Concerned about ageing wiring, repeated electrical faults or previous alterations? Dr Watt assesses existing wiring and carries out partial and full house rewiring across the Sunshine Coast. Not every older home needs a full rewire. Lior uses inspection and testing to help identify what needs attention, explains the findings and provides a written quote for the agreed work. If you're renovating, we can plan the rewiring alongside new lighting, power points and switchboard work.
QLD Electrical Contractor Licence 82601 · 30+ years' electrical experience · Based in Mooloolah Valley
Signs your wiring needs assessment
- Ageing cable insulation: older rubber-insulated or fabric-covered cables may have deteriorated and need professional assessment
- Repeated faults: safety switch trips, unexplained flickering or recurring circuit failures need investigation before deciding whether rewiring is the answer
- Damaged wiring: animal damage, water ingress, heat or other physical damage can affect cable condition
- Questionable previous alterations: poor connections, unsuitable cable or concealed joins may need investigation and repair
- An electrical inspection finding: an inspection may identify particular circuits or sections of wiring that need replacement
- Renovations or changed electrical needs: new layouts and appliances may require replacement wiring or additional circuits
Ceramic fuses or an older switchboard are reasons to assess the installation, but they do not prove the wiring is original or that the house needs a full rewire. Equally, a newer switchboard does not establish that all the wiring has been replaced. Scorching, burning smells, sparking or unusual heat need urgent attention: keep clear and call for advice, and for fire or immediate danger move to safety and call 000.
Partial or full rewiring
Partial rewire: replaces identified circuits, cable runs or areas of the home, such as damaged wiring or wiring affected by a kitchen renovation. It may suit an installation where the remaining wiring is assessed as suitable for continued use within the agreed inspection scope.
Full rewire: replaces the wiring covered by a whole-home scope agreed with you. The quote identifies which circuits and areas are included, which fittings will be replaced or retained, and whether switchboard or supply work is required.
A full rewire does not automatically include every electrical item on the property. Sheds, pumps, outdoor circuits, consumer mains, metering, data cabling and specialist equipment are listed separately as included or excluded. The extent of the work, access and construction determine the cost and disruption, so we assess the job before proposing a timeframe rather than promising a fixed number of days.
How a rewire works with Dr Watt
- Inspection and testing. We inspect accessible wiring and test the relevant circuits to help establish their condition and the work needed, and explain any limits caused by concealed wiring or restricted access. See our electrical inspection services.
- Written quote and work plan. We identify the circuits and areas to be rewired, the fittings included and any switchboard or supply work, and discuss power interruptions, access, finishing and chances to add power points, lighting or data.
- Isolation and cable installation. We isolate and make safe the affected circuits before replacing wiring. Cable routes depend on roof and underfloor access, wall construction and obstructions. Where openings are needed, we discuss the approach and include the agreed making-good work in the scope.
- Fit-off and switchboard work. We connect the agreed power points, switches, lights and equipment, and retain existing fittings where suitable. Where a switchboard upgrade is needed, Dr Watt uses individual RCBO protection for each final sub-circuit. See our switchboard upgrade services.
- Testing and handover. We test the new and altered work, update circuit labelling as required, provide the relevant electrical safety certification and explain any outstanding items, exclusions or further work identified.
Can I live in the house while it's rewired?
Sometimes, depending on the work, access and whether essential services can be maintained safely. A partial rewire may allow you to remain at home with planned power interruptions. A more extensive rewire can involve longer outages, restricted access to rooms and disruption to daily routines. We discuss the proposed stages before work starts, including effects on refrigeration, hot water, cooking and any equipment you rely on. Temporary accommodation may be more practical for some projects, and staying in the home cannot be guaranteed before assessment.
What affects house rewiring costs
- size of the home and the circuits and areas in scope
- roof and underfloor access, ceiling heights and number of levels
- wall construction and available cable routes
- existing cable condition and the extent of repairs
- the switches, power points and lighting selected
- any switchboard, earthing or supply work
- access openings, plaster repairs, patching and painting included in the quote
- staging, occupancy and arrangements to maintain essential services
We provide a written quote for the agreed scope. If concealed conditions or further faults require additional work, we explain what has been found and discuss the scope and cost before proceeding.
Rewiring during a renovation
Involve your electrician before demolition and before layouts are finalised. We can assess existing wiring, plan cable routes and arrange the electrical disconnection and make-safe work needed before affected areas are demolished. Where walls or ceilings will be opened, coordinating the rewiring with that access can reduce disruption and avoid reopening finished surfaces. The best sequence depends on the building and renovation program. See our renovation electrical services.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know how old my wiring is?
The switchboard alone cannot establish wiring age, and a home may contain wiring from several periods. An electrician can inspect accessible cable types, review available records and carry out appropriate tests to assess condition and identify further investigation needed.
Does an old switchboard mean I need a full rewire?
No. The switchboard and wiring are assessed separately. Some homes need a switchboard upgrade while much of the existing wiring remains suitable; others need selected circuits or more extensive wiring replaced.
Will rewiring damage my walls?
It depends on cable routes, construction and access. Some wiring can be replaced through existing roof or underfloor access, and other areas need openings. We discuss foreseeable access work and clarify whether patching and painting are included or arranged separately.
Should I rewire before or during a renovation?
Plan it before demolition. Where the renovation provides suitable access, cable replacement can be coordinated before walls and ceilings are finished. Unsafe wiring may need attention sooner rather than waiting for the renovation.
Will a full rewire include a new switchboard and all new fittings?
Only where specified in the quote. We assess the switchboard and fittings, agree what will be replaced or retained and list the included circuits and areas so the scope is clear.
Send Lior your suburb, the issues you've noticed, any previous inspection findings and your renovation plans if applicable. Photos of the switchboard can help with an initial discussion, but inspection and testing are needed to assess the wiring.