Planning a home renovation on the Sunshine Coast is a great time to consider the electrical work and upgrades your home may need. While walls and ceilings are already being worked on, you can make changes that improve safety, practicality and everyday comfort.
Here are seven electrical upgrades worth considering before your renovation gets underway.
1. Upgrade Your Lighting
The right lighting can make a big difference to how a renovated room looks and functions. Rather than automatically replacing old lights in the same positions, consider whether your new layout would benefit from downlights, pendants, task lighting or outdoor lighting.
LED lighting is also worth considering for energy efficiency. The Australian Government provides more information about the benefits and options for energy-efficient household lighting.
2. Add More Power Points
A renovation is the ideal time to put power points where you’ll actually use them. Think about your new furniture layout, TVs, bedside tables, home office equipment and kitchen appliances rather than simply replacing existing outlets in the same locations.
In kitchens, consider where you’ll use appliances such as the kettle, toaster, coffee machine and air fryer. A few well-planned power points now can save you from relying on power boards later.
3. Check Your Switchboard
An older switchboard may not be suitable for the additional electrical demands of your renovated home. New appliances, lighting, air conditioning and other additions can all place extra demand on the electrical system.
Having your switchboard checked early can identify whether a switchboard upgrade should be included in the renovation rather than dealt with later.
4. Plan for Kitchen Appliances
New ovens, electric cooktops and other major kitchen appliances may need dedicated circuits or new electrical connections. Choosing your appliances and confirming where they’ll be installed early gives your electrician the information needed to plan the wiring.
It’s also worth thinking about the smaller appliances you use every day so your kitchen has enough conveniently located power points once it’s finished.
5. Install or Replace Ceiling Fans
Renovating is a convenient time to install ceiling fans or replace older ones. For Sunshine Coast homes, fans can help improve airflow and keep bedrooms and living areas more comfortable during warmer weather.
Plan their position around the size and layout of each room, particularly if you’re also changing your lighting or ceiling layout.
6. Check Your Smoke Alarms
Your smoke alarms should be included in your renovation electrical plan. Existing alarms may need replacing or relocating, or additional alarms may be required to meet current Queensland requirements.
Queensland has specific rules covering the type, placement and interconnection of smoke alarms in homes. You can read the official Queensland smoke alarm requirements for more information.
7. Think About Future Electrical Needs
Good electrical planning should consider how you’ll use your home in the future, not just what you need today. Making provisions while renovation work is underway can make future electrical changes much easier.
You might want to allow for a future home office, additional air conditioning, outdoor entertaining areas, smart home technology, security systems or solar and battery upgrades. You don’t have to install everything now, but it’s worth discussing your plans with your electrician.
When Should You Speak to an Electrician?
Get your local electrician involved early, ideally while you’re still planning the renovation. This gives you time to work out lighting, power points, appliance connections and any upgrades your existing electrical system may need before walls and ceilings are finished.
Harmonix Electrical Solutions provides renovation electrical work for kitchens, bathrooms, extensions and larger home renovations across the Sunshine Coast.
