If you are considering an extension to your home, or additional lights and sockets, I will review the capacity of your existing unit to ensure it is not overloaded with the extra usage. If you have any questions, or doubts about the safety, or size of your existing unit, please get in touch. I will be happy to provide verbal advice, or carry out a visual safety/capacity inspection free of charge to local customers.

Having lights with timers, photocells and remote controls ensures you will never come home to a dark and gloomy house. And with new energy efficient bulbs, you can be confident they won’t cost you the earth to run. I can take you through your options of what type of light would be most suitable and cost efficient for your needs.

Click here to read my guide on outdoor lighting.

Kitchens:

• Additional sockets and switches
• Change existing lights for new energy efficient LED lighting
• Extractor fans
• Oven and hob supply
• Under unit and plinth lighting

Bathrooms:

• Extractor fans
• Shaver sockets
• Electric underfloor heating
• Bathroom body dryers
• Install, or replace existing electric shower

There are no set guidelines as to when a property should be rewired. Just because your wiring is old, doesn’t mean it is unsafe. Many factors can affect the wear and tear of your electrical installation, including the materials used, the quality of workmanship during the initial wiring and how the property has been used over that time. If you are unsure if you need a rewire, I will happily come and inspect and test the wiring and tell you if anything needs upgrading.

As a very general guide, if a property has not been rewired in the last 25-30 years, it’s worth having the wiring checked for safety. If you do not plan on any major internal alterations, or extensions and the wiring is in good condition and you are not experiencing any problems a safety check may be all that is needed for peace of mind. However, if you are planning on some major remodelling work that constitutes a material alternation, as defined by the building regulations, it is likely that current building regulations will require you to update part, if not all of the property, including upgrading the consumer unit (fuse box). Similarly, the same applies if you intend to extend, convert an attic, or garage building. If you are unsure if your wiring is safe, or if a part, or full rewire is necessary, I will gladly give you advice, or arrange a visit to inspect the existing wiring and consumer unit/fuse box.

You can also carry out some simple regular checks yourself. Check around the house for the condition of cables, switches, sockets and other accessories. If you notice anything unusual, for example burn marks on plugs and sockets, or sounds of arching (buzzing and crackling), circuit breakers tripping, then it’s worth having an inspection.

• If the element in your cylinder tank has gone, you will be receiving no hot water through your tap. This means you’ll need a plumber to drain your tank and replace the old element. The plumber will be able to fit a new element and connect it to the existing electricity supply without the need for an electrician.
• If your thermostat is faulty your water will be exceptionally hot. An electrician, or a plumber can replace your thermostat.
• If your circuit breaker has tripped, or fuse blown, call an electrician.
• If your water has reduce flow, or there is a leak you’ll need a plumber.
• If your hot water remains heated, even when your immersion is switched off, you may have a faulty switch and therefore you will need an electrician.