Hi, Greg here, the owner of Just Electrics. Over the years, I’ve seen countless renovation projects succeed beautifully because of proper planning—and I’ve also seen the headaches that arise when electrical work isn’t given the attention it deserves.
Renovating your home or business is an exciting step, but it’s also a time to ensure that everything beneath the surface is as functional and safe as the spaces you’re transforming. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make your electrical renovation a success.
1. Understand Your Electrical Needs
Before we even lift a screwdriver, it’s essential to understand what you’re hoping to achieve with your renovation. Modern homes and businesses demand more from their electrical systems than ever before, so let’s make sure your system is up to the task.
Key Considerations:
Lifestyle Changes: Are you adding a home office, upgrading your kitchen appliances, or installing air conditioning? Each of these will have specific electrical requirements.
Technology Integration: Many homeowners are incorporating smart home systems, security cameras, or solar panels into their renovations.
Future Needs: Even if you’re not installing an EV charger or solar panels now, it’s wise to pre-wire for these future upgrades to save on costs later.
By clearly outlining your goals, we can create a system that meets your needs now and grows with you over time.
2. Hire a Qualified and Trusted Electrician
This might seem obvious coming from me, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to hire a licensed and experienced electrician. Electrical work is not the place to cut corners or DIY—your safety and the value of your property depend on it.
At Just Electrics, my team and I pride ourselves on delivering quality work that’s fully compliant with New Zealand’s strict standards. We’re up-to-date on the latest codes and technologies, so you can trust us to handle even the most complex projects.
What Sets Us Apart:
We’re fully licensed and insured.
Our years of experience span residential, commercial, and rural projects.
We provide clear quotes and timelines, so you know exactly what to expect.
3. Plan for Compliance and Permits
New Zealand’s electrical standards are designed to keep you safe, but they can be complex. Renovation projects often require permits and Certificates of Compliance (CoC), which prove that the work meets safety regulations.
At Just Electrics, we handle all the paperwork for you, ensuring every aspect of your project is up to code. This includes not just the CoC but also any safety inspections required along the way.
Compliance in Action:
Adding new circuits or outlets? These must be tested and certified.
Replacing old wiring? A full compliance inspection is mandatory.
Renovating a rental property? Landlords have additional obligations under the Healthy Homes Standards.
Don’t let the red tape overwhelm you—that’s our job.
4. Assess Your Existing Wiring and Switchboard
One of the first things we do during a renovation is assess the condition of your existing wiring and switchboard. Older homes, in particular, often have wiring that’s not equipped to handle modern electrical loads.
Warning Signs of Outdated Wiring:
Flickering lights or frequent power outages.
Discolored outlets or switches.
Circuit breakers that trip regularly.
If your switchboard is outdated, I’ll recommend an upgrade. Modern switchboards include safety features like RCDs (Residual Current Devices) that can prevent electrical shocks and fires. An upgrade is a worthwhile investment in both safety and functionality.
5. Future-Proof Your Renovation
Renovations are an excellent opportunity to think ahead. When we work on a project, we’re not just solving today’s problems; we’re anticipating tomorrow’s needs.
How We Future-Proof:
Extra Outlets and Data Points: It’s far easier to add Extra Outlets and Data Points during a renovation than later. Think about where you might need additional sockets for technology or charging stations.
Pre-Wiring: We can pre-wire for solar panels, EV chargers, or even smart home hubs.
Energy Efficiency: Installing LED lighting or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can lower your power bills for years to come.
6. Prepare for Disruptions
Electrical work often requires turning off the power in parts of your home or business. We do our best to minimize disruptions, but it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.
My Tips:
Schedule work during times when you’re less reliant on power, like weekdays if you’re not at home.
Let us know if there are critical systems that need uninterrupted power, and we’ll work around them.
If you’re a business owner, consider scheduling electrical work after hours or during a quieter period.
7. Budget for the Unexpected
Renovations have a way of revealing hidden issues, especially in older properties. I always recommend setting aside a contingency fund to cover unexpected discoveries like outdated wiring or non-compliant installations.
Our Promise:
When you work with Just Electrics, we’ll be upfront about any additional work needed and provide transparent pricing. Surprises are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail your project.
Conclusion
Renovating your home or business is a big investment, and the electrical work is one of the most important aspects to get right. At Just Electrics, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from planning and compliance to execution and future-proofing.
If you’re ready to start your electrical renovation or just want to chat about your ideas, give me a call. I’d be happy to share my expertise and help you turn your vision into a reality.
Contact Just Electrics today—let’s make your renovation a success.
Call Greg on 027 482 9498
