Rewiring - anything extra we should plan in?

[RoseValleyRambles]

We're currently rewiring before doing some decoration. Putting in plenty sockets, dinners on lights, and allowing for a heated bathroom floor one day far in the future. I'd there anything else we should think about at the same time?

[Bellatrixandstrange]

The sockets either side of your bed in the right place, more sockets than you think you'll ever need, especially in the kitchen, the USB sockets, maybe led lights.

[JoJoSM2]

A light switch by the bed so you don't need to get up to turn it on or off?

[johnd2]

Yes I'd second sockets, twice as many as you think. In our box room barely 2m by 3m we have the original single plus three doubles. That seems about right.
In the lounge we have an original double and single (used to have two of each) plus another two doubles in each corner and one half way along the long wall.
In the kitchen consider power points for under cupboard lights switched off a main switch.
Also we're getting mains powered fire alarms and provision for an instant hand wash heater (combo is too slow/wasteful for washing hands)
Think about wall lights and extra ceiling lights too, If you want.
And if you're that way inclined, some people add network cables and audio speakers into ceilings.
We're going to add some home automation for lighting, so we're going to have a radial cable to some of the room lights to make it simple.
Good luck!

[May09Bump]

Budget for a cleaner -ours was messy. Make sure they seal the doors etc, to prevent dust migrating as much as possible. We has a total renovation job.

[Badbadbunny]

How is your central heating pipework and radiators? We never gave them a thought when we moved in (in summer) and did re-wiring, new carpets, decorating throughout etc. Regretted it ever since as some of the radiators are old and clogged up, so need replacing, and the pipework is micro-pore which is known for bends getting kinked and clogged etc. We can't bring ourselves to have the radiators changed or pipework replaced due to having to have carpets/floor pulled up, risks of dirty oily water on carpets/decorating etc, and maybe even having walls chiselled for new pipes. So we have portable electric radiators around to get the house warm!!

[RoseValleyRambles]

Brilliant - thanks all. Hadn't thought about USB points or cupboard lighting. And have a few heating things to do, which is completely forgotten, so will look to synchronise. Amazing!

[Fennwalker]

Definitely LEDs over halogen. More expensive to buy but will save you a lot on electric bills.

TV phone points - where would they be most sensible / useful? Might not be where they are now...

[Fennwalker]

And YY to thinking about radiators at same time and way more sockets than you think! We have four doubles in each room. It's just enough in kitchen but bedroom and by the TV / computer could do with more...

[EMS23]

USB sockets, especially by bedsides and sofas/ side tables.
Sockets and tv points at wall mounting height for wall mounted TVs.
Hallway sockets for lamps and hoover.
Desk height sockets where desks will be.

[trinity0097]

Sockets with built in usb are essential!

[bumpertobumper]

Ethernet cable. Depends on the size and shape of your house, but means you can have full strength wifi throughout.
Also second USB ports, you can get plug sockets that have them alongside, charge things so quickly!

[eatingtomuch]

As a parent to teenagers I would say network cables in all the bedrooms. To have full internet strength in all the rooms would be a priority for me.

[MrsPigling]

have some spare unused fuses in the fuse (or whatever they're supposed to be called now) just in case you have the urge to add an extra shower or something outrageous in the future

[Fluffyears]

Watching with interest as may be a project we undertake soon. I live the USB sockets, we had them in a holiday cottage recently.

[olderthanyouthink]

At least a double gang socket on each wall (more by beds, desks, media centers).
And almost as many ethernet ports! Tonnes of things can use then now.

[didireallysaythat]

5amp circuit for switched lamps. Best thing we ever did.

[FlouncingIntoAutumn]

If you've got outside space then provision or wiring to it.

A socket at the front can be very useful for vacuuming out the car, pressure washing the drive, stringing seasonal lights etc.

Likewise at the rear.

If you have a seating area then a power socket for outdoor heating. I love lighting of feature plants in a garden. Not necessarily bright lighting but decent spots up through a few bushes and onto the odd trees foliage can look fantastic.

We've recently done a lean too shed conversion to utility with lighting, washing machine, tumble dryer and power sockets. It has its own mini control panel fed off provision we made when the original box was put in and we debated with the electrician to allow lots of provision for garden circuits. It appears to be becoming more populare for appliances to be banished to garden sheds and garages so if this is a possibility then thinking about provision for power is probably not a bad idea.

Its not that the wiring retrospectively is expensive its the hassle and redecoration if provision isn't thought through.

Lighting and a few power sockets in the loft can be useful if you plan to store stuff up there and you can then power an aerial booster box, theres another wiring thought - aerial points to locations you may want TV's now or in the future.