Quick Answer: Renovation electrical work includes upgrading wiring, adding circuits for new appliances, installing power points and lighting, and ensuring your electrical system meets current NZ standards. For any home renovation in Christchurch, you’ll need a registered electrician to handle the electrical component safely and legally.
What’s in This Guide
- Why Renovations Need Electrical Work
- Common Renovation Electrical Upgrades
- Kitchen and Bathroom Electrical
- Planning Your Electrical Renovation
- Renovation Electrical Costs
- Why Choose BT Electrical
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Renovations Need Electrical Work
When you renovate, you’re not just updating the look of your home – you’re often changing how spaces are used. This means your electrical system needs to adapt.
Common Reasons for Electrical Upgrades
- Increased load: Modern kitchens and entertainment areas use more power than ever
- Code compliance: Older wiring may not meet current NZ electrical standards
- Layout changes: Moving walls means relocating switches and power points
- New appliances: Induction hobs, EV chargers, and heat pumps need dedicated circuits
- Safety improvements: Adding RCDs, smoke alarms, and proper earthing
Signs Your Wiring Needs Upgrading
- Fuse box instead of a modern switchboard
- Two-pin power points (no earth)
- Rubber or fabric-covered wiring
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Lights dimming when appliances turn on
Common Renovation Electrical Upgrades
Switchboard Upgrade
Many Christchurch homes still have old fuse boxes that can’t handle modern electrical loads. A switchboard upgrade provides:
- More circuits for different areas
- RCD protection for safety
- Capacity for future additions
- Better surge protection
Additional Power Points
Older homes often have too few power points, leading to dangerous extension cord chains. During renovations, we can add power points where you actually need them.
LED Lighting Upgrades
Replace old halogen downlights with efficient LED alternatives. This often requires new transformers and sometimes re-wiring, making renovation the ideal time to upgrade.
USB Power Points
Modern power points with built-in USB charging are popular in renovated homes. Perfect for bedside tables, kitchen benches, and home offices.
Kitchen and Bathroom Electrical
Kitchen Electrical Requirements
Modern kitchens are power-hungry. Your renovation electrician will plan for:
| Appliance | Circuit Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Dedicated 32A | Hardwired connection |
| Induction hob | Dedicated 32A | May need switchboard upgrade |
| Dishwasher | Shared or dedicated | Under-bench power point |
| Rangehood | Shared circuit | Switch connection above |
| Under-cabinet lighting | Lighting circuit | Often on separate switch |
Bathroom Electrical Safety
Bathrooms require special attention due to water proximity:
- Zones: NZ regulations define where power points and lights can be placed relative to showers and baths
- RCD protection: All bathroom circuits must have RCD protection
- IP ratings: Fixtures need appropriate water resistance ratings
- Heated towel rails: Often need dedicated circuits
- Ventilation: Exhaust fans help prevent moisture damage to wiring
Planning Your Electrical Renovation
Step 1: Early Consultation
Involve your electrician early in the renovation planning process – ideally before walls come down. This helps identify:
- What existing wiring can be reused
- Whether your switchboard can handle additional load
- Optimal power point and switch locations
- Lighting design possibilities
Step 2: First Fix
Before walls are lined, your electrician runs cables to all power point, switch, and light locations. This is the time to finalise positions – moving cables after the walls are closed is expensive.
Step 3: Second Fix
After plastering and painting, switches, power points, and light fittings are installed and connected. This is when your renovation comes to life electrically.
Step 4: Testing and Certification
All work is tested and you receive electrical safety certificates required for consent sign-off and insurance.
Renovation Electrical Costs
Electrical work typically represents 10-15% of a renovation budget. Here are common costs:
| Work Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Switchboard upgrade | $1,500-$3,500 |
| New power point | $150-$250 each |
| New light point | $200-$350 each |
| Kitchen electrical (complete) | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Bathroom electrical (complete) | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Full house rewire | $10,000-$25,000 |
Costs vary based on access difficulty, cable runs, and fixture choices. Getting quotes during the planning phase helps you budget accurately.
Why Choose BT Electrical
Our renovation electrical services team works alongside builders and homeowners across Canterbury. We understand the pressures of renovation timelines and coordinate our work to keep your project on track.
What We Offer
- Early planning: Free consultation during your renovation planning
- Clear quotes: Detailed pricing so you can budget accurately
- Reliable scheduling: We show up when we say we will
- Tidy workmanship: We respect your home and clean up after ourselves
- Full compliance: All necessary certificates and documentation
Planning a renovation? Get in touch early for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need council consent for renovation electrical work?
Electrical work itself doesn’t typically require separate consent, but it must be done by a registered electrician who provides compliance certificates. If your renovation requires building consent, the electrical work will be inspected as part of that process.
Can I live in my home during electrical renovation?
Usually yes, but there may be periods without power to certain areas. We plan around your needs and minimise disruption. Major rewiring may require temporary accommodation for safety.
How long does renovation electrical work take?
First fix (before lining) typically takes 1-3 days depending on scope. Second fix (after painting) takes another 1-2 days. We schedule around your builder’s timeline.
Should I upgrade to 3-phase power during renovation?
Only if you have specific needs like large workshops, multiple heat pumps, or EV chargers. Most residential renovations work fine on single-phase. We can assess your needs and advise.
What happens if we find problems with existing wiring?
It’s common to discover old wiring that needs replacing when walls are opened. We’ll discuss options and provide pricing before proceeding with any additional work.
How do I choose power point and switch locations?
Consider furniture placement, appliance locations, and how you’ll use each room. We’ll walk through the space with you and suggest practical positions based on experience.
