Thinking About Renovating? Read This First
Renovating your home is so exciting! Whether you're updating a kitchen, creating a new outdoor entertaining area, or completely transforming your home, it's easy to get caught up choosing tiles, paint colours, cabinetry and finishes… But one of the most important parts of any renovation is often the one you can't see. Your home's electrical layout.
At Sublime Electrical Co, we've worked with many homeowners who wished they'd thought about their electrical needs earlier in the renovation process. While almost anything can be changed later, making those decisions before plaster goes up is usually far easier and more cost-effective.
Here are some things worth considering before your renovation begins.
When planning a renovation, don't just think about how you'll use the space today. Think about how you'll live in your home over the next five to ten years.
Ask yourself:
Will this become a family home?
Will someone work from home?
Could furniture layouts change?
Will you eventually own an electric vehicle?
Are you planning to install air conditioning later?
Planning for the future now can save you from needing additional electrical work down the track.
You Can Never Have Too Many Power Points
One of the most common things we hear from homeowners is:
"I wish we'd added another power point."
Modern homes use far more devices than they did even ten years ago.
Phone chargers, laptops, coffee machines, robot vacuums, gaming consoles, smart speakers and kitchen appliances all need somewhere to be plugged in.
Instead of relying on extension leads or power boards later, think carefully about where you'll actually use electricity every day.
Consider adding extra outlets in:
Under kitchen benchtops
Home offices
Bedrooms beside the bed
TV and entertainment areas
Walk-in robes
In bathroom cabinets
Garage workspaces
Outdoor entertaining areas
Lighting Does More Than Brighten a Room.
Lighting is one of the biggest factors in how a space feels. The right lighting can make a room feel warm, inviting and functional, while poor lighting can leave even a beautiful renovation feeling flat.
Think about layering your lighting with a combination of:
General lighting
Task lighting
Feature/pendant lighting
Outdoor lighting
Dimmers are also worth considering, allowing you to change the mood of a room throughout the day. Instead of a bright studio type lighting over the dining table, a dimmer allows you to adjust the vibe of the area by lowering the light to a more comfortable or even romantic setting.
Don't Forget the Outdoors
Outdoor spaces are often overlooked until the renovation is nearly finished. If you're building an alfresco area or upgrading your backyard, now is the ideal time to plan.
Considering areas such as:
Outdoor power points
Ceiling fans
Decking lights
Outdoor strip lights
Security lighting
Future BBQ or outdoor kitchen appliances
It's much easier to install wiring before paving, decking or landscaping is complete.
Think About Your Switchboard
Adding new appliances and circuits can place greater demand on your home's electrical system. If your home is older, your existing switchboard may not have the capacity to safely support your renovation. A switchboard assessment early in the planning stage helps avoid unexpected delays later in the project.
Plan for Smart Home Technology
You don't need a fully automated home to enjoy modern conveniences.
Many homeowners now want:
Smart lighting
Video doorbells
Security cameras
Smart switches
Motion sensors
Wi-Fi-enabled outdoor lighting
Even if you don't install everything immediately, planning the wiring now makes future upgrades much easier.
Work With Your Electrician Early
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until the builder is ready for electrical rough-in before speaking with an electrician. However, the earlier you're involved in planning, the more opportunities there are to improve the layout, reduce future costs and ensure the finished result works exactly as you imagined. A little planning now can prevent expensive changes later.
Renovate Once. Do It Right.
A renovation is a significant investment, and it's worth making sure every part of your home works just as beautifully as it looks. Thoughtful electrical planning means better functionality, improved safety and a home that's ready for the way you live now—and in the future. Whether you're renovating one room or your entire home, taking the time to plan your electrical layout can make all the difference.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
If you're planning a renovation and would like advice before the work begins, we'd love to help. And remember, the electrical decisions you make before the walls go up can save you time, money, and frustration later.
At Sublime Electrical Co, we work with homeowners across Perth to design practical electrical layouts that suit the way you live—today and for years to come.