Bring the electrician in early
Get your electrician through the house before the builder locks in the plan. Old cottages often need a switchboard upgrade before they can take a new kitchen, air-con or an induction cooktop, and that changes the budget.
Plan for salt air
Close to the beach, salt gets into everything. Outdoor lights, power points and fittings should be rated for the conditions, ideally marine-grade or high IP rated, with stainless fixings.
Steep blocks and long runs
Escarpment blocks often mean a long run to a studio, garage or pool at the bottom of the yard. Cable size matters on long runs, so tell your electrician early if you're planning a backyard building.
Think about how you'll use each room
- A home office: data points and plenty of outlets at desk height.
- Bedrooms: power and USB outlets beside the bed.
- Kitchen: dedicated circuits for the oven, cooktop and dishwasher.
- Outdoor living: weatherproof power and lighting on its own circuit.
Don't forget smoke alarms
A renovation is the perfect time to install interconnected smoke alarms, so when one goes off they all do.
Need an electrician in Wollongong, the Illawarra or Shoalhaven? Get a free, fixed-price quote or call Jade on 0402 273 820.
