If you are renovating one of Adelaide's lovely Bungalow-era homes, the wiring inside is probably original or close to it. Knowing your options before you start saves money and headaches.
What original wiring looks like
Most Bungalow-era homes (built roughly 1900 to 1940) were originally wired with vulcanised india rubber (VIR) insulated cable. By the 1950s these were being replaced with cotton-braided PVC. By the 1970s with modern PVC twin and earth.
If your house still has the original VIR cable, it is at end of life. The insulation has perished and the cables are dangerous. Any work that disturbs them is risky.
Signs you might need a full rewire
Visible old cabling (cloth-covered or rubber-covered) in the roof cavity. Power points that get warm when you use them. Circuit breakers tripping repeatedly. Discoloured or cracked socket faces. Switches that crackle or spark when used.
Partial vs full rewire
Partial rewire (just the rooms being renovated): cheaper but creates a mix of old and new wiring throughout the house. Future renovation costs more because the rest needs to be done eventually.
Full rewire of the whole house: more expensive upfront but you only do it once. Recommended if your wiring is genuinely old.
What a full rewire involves
New switchboard with RCBOs on every circuit. New consumer mains from the SA Power Networks supply. New cable runs to every power point, light, and switch in the house. New double-insulated cables suitable for modern loads. Often a few extra power points added because old homes are usually short.
What it costs in Adelaide
Partial rewire (one or two rooms during renovation): $2,500 to $5,000 depending on scope.
Full house rewire of a 3-bedroom Bungalow: $8,500 to $14,000 depending on access and complexity.
Full rewire with switchboard upgrade and service upgrade: $12,000 to $18,000.
What you can do during renovation that is harder later
Wire for solar even if you are not installing it now. Run conduit during renovation costs hundreds of dollars. Doing it later costs thousands.
Add data cabling for hardwired internet. Wi-Fi is fine but for working from home, hardwired connections to key rooms are worth doing.
Add extra power points, especially in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms. Old houses are notoriously short.
Wire for ceiling fans even in rooms that do not have one yet. Pre-wired ceiling fan locations make later install much cheaper.
When to start
Before any plastering or painting work. Once walls are repaired and painted, electrical work becomes destructive again. Get your electrician in at the same time as your other rough-in trades.