Is Your House Ready for New Wiring? Clues That Tell You It's Time to Upgrade Your Home's Electrical System

If you own an old house or plan to renovate, you should think about more than just paint and floors—your electrical setup might need work too. Rewiring your whole house isn't just about making things look nice or work better; it's about keeping your home safe, making it run well, and following the rules.

At Mako Electrical, we've seen how old or unsafe wiring can cause real problems. Knowing when your house needs new wiring can stop electrical fires, boost your power supply, and get your home ready for today's tech. Here's what you should know.

Why Would a Home Need Full Rewiring?

Wiring systems have changed a lot over the years. If your house was built before the 1980s and hasn't had a complete electrical upgrade since then, it's likely that the internal wiring doesn't meet current safety standards. In many cases, the insulation on old wires breaks down, and older fuse boxes don't provide the same protection as modern circuit breakers.

Here are the main reasons why you might need to rewire your entire house:

• Safety Hazards: Old or faulty wiring raises the chances of electrical fires and shocks.

• Compliance with Current Codes: Modern New Zealand houses need to meet updated building and safety rules.

• Renovation or Extensions: Any big home upgrade should include a check of the wiring.

• Modern Power Demands: Today's homes use many more appliances and gadgets than houses from years ago were built to handle.

Old wiring just can't support big TVs, heat pumps, electric car chargers, and Wi-Fi routers all running at the same time.

Clear Signs Your Home Might Need New Wiring

Many signs that a house needs new wiring aren't clear. But homeowners can spot early warnings and avoid big issues if they pay attention.

1. Lights That Flicker or Dim

When your lights get dim each time the fridge starts or you turn on a heat pump, it's more than just a bother—it might mean your electrical circuits can't handle modern needs.

2. Breakers That Trip or Fuses That Blow Often

Circuit breakers are made to cut off when there's too much power or a problem. If this happens a lot, you should check if your wiring or fuse box is old.

3. Smell of Burning or Power Points That Change Color

A faint burning odor or brown spots near sockets might signal overheating wires because of old or faulty connections. This poses a serious fire hazard and needs checking right away.

4. Not Enough Power Outlets or Using Multiple Extension Cords

Old houses weren't built with the number of power points we need nowadays. Overloading a few outlets with double adapters or power strips puts extra pressure on your circuits and raises the risk of fire.

5. Old Cable Types (e.g., VIR or Tough Rubber Sheathed Cables)

Clear signs of outdated wiring materials such as Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) show that your house needs rewiring. These materials break down as time passes and can turn brittle, dangerous, and fail to meet current standards.

How Often Should You Rewire a House?

No strict rule exists, but electricians suggest checking your wiring every 20 to 30 years. If your house is older than 40 years and hasn't seen a major update, you should think about rewiring.

Thinking about a home makeover? It's the ideal time to check your electrical system. At Mako Electrical, we often team up with people redoing their homes to upgrade their wiring while they're already opening walls and ceilings—this saves both time and money.

Breaking Down the Rewiring Process

Many homeowners think rewiring sounds messy and costly. But with the right experts, it can be pretty simple and cause minimal disruption.

Here's what happens:

1. Assessment & Quotation We start by taking a close look at your existing wiring. This involves examining cables, fuse boards, earthing, and load capacity.

2. Planning & Scheduling If you need rewiring, we'll map out the layout, suggest the ideal spots for power points, switches, and lights, and set up work to fit your schedule.

3. Execution We remove the old wiring and put in new cable runs behind walls, floors, or ceilings. We make sure to shield your home during this process.

4. Testing & Certification We run thorough tests on every circuit before we give you a Certificate of Compliance. This ensures your new wiring meets all New Zealand rules.

Is Rewiring Worth It?

A complete house rewire costs money, but it gives you peace of mind and adds value over time. You're making sure your family stays safe and boosting your home's selling potential. These days many home buyers ask about electrical standards—in older houses. A rewire can help sell your home.

If you're renovating or adding to your house, not updating your wiring could slow things down or even break building rules.

Why Choose Mako Electrical to Rewire Your Home?

Located in Nelson, Mako Electrical focuses on home electrical work such as rewiring entire houses, updates, and safety improvements. Our skilled certified electricians know how to handle the specific issues that come with rewiring older New Zealand houses. We make sure your system stays safe, works well, and can meet future needs.

We explain everything and help you make smart choices about your home's electrical health. If you're updating your home having electrical problems, or just not sure about your wiring—reach out to us for straight talk from experts.

Conclusion

Old wiring isn't just out-of-date—it often poses a risk. If your home shows signs of electrical problems, or you plan to renovate, think about a full rewire now. The upside? You have help available.

Get in touch with Mako Electrical now to get a complete checkup and reliable guidance on upgrading your home's electrical setup.

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Common Questions About House Rewiring

• How much does a full house rewire cost in NZ?

  The price changes depending on the home's size, age, and how easy it is to access. , rewiring a typical 3-bedroom house in NZ can set you back $8,000–$15,000. To get an exact price for your situation, ask Mako Electrical for a quote.

• Can I stay in my house while it's being rewired?

  Most of the time, you can—but it depends on how big the job is. We'll talk to you about this beforehand to make sure it causes you as little trouble as possible.

• Do I have to rewire when I renovate?

  It's not always a must, but if your current wiring isn't safe or doesn't meet the rules, you might need to upgrade to get the okay from building inspectors.

• How long does it take to rewire a house?

  A full rewire takes 5 to 10 days. The time can change based on your home's layout and your schedule.

• What kind of electricians should I hire for rewiring?

  You should hire registered and licensed electricians who know NZ code—like the crew at Mako Electrical.