- May 23, 2025
- By admin
- Residential
Planning a home renovation is exciting—but overlooking your electrical system can lead to safety issues, compliance problems, and costly rework. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, adding a new room, or undertaking a full home transformation, it’s essential to include electrical planning in the early stages.
At Innovative Electrics, we help Melbourne homeowners modernise their electrical systems while ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with Australian standards. Here’s a helpful checklist of what to consider before and during your renovation.
#1 Review and Upgrade Your Wiring
Older homes in Melbourne may still have wiring that’s not up to current standards. During a renovation, it’s the perfect time to check if your existing cabling can handle modern electrical loads.
Look out for:
- Outdated or degraded wiring (e.g. VIR or cotton-insulated cable)
- Lack of earthing or bonded connections
- Inability to support new appliances or power points
A licensed home renovation electrician can assess your system and recommend any necessary upgrades.
#2 Switchboard Condition and Capacity
A switchboard is the heart of your home’s electrical system. If it’s old or undersized, it may need to be upgraded to handle the extra demand from new lighting, power points, or major appliances.
A switchboard upgrade may be required if:
- It still uses ceramic fuses
- There are no safety switches (RCDs)
- Circuits trip under moderate load
- You’re adding multiple high-demand items (e.g. air conditioning, induction cooktop)
#3 Lighting Design and Placement
Renovating is the perfect time to modernise your lighting layout. Consider function, style, and energy efficiency when planning:
- LED upgrades for better light quality and lower power bills
- Task lighting for kitchens, bathrooms, or workspaces
- Dimmers and smart lighting controls for flexibility
- Accent lighting for aesthetics or architectural features
A professional electrician will ensure lighting placement is both practical and code-compliant.
#4 Power Point Placement and Quantity
Think beyond current needs—extra power points in living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens can prevent overloading and reduce reliance on power boards. Don’t forget:
- USB charging points
- Outdoor power outlets
- Data or TV points in media rooms or home offices
#5 Home Automation and Future-Proofing
If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, consider integrating:
- Smart lighting, blinds, and climate control
- Pre-wiring for solar systems or battery storage
- EV charger readiness
- NBN-ready structured data cabling
Upgrading during a renovation is far more efficient and cost-effective than retrofitting later.
#6 Safety and Compliance
All electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician and comply with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules. Upon completion, you’ll be issued a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES).
Skipping this step not only poses a safety risk but can also create problems with building permits, resale, or insurance claims.
Innovative Electrics: Trusted Renovation Electricians in Melbourne
At Innovative Electrics, we work alongside homeowners, builders, and designers to deliver safe and modern electrical systems that complement your renovation vision. Our team ensures your home is not only beautiful—but also practical, compliant, and ready for the future.
Our Renovation Electrical Services Include:
- Full electrical design and rewiring
- Switchboard upgrades and safety switch installation
- LED and smart lighting design
- Power and data point installations
- Compliance, safety, and future-ready solutions
Planning a renovation? Speak to Innovative Electrics today to ensure your electrical system is designed to last.