What to expect
Floorboards up, channels cut into walls, dust that gets everywhere and periods without power. Electricians working in occupied homes usually do one or two rooms at a time and restore power at the end of each day, but there will be interruptions.
Before work starts
- Clear the rooms being worked on, or move furniture to the middle and cover it
- Lift rugs and, if possible, carpets in the first rooms
- Empty cupboards on walls that will be chased
- Make a plan for the kettle and fridge – a 'camp kitchen' helps
- Back up computers and sort out working-from-home arrangements
- Agree with the electrician which rooms will be done in which order
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Pets, children and safety
Lifted floorboards and tools are hazards. Keep small children and pets out of work areas, and agree a 'safe zone' room that isn't touched until last. Electricians will make circuits safe at the end of each day, but it's still a building site during working hours.
Is it worth moving out?
If you can stay with family for the noisiest week, the job will usually be quicker, and quicker often means cheaper. If you can't, don't worry – electricians do occupied rewires all the time. Ask each one how they'd approach it when they quote.
