A renovation is the ideal time to plan power points, lighting and data around how you'll use your home, and to assess existing wiring while access is available. Dr Watt handles electrical work for renovations and extensions across the Sunshine Coast, from early planning through to installation, testing and handover. Whether you're updating one room or renovating the whole house, Lior helps you plan a practical layout, identify electrical work that needs attention and allow for future additions where practical.
QLD Electrical Contractor Licence 82601 · Registered cabler · 30+ years' electrical experience · Works with owners and builders
Renovations we do electrical work on
- Kitchens: oven and cooktop circuits, bench and island power points, rangehood, under-cabinet and pendant lighting
- Bathrooms and laundries: lighting, exhaust fans, combination heater and fan units, heated towel rails and power points positioned to suit the layout and applicable wet-area requirements
- Extensions and additions: electrical work for new rooms, decks, patios and outdoor kitchens
- Granny flats and studios: assessment of the existing supply, power to the new building, sub-boards, lighting, power points and data
- Whole-home renovations: planning and installation across the home, with rewiring and switchboard upgrades where needed
The electrical stages of a renovation
1. Planning
Before demolition, we discuss how you'll use each room: the furniture layout, appliance requirements, lighting, switching, power points and data. We also assess the existing switchboard and supply for the proposed work, so any necessary upgrades can be allowed for in the quote.
2. Disconnect and make safe
Before demolition starts, we disconnect and make safe the affected electrical wiring and fittings within the agreed work area. Demolition affecting electrical installations should only begin once this work is complete.
3. Rough-in
When the framing or other suitable access is available, we run cables for the agreed power, lighting, data and TV points. This is also the time to consider spare conduits or cable provisions for future work, because adding provisions while access is open can avoid more disruptive work later.
4. Fit-off
Once the relevant walls, tiling, painting and cabinetry are ready, we install the agreed switches, power points, lights, fans and appliance connections, coordinating timing with you and the other trades.
5. Test and hand over
We test the new and altered electrical work, update circuit labelling as required and provide the relevant electrical safety certification. We also explain any new controls and identify outstanding items or further work needed.
Working with your builder or renovation company
Working with a builder, kitchen installer or bathroom company? We coordinate the electrical stages with their program and confirm access, layouts and appliance details before each stage. If you're managing the renovation yourself, we explain when electrical work needs to happen and what must be ready before each visit. Early notice of layout or scheduling changes helps avoid unnecessary return visits and rework.
Things worth planning before the walls are closed
- Enough power points at the kitchen bench, and one inside the pantry for appliances
- Power and data in the spot where the TV will actually go
- USB outlets beside beds
- Two-way switching for stairs and long hallways
- Outdoor power points and lighting for the deck or barbecue
- A dedicated circuit for a future workshop, spa or pool pump, with capacity and cable routes assessed before installation
- Home-office data points, Wi-Fi access point cabling and suitable locations for networking equipment
- Spare conduits or cable provisions where practical, to make future additions easier
You don't need to install everything now. A little planning can leave useful options for later without reopening finished walls.
Existing wiring and switchboards
Renovating doesn't automatically mean the whole house needs rewiring. We assess the wiring relevant to the work and discuss any additional inspection or testing needed before recommending repairs, partial rewiring or a more extensive upgrade. If a switchboard upgrade is needed, Dr Watt uses individual RCBOs (combined circuit breakers and safety switches) to give each final sub-circuit its own protection. See our rewiring and switchboard upgrade services. An assessment for the renovation is not automatically a condition report on every circuit in the house. If you want a broader electrical inspection, we can include that in the agreed scope.
Renovation electrical costs
We provide a written quote based on the plans, site conditions and agreed scope. Costs depend on the number and type of fittings, access, new circuits, any supply or switchboard upgrades, and the condition of the existing wiring. Final appliance details, fitting selections and confirmed layouts help us quote accurately. Changes to the layout, additional fittings or faults uncovered during the work may affect the price, and we explain additional work and discuss its cost before proceeding.
Frequently asked questions
When should I bring an electrician into a renovation?
At the planning stage, before demolition. Switchboard capacity and cable routes can affect the budget and layout.
Can you work with my kitchen or bathroom company?
Yes. Send us the proposed layout, appliance specifications and contact details for the company coordinating the work. We can quote the electrical scope and coordinate the installation stages with them.
Do I need to rewire the whole house?
Not necessarily. The work needed depends on the condition of the existing wiring and the changes you're making. We explain what inspection and testing are included, identify any further assessment needed and recommend work based on the findings.
Can we add electrical extras after work has started?
Usually, but the stage of the renovation matters. Changes are generally easier before walls and ceilings are finished. Tell us as early as possible so we can assess access, circuit capacity, timing and any additional cost.
Can I supply my own lights and fans?
Discuss your selections with us before buying. We can check installation requirements and suitability for the location, including dimensions, mounting and access. Let us know which fittings you plan to supply so the quote is clear.
Talk to Lior before the walls come down. Send your suburb, plans or photos, the rooms involved and your expected timeframe so we can discuss the electrical work.