What happens during a rewire? Advice for Brighton homeowners

The good news is that, with a bit of planning, it's usually much more straightforward than people expect. We’ll replace the old wiring, install new sockets, switches, lighting and a modern consumer unit (if necessary), then thoroughly test everything before we leave. If you’re already renovating or fitting a new kitchen, it’s the ideal time to rewire because everything can be installed exactly where you want it before the finishing touches go in. It might sound like a big job but having an experienced electrician who keeps you informed throughout makes all the difference.

Is it time for a rewire in Brighton?

We visit plenty of homes around Brighton where the electrics have simply been left to age. If your home hasn’t been rewired for 25-30 years or you're still relying on an old fuseboard, it's well worth having it checked over. You might have noticed flickering lights, sockets that aren’t where you need them anymore or circuits that trip every now and then. Sometimes there aren’t any obvious warning signs at all, it’s only when homeowners start renovating that they realise the electrics are not up to modern standards.

A real rewire we recently completed

Not long ago, we carried out a rewire in Brighton at a two bedroom semi detached bungalow on Heath Hill Avenue. The new owners had just moved in and wanted to create their forever home, with a brand new kitchen and EV charger ready for their next car. The wiring hadn’t been replaced since the 1980’s so it made sense to tackle it before the renovation got underway.

They’d organised everything brilliantly. They stayed with their daughter nearby while we worked, taking their small dog with them. They also moved the furniture away from the walls before we arrived, little things like that genuinely make a big difference.

Helping us work more efficiently and keeping disruption to a minimum. 

We also worked alongside the kitchen fitters, so the electrical work stayed on schedule. While running the new cables through the loft, we spotted some wiring that had been damaged by rodents. Looking a little closer, it was pretty clear squirrels had found their way into the loft. It's exactly the sort of hidden problem that you don’t notice until the old wiring is coming out.

What actually happens during a rewire?

Every home is different, but the process is usually very similar. We’ll start by making the existing electrics safe before removing the old wiring where needed. New cables are then installed throughout the property along with any extra sockets, switches, lighting points you’ve asked for. If you are having a new kitchen or EV charger fitted, we’ll make sure everything is in the right place. 

Once the cables are installed, any chasing can be plastered over before we return to fit the sockets, switches and lights. Finally, we carry out thorough testing on every circuit to make sure everything is safe and complies with the latest wiring regulations before providing your certificates.

A bit of preparation goes a long way

One thing we always tell customers is that a little preparation really helps. Clearing furniture away from the walls, just like our Heath Hill Avenue customers did, gives us much better access and usually helps the job move along more quickly.

Good communication is just as important too. If builders, plasterers or kitchen fitters are involved, we’ll happily coordinate with them, so everyone stays on the same page and your project keeps moving.

Thinking about a rewire in Brighton?

Every home is different, which is why we always take the time to understand what you need before recommending any work. Whether you’ve just bought an older property, you’re renovating or future proofing, we are happy to talk you through the process with no jargon and no pressure.

If you’re looking for a rewire in Brighton, get in touch with Oval Electrical. We’ll give you honest advice, explain every stage of the work and carry out your rewire in Brighton to the highest standard, so you can enjoy a safer home for years to come.