What to Expect During a House Rewire: Advice from an Electrician Based in Wellington and Kapiti
If you’re living in an older home in Wellington or on the Kāpiti Coast, chances are your electrical system may no longer meet current safety standards. Whether you’re renovating, experiencing electrical faults, or simply want peace of mind, a full house rewire is often the best way to bring your home up to modern expectations.
As experienced electricians based in Wellington and Kāpiti, we’ve supported many homeowners through this process. Here’s what to expect, what’s involved, and how to know when it’s time to rewire your home.
Why Rewiring Is Sometimes Necessary
Many houses built before the 1980s still have outdated wiring, such as VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) or deteriorating TPS cabling. These systems weren’t designed for the
electrical demands of modern households — think heat pumps, EV chargers, dishwashers, and home offices.
If your home has:
- Regularly tripping circuit breakers
- Flickering lights
- Burnt or discoloured sockets or switches
- Original fuse box or outdated switchboard
- No earthing in lighting circuits
…it may be time to bring in a licensed Wellington or Kāpiti electrician for a safety inspection.
What’s Involved in a House Rewire?
A full house rewire is a major job — but it’s also one of the best ways to improve the safety, function, and value of your home. Here’s what’s typically involved:
- Site Visit and Assessment
We begin with a full on-site inspection to check your current wiring, switchboard, and overall electrical setup. We also discuss your needs — like more power points, USB outlets, smart lighting, or preparation for solar or EV charging.
As local electricians in Wellington and Kāpiti, we’re familiar with the housing stock across the region — from early-1900s villas to 1970s brick-and-tile homes.
- Planning and Quoting
After the assessment, we’ll provide a clear, itemised quote tailored to your home’s size, condition, and your future plans. This can include:
- Full rewiring of lighting and power circuits
- New switchboard installation
- RCD protection for all circuits
- Smoke alarm upgrades (to NZ Building Code standards)
- New light fittings and power outlets
We always work to New Zealand’s electrical standard (AS/NZS 3000). 3. Rewiring the House
The physical work is usually carried out in stages. It may take a few days to a week depending on the home’s size and accessibility. We’ll need access to walls, ceilings, and underfloor areas. If you’re living in the home, we’ll coordinate to minimise disruption — working room by room where possible.
We also liaise with builders or painters if part of a wider renovation project. 4. Testing, Compliance, and Certification
Once the rewire is complete, we thoroughly test the system and issue an Electrical Safety Certificate for your records. All work is carried out to NZ electrical regulations by registered electricians and checked by a certified inspector if required.
How to Prepare for a House Rewire
Ensure clear access to switches, sockets, and your switchboard
Discuss any layout or upgrade preferences with your electrician early Consider moving out temporarily if it’s a large-scale rewire
A full rewire is a great time to future-proof your home — from smart switches to pre wiring for EV charging or solar panels.
Need a Trusted Electrician in Wellington or Kāpiti?
At Cableworks Electrical, we carry out full house rewires across the Wellington region and the Kāpiti Coast. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, great communication, and tidy, professional service.
Whether you’re upgrading for safety, renovating your home, or just want the job done right, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to arrange a no-obligation quote with a registered electrician in Wellington or Kāpiti.