room for electrical work. Things to think about:
- Enough power points along the benchtop, plus any in an island
- Dedicated circuits for appliances like the oven and cooktop
- Power for the fridge, dishwasher and microwave in the right spots
- Under cabinet lighting or pendant lights over the bench
- Where you’ll charge phones and tablets so they’re not cluttering the bench
Bathroom and ensuite renovations
Bathrooms have strict rules about where electrical fittings can go near water, which is one more reason to plan with a licensed electrician. Things to consider:
- Exhaust fan placement and whether it runs with the light
- Heated towel rails
- Lighting around the mirror and vanity
- Power for a shaver or electric toothbrush
We’ve done electrical work for kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites around Sydney. The jobs that go smoothest are always the ones where the electrical plan was sorted early.
Lighting: think about how you’ll use each room
LED downlights
LED downlights are a popular choice in renovations because they’re energy efficient and give a clean look. Where they go matters more than how many you have. A well placed layout avoids dark corners and glare.
Feature and pendant lighting
Pendants over a dining table or island can really lift a space. If you’ve got a particular fitting in mind, let us know early so we can plan the mounting and wiring.
Smart lighting
If you like the idea of controlling your lights from your phone, a renovation is a good time to set that up. We’ve installed PIXIE smart switches for clients, including a job in Hunters Hill.
Power points and data
It’s very common to finish a renovation and wish you’d added a few more power points. Think about where furniture, TVs, desks and appliances will actually sit. If you’re mounting a TV, plan the power and cabling so the cords aren’t on show.
Outdoor areas
If your renovation spills outside, plan the outdoor electrical at the same time. Think about lighting for steps and paths, power points on a deck or alfresco area and an outdoor ceiling fan if you’ll be spending summer nights out there. Outdoor fittings need to be rated for the weather, so let us know early.
A simple checklist for your first chat
Before you talk to your electrician, it helps to have:
- Your renovation plans or a rough sketch
- A list of appliances you’re adding or moving
- Any lighting fittings you’ve already chosen
- Your builder’s timeline, if you have one
Getting the timing right
Before the builder starts
Talk to your electrician while plans are being drawn up. We can look at your existing setup and flag anything that needs upgrading.
During the rough-in
This is when cables are run inside walls and ceilings before they’re closed up. Your electrician needs to be on site at the right stage.
At fit-off
Once the walls are finished, switches, power points and lights are fitted and everything is tested.
Your compliance certificate
All electrical wiring work in NSW must be done by a licensed electrician. Once it’s done, a Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) is lodged. Keep a copy with your renovation paperwork.
Renovating a strata property
If you’re renovating a unit, check your by laws and talk to your strata manager before work starts. Some electrical work may need approval, particularly if it affects common property.
Thinking about a renovation?
Whether it’s a kitchen in the Inner West, an ensuite in the Eastern Suburbs or a full refresh in North Sydney, we’re happy to talk through the electrical side early so there are no surprises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I bring an electrician into my renovation?
As early as possible, ideally while plans are being drawn up. That way power points, lighting and any switchboard upgrades are planned before walls are opened and closed.
Can you do the electrical work for my kitchen or bathroom renovation?
Yes. We do electrical work for kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites across Sydney, from power points and lighting to switchboard upgrades.
Will my switchboard need upgrading for a renovation?
It depends on the age of the board and what you’re adding. We’ll check your existing switchboard and let you know if it can handle the new work.
Planning a renovation? Give us a call on 0426 254 273 or request a quote and we’ll talk through the electrical plan with you.