Planning A Rewire

As with all planning, a budget is key, plus a little wiggle room (say 20%) for the surprises. No-one likes surprises, but they are generally a fact of any renovation, and if you're financially prepared for them they are whole lot easier to swallow.  The plan should cover everything you want the electrician to do (not how - leave that to the pros) and it should be for a considerable amount of time - 25 years is a reasonable expectation since that is typically how often a house rewire is required.  Sketch a picture, as that can help visualize the goal.  This, together with the requirements detailed in the plan, will form an excellent base for discussion with the hired electrician.

Choosing an Electrician
Sometimes electrical work is simple enough to do yourself.  But even the simplest jobs can get tricky in a hurry, and electricity is nothing to mess around with.  If you are unsure of what you're are doing in any capacity, a reliable, flexible electrician is a must.  The key to choosing an electrician is trust: do you feel that you can work with these people, and have them in your home? Do they have the skills to do the job as you want it and when you want it?  They might be able to talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? Always check references, qualifications, have a few meetings, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions - you are ensuring the safety of you, your friends and your loved ones. What similar jobs have they done previously? Can they walk you through the plan? What inspections are required? Are they insured? Get several quotes to help make your decision, but don't simply go with the cheapest if other things don’t add up - it'll end up costing much more in the long run.

​Once you have decided, a written contract is essential so that both parties know what's expected of each other.  It will solidify the relationship between you and your electrician, and give you peace of mind going into the project.  Do not start working with a contractor without a contract - you are only asking for trouble. And always keep communication lines open and honest; there may be some sticky moments, but at the end of the day, it will work out best for everyone.