If your house is more than 20 years old, chances are the wiring is too.
Maybe the lights flicker when you plug in the kettle. Maybe you’ve still got an old fuse box with rewirable fuses. Or maybe you’ve just had an electrical inspection and the report looks like alphabet soup.
Either way, you’re wondering: What does “upgrading my electrics” actually mean?
Let’s break it down in plain English — what’s involved, what to expect, and how to make it as painless as possible.
First, what do we mean by “upgrading”?
Upgrading your home’s electrics doesn’t always mean a full rewire (though sometimes it does).
It’s about bringing your electrical installation up to modern safety standards and ready for the future.
That might include:
- Replacing your consumer unit (fuse box) with a modern, metal-clad one with RCDs and RCBOs.
- Testing and inspecting your wiring (EICR) to identify faults or outdated circuits.
- Upgrading lighting circuits to LEDs for energy savings.
- Adding more sockets or USB points where you actually need them.
- Installing smoke alarms, EV chargers, or solar systems safely into your existing setup.
It’s about making your home safer, more efficient, and compliant with the current version of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
Step 1: Inspection and testing
Before any upgrade begins, a qualified electrician will carry out an EICR — Electrical Installation Condition Report.
Think of it as a health check for your home’s wiring.
We’ll test the condition of the cables, sockets, switches, and protective devices. We’re looking for things like:
- Cracked insulation or worn wiring
- Faulty earthing or bonding
- Overloaded circuits
- Old fuse boards without RCD protection
- DIY additions that don’t meet the regs
You’ll then get a detailed inspection report showing what’s safe, what needs improvement, and what needs urgent attention.
Step 2: Planning the upgrade
Once we know what’s what, we’ll plan the work with you.
That might mean:
- A partial upgrade (replacing the consumer unit and any unsafe circuits).
- A full rewire, if the existing wiring is too old or unsafe.
- Adding extra sockets, lights, or data points for modern living.
- Integrating energy-saving tech like solar panels, battery storage, or EV chargers.
We’ll explain what’s necessary now, what can wait, and what will give you the best safety and value.
No jargon, no scare tactics — just honest advice.
Step 3: The installation work
When the work starts, we’ll:
- Isolate the power safely.
- Replace old wiring, fittings, or your consumer unit where required.
- Test every circuit as we go, using calibrated equipment.
- Install modern fixtures — tidy, safe, and energy efficient.
- Certify the installation and notify building control (as required under Part P).
If we’re doing a full rewire, it’ll involve lifting floorboards and chasing walls — but we’ll always explain the disruption and keep it to a minimum.
For smaller upgrades, like replacing a consumer unit or adding sockets, the job is usually done in a day or two.
Step 4: Testing, certification and handover
Once everything’s installed, we test every circuit, connection, and safety device.
You’ll get:
- An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate.
- A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (if required).
- Test results showing your new installation meets the latest BS 7671 standards.
And we’ll walk you through the new consumer unit, labelling each circuit so you know what’s what.
The benefits of upgrading
A modern electrical system isn’t just safer — it’s smarter and more efficient.
You’ll enjoy:
- Better protection from shocks and electrical fires.
- Lower energy use with efficient lighting and appliances.
- Fewer tripped circuits and nuisance faults.
- Peace of mind when selling or renting your property.
- Future-proofing for EV charging, solar, or smart tech.
It’s one of the best home investments you can make — because safety never goes out of style.
Why Basingstoke homeowners trust GU Solutions
At GU Solutions, we’ve been upgrading homes and businesses across Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and Hampshire for over 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved, fully insured, and every upgrade we do is tested, certified, and registered properly — no shortcuts, no surprises.
You’ll get clear advice, an honest quote, and work that’s tidy, compliant, and built to last.
Ready to bring your home’s electrics up to date?
If your home’s wiring looks tired, or your fuse box still has old fuses, it’s time for an upgrade.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or message us online to book your free home electrical survey.
We’ll check your installation, explain what needs attention, and give you a clear plan to make your home safer, smarter, and ready for the future.
Because when it comes to electrics, “good enough” isn’t.
