What other electrical upgrades should homeowners consider?

A rewire or renovation is the best time to think about wider electrical upgrades, because the cabling can be hidden properly while the building is already being disturbed.

 

Exterior lighting and security lights

Exterior lighting is useful for safety, security and appearance.
 

Homeowners should consider lights for:
 

• front entrances;

• side passages;

• rear gardens;

• patios;

• driveways;

• garages;

• bin stores;

• garden rooms;

• outbuildings;

• side gates.
   

Security lights can help deter unwanted visitors and make the home safer at night. However, they should be positioned carefully so they do not annoy neighbours, shine into bedrooms or create harsh glare.
 

A mix of practical security lighting and softer garden or entrance lighting often works better than one very bright floodlight.

 

Video doorbells and smart security

A video doorbell can be one of the most useful modern upgrades for a home.
 

It allows homeowners to see deliveries, visitors and callers even when they are not at the property. In practical terms, it helps the homeowner feel “at home” even when they are out.
 

Video doorbells can be battery powered or hardwired. A hardwired setup can look neater and avoid regular charging, but it needs planning. The wiring, transformer, Wi-Fi coverage, chime, app setup and door position should all be considered.
 

Other smart security options may include:
 

• CCTV cameras;

• smart locks;

• alarm systems;

• external motion sensors;

• garden lighting linked to movement;

• garage or side gate sensors.
   

These systems should be planned with privacy, reliability and wiring routes in mind.

 

Data cabling and Wi-Fi

Modern homes often need better internet planning.
 

Wi-Fi alone may not be enough in larger houses, extended homes, loft conversions or properties with thick walls. Data cabling, mesh Wi-Fi, access points and hardwired connections can make a big difference.
 

Useful hardwired points may include:
 

• home office desks;

• television/media areas;

• loft rooms;

• garden rooms;

• gaming areas;

• CCTV positions;

• Wi-Fi access point locations.
   

A rewire is a good time to run data cables before walls and ceilings are finished.

 

Smoke, heat and safety alarms

Electrical works and refurbishments are a good time to review smoke alarms, heat alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
 

The correct alarm layout depends on the property, works being carried out and Building Regulations requirements. Kitchens, hallways, landings, loft conversions, garages and boiler areas may all need thought.

 

Electrical underfloor heating

Electrical underfloor heating can be useful in some small areas, particularly bathrooms or ensuite shower rooms. However, homeowners should be careful.
 

Many people install electric underfloor heating and then rarely use it because of running costs or slow response. In larger rooms, it can become expensive to run and may not be the best heating solution.
 

It is worth asking:
 

• Will this actually be used?

• Is it only for comfort underfoot?

• What will it cost to run?

• Is there already a better heating system?

• Is the floor finish suitable?

• Can the thermostat and controls be placed neatly?
   

Electric underfloor heating can be a nice extra in the right place, but it should not be added automatically to every project.

 

Concealed cabling and making good

Electrical work should be planned so that cables run within the fabric of the building wherever possible.
 

This may mean chasing walls, lifting floors, routing through ceilings, using service voids, coordinating with fitted furniture or planning routes before plasterboarding.
 

The aim should be a clean finish, not surface trunking everywhere.
 

Homeowners should also be clear about making good. Some electricians chase walls and install cables but do not fully plaster and decorate afterwards. Others may include basic making good but not full decoration. This should be agreed before work starts.
 

A good project should leave walls properly prepared for plasterers and painters. If the electrician’s making good is poor, the final decoration will suffer.

 

Electrical Rewiring and Lighting Planning Checklist

Before starting a rewire or electrical upgrade, think about:
 

• whether the home needs a full or partial rewire;

• whether the existing consumer unit is suitable;

• whether new circuits are needed;

• how many sockets each room needs;

• where USB or USB-C outlets would be useful;

• whether kitchen appliances need dedicated circuits;

• where beds, sofas, desks and televisions will go;

• whether living rooms or bedrooms need 5 amp lamp circuits;

• where dimmers should be used;

• where two-way and three-way switching is needed;

• whether recessed lights, wall lights or feature lights are planned;

• whether LED fittings and dimmers are compatible;

• whether exterior security lights are needed;

• whether a video doorbell should be hardwired;

• whether CCTV, alarms or smart security should be included;

• whether data cabling or Wi-Fi access points are needed;

• whether electric underfloor heating is really worth installing;

• whether cables can be hidden within walls, floors and ceilings;

• whether chasing and making good are included;

• whether the electrician is properly qualified and registered;

• whether certificates and Building Regulations notifications are included.
  
   

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Rewiring and Lighting

When does a house need rewiring?

A house may need rewiring if the wiring is old, unsafe, overloaded, poorly altered or no longer suitable for modern use. Homes with original wiring over 30 years old should usually be checked by a qualified electrician.
 

Is rewiring messy?

Yes, rewiring can be disruptive. It may involve chasing walls, lifting floorboards, cutting ceilings, moving furniture and making good afterwards. It is best done before plastering, decorating, new flooring or kitchen installation.
 

How many sockets should a room have?

There is no single answer, but most rooms need more sockets than older houses provide. Socket positions should be planned around furniture, beds, desks, televisions, lamps and everyday charging needs.
 

Are USB sockets worth installing?

USB and USB-C sockets can be useful in bedrooms, kitchens, home offices and living areas. However, charging technology changes, so it is usually better to use them selectively rather than everywhere.
 

What is a 5 amp lighting circuit?

A 5 amp lighting circuit allows selected lamp sockets to be controlled from a wall switch. This is useful in living rooms and bedrooms where table lamps are used instead of or alongside ceiling lights.
 

Should I have dimmer switches?

Dimmers are useful in living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas and open-plan spaces. The electrician should make sure the dimmers and LED lights are compatible.
 

What is two-way lighting?

Two-way lighting allows one light or lighting circuit to be controlled from two different switch positions. It is commonly used on stairs, landings, hallways and rooms with more than one entrance.
 

What is three-way lighting?

Three-way lighting allows control from three positions. It can be useful in large rooms, long hallways, staircases, loft layouts or open-plan areas with several entrances.
 

Are recessed downlights a good idea?

Recessed downlights can look smart when properly planned. They work well in kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, utility rooms and modern living areas, but they should be positioned carefully rather than installed in random grids.
 

Is electric underfloor heating worth it?

Electric underfloor heating can be useful in small bathrooms or ensuites, but it is often expensive to run in larger areas. Many homeowners install it and rarely use it, so it should be considered carefully.
 

Should I install exterior security lights?

Yes, exterior security lights can improve safety and security, especially around entrances, side passages, driveways, garages and gardens. They should be positioned carefully to avoid glare and neighbour nuisance.
 

Should I install a video doorbell?

A video doorbell is a useful upgrade for many homes. A hardwired installation can look neater and avoid battery charging, but it needs proper planning.
 

Do electrical works need Building Regulations approval?

Some domestic electrical works are notifiable under Building Regulations, especially new circuits, consumer unit changes and work in certain locations. A registered electrician can often self-certify the work and provide the correct certification.
 

Should the electrician make good after chasing walls?

This should be agreed before work starts. Some electricians only make basic repairs, while others leave walls ready for plastering. Full decoration is often separate. Homeowners should clarify exactly what is included in the quote.
 

Planning Electrical Rewiring, Lighting or Smart Home Upgrades?

APN Home helps homeowners understand the type of support they may need for home improvement projects, including rewiring, lighting design, sockets, smart controls, security upgrades, extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and full refurbishments.
 

Whether you are planning a full rewire, adding new circuits, upgrading lighting, installing a video doorbell or making sure all cabling is hidden properly before decoration, it is worth getting the electrical layout clear before the work starts.
 

Tell us about your project and APN Home can help you understand the next sensible step.