Rewiring your house: A basic guide to the rewire process

Vintage and art-deco style homes are charming and fashionable; however, if you're living in an older home, you may need to rewire your electricity if a rewire hasn't been carried out previously. Unfortunately, this procedure can be complicated and expensive, but if you know what to look for and what to expect it can be a lot easier.

Rewiring can seem like an inconvenient investment, both for time and cost purposes, but a home with outdated wiring can be dangerous and prone to fire and electric hazards. On the positive side, you'll probably only have to do it once, plus, it gives you a chance to add the additional power outlets and light switches that you've always wanted.

When to rewire: How do I know when my home needs rewiring?

The first step to take if you're considering a rewire is finding out how old the electrical system is. The age of the house is not always an indicator. You may own a 100 year old house, but if it was rewired only a few years ago, then a rewire is unnecessary right now. If your electrical system is more than 30 years old, a rewire is a great idea. If your system is more than 45 years old, a rewire is absolutely necessary.

Some other signs that your system has aged to the point of a rewire are:

• Cables covered in black rubber. This is an old wiring technique and not present in modern day wiring.
• Your fuse box. If the wires look messy, it could be a sign of aging. If it's not an old system, then it's best to fix up dodgy wires anyway.

A sure way to find out if your wiring is outdated is by getting opinions from several electricians. Sometimes one part of the electrical system can be newer than the others. You may find out that only a partial rewire is necessary.

What does rewiring involve? Procedure, time and cost

Before going through with rewiring your home, make sure that you're using a qualified and properly insured electrician. Old houses will generally not have a lot of power outlets, but with the average modern day person owning so many electrical goods, you'll probably find that you want a few more. These can be included as part of a rewire. A standard house rewire will typically include:

• Main switchboard replacement
• Replacement power outlets and light switches
• Additional power outlets and light switches if requested
• Correct disposal of old wires

Some things to consider before rewiring could be:

• Where would you like additional power points and light switches to be located? Work out a plan before the electrical work commences.
• Depending on house design, floorboards may have to be lifted to complete the job. Ask the electrician if there is a way around it if you're not keen for this to happen.
• Will you be staying elsewhere whilst work is being completed? If so, organise accommodation in advance.
• Rewiring can cost up to $10,000 for a three bedroom house. Have funds sorted before commencing work.

After rewiring, make an effort to get your electricity checked at least every five to ten years.