Many existing homes will need full or part rewiring. But what is it and what does it actually involve? We're here to give you the low down. Keep reading for all you need to know about the rewiring process from planning to completion. But first, you need to know if your home actually needs rewiring in the first place.

There are many ways to know if your home needs rewiring. If you notice discoloured outlets, worn electrical plugs or cords that easily get hot when in use it might be time to call your electrician. Similarly, if you notice an unidentifiable burnt smell then you should definitely pick up the phone.

If you're living in an old house it's likely that you'll have to rewire at some point. Older wiring uses conduit wiring encased in metal conduit or TRS (Tough Rubber Sheath) cables that can wear away and disintegrate and this can present a significant safety risk. In these circumstances, house insurance companies will often require rewiring for full coverage.

The first step of rewiring your home is to look at all of the electrical devices in your home and think about how you'll be using them and where. This will help your electrician to install a system that will best meet your needs such as where lights and power points are located and how many.

Identifying any existing infrastructure can help you electrical complete the rewiring job as smoothly as possible. To do this, simply identify and mark any existing electrical and plumbing infrastructure in your home.

If you don't have the blueprints, you can hire a contractor to mark pipes and existing wiring. Alternatively, call your electricianand work out a plan to ensure the job goes smoothly.

Re-designing your Kitchen or Bathroom with modern appliances is exciting and can add value to your investment, whether it be your home or a rental investment. Here are some points to consider regarding the process:

• Are you changing the layout?
• Are you going to need more power points & electrical connections?
• How much electrical load can one power point take if you want to add two or more appliances to it?
• Do you require an undersink power point for a dishwasher or waste disposal?
• Are you changing the position of your rangehood?
• Do you need to upgrade the current sockets to match with your new modern look?
• Do you need ventilation?

After considering these points, get in touch with a qualified and trusted local electrician and get them to come out and evaluate your house. They will be able to confirm that rewiring is necessary and help you put your plan into action.

Think about shopping around for the right electrician. It's an important job, so it shouldn't just be about getting the lowest price. Find an experienced electrical work contractor that knows what they're doing.

If you're located in Christchurch, Christchurch Electrical is the team for the job. If you prefer, our team can help you every step of the way to ensure safe and compliant rewiring for your home. Give us a call today to arrange a consultation - (03) 366 1718.