Everything You Need to Know About House Rewiring in Victoria
Author: Andrew, Founder and Director, Luno Electrical. Registered Master Electrician (no: 25989).
If your home was built before the Beatles hit number one, chances are your wiring is as outdated as their haircuts. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many Victorian homes (especially in places like Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Brunswick, Fitzroy, and St Kilda) are running on vintage electrical systems that are well past their use-by date.
At Luno Electrical, we’re here to cut through the confusion (not the wires) and help you understand when and why your house might need a rewire. With over 170 five-star Google reviews and a reputation for being on time, tidy, and top-tier, we know a thing or two about keeping Melbourne homes safe and spark-free.
Do I Really Need to Rewire My House?
If your lights flicker more than your ex’s Instagram stories or your safety switch trips every time you boil the kettle, it might be time to think about rewiring.
Common signs include:
Flickering or dimming lights
Constantly tripping breakers
Buzzing switches or outlets
A burning smell (especially without toast involved)
Power points that look like they’ve been through three lifetimes
Homes in older Melbourne suburbs often still have their original wiring. If your home hasn’t had an electrical upgrade in the past 30-40 years, it’s worth having a professional inspection.
The Hidden Dangers of Old Wiring
Some of the most dangerous wiring types we find in Melbourne homes include:
Cotton-covered wiring: Common in pre-1960s homes, this stuff deteriorates faster than a meat pie on a dashboard in summer.
Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) cables: Brittle, flammable, and banned for a reason.
Aluminium wiring: Known to expand, contract, and loosen over time – basically a fire hazard waiting to happen.
No earth wire: That’s right – older wiring often doesn’t have an earth connection, which is essential for electrical safety.
Outdated wiring isn’t just inefficient – it’s downright dangerous. It can increase the risk of fire and electric shock, especially when paired with modern appliances.
How Often Should You Rewire a House?
Most electricians recommend a full rewire every 30 to 40 years. But this depends on:
If your home is older than disco, it’s probably due.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in Melbourne?
Average cost range: $4,000 to $20,000+
Factors that affect the price:
House size (2-bed vs. 5-bed)
Ease of access (brick vs. plaster walls)
Need for switchboard upgrades or safety switches
Whether you want new power points, downlights, or USB sockets (we see you, tech lovers)
Need a ballpark? Given the above factors it’s very difficult to provide an accurate quote without inspecting the property, but we can give you a personalised quote faster than you can say “electric boogaloo.”
How Long Does It Take?
We’re quick but thorough. Most house rewires take between 3 to 7 days, depending on complexity. We plan ahead, work clean, and keep your disruptions to a minimum. Think of it as an electric facelift – short pain, long gain.
Can You Live in the House During a Rewire?
Yes – sometimes. It depends on the scope of work and your tolerance for dust and electricians in your kitchen. We often stage the work room by room to keep things liveable. Our team is friendly, fast, and we always clean up after ourselves (we were raised right).
Can You Rewire Just One Room?
Absolutely. If you’re renovating a bathroom or kitchen, we can isolate and rewire that area only. Just keep in mind that if the rest of your wiring is ancient, it might be worth doing a full job now rather than later. It’s like replacing one tyre on a car with four flats.
How Messy Is a Rewire?
We won’t sugar-coat it: there is some mess. We may need to cut into walls or lift floorboards. But we cover furniture, protect your floors, and clean up every single day. We even bring our own vacuum. We’re basically the neatest sparkies in Melbourne.
Do You Have to Remove Old Wiring?
Short answer: yes. Leaving old, dead wires in your walls is a no-no. We remove or isolate everything safely to ensure your home is 100% compliant and hazard-free.
Are There Alternatives to a Full Rewire?
Sure – if your wiring isn’t completely shot, we might be able to upgrade circuits, switchboards, or do partial rewires. But if your wiring’s seen better decades, replacing it is the safest bet.
Are There Rebates or Grants in Victoria?
The Victorian government occasionally offers incentives for energy upgrades, including switchboard replacements and safety switches. We can guide you on what’s available.
Why Choose Luno Electrical?
We’re not just another sparkie. We’re:
Registered Master Electricians
Melbourne locals who know Victorian regulations inside out
On time, every time (seriously, we hate being late)
Clean freaks – we leave your house spotless
Backed by 170+ five-star reviews and counting
We bring humour, heart, and high standards to every job. And yes, we love a good dad joke while we’re at it.
Get a Free Quote Today
Don’t wait for your wiring to blow a fuse (literally). Contact Luno Electrical now for a fast, no-obligation quote. We’ll take care of everything – from inspection to cleanup – so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your newly upgraded home.
Call us or fill out our contact form. We promise not to shock you with bad service – only good vibes and great work.
Disclaimer: No actual dad jokes were harmed in the making of this article.
