Collaroy Home Renovation: Complete Electrical Transformation
Turning a cosmetic facelift into a comprehensive electrical overhaul, delivering safety and compliance across every circuit.
Location
Collaroy, Sydney NSW
Timeline
6 months (Feb-Aug 2025)
Project Type
5-bed renovation with pool
From Cosmetic Updates to Complete Transformation
What began as a simple renovation quickly revealed decades of non-compliant electrical work. As walls opened up, we discovered asbestos switchboards, insufficient wiring, and safety hazards throughout this five-bedroom Collaroy home.
Our clients needed more than technical expertise. With changing builders and evolving design plans over six months, they required a trade partner who could adapt, communicate proactively, and keep the project moving forward.
Full Home Rewire
Replaced all non-compliant cabling throughout five bedrooms, living areas, and outdoor spaces.
Switchboard Upgrade
Removed asbestos panel, installed modern distribution board with capacity for future growth.
Design Consultation
Created complete lighting and power layouts in absence of formal plans
Pool Electrical
New compliant circuits for pool equipment, pumps, and automation systems.
Mains Upgrade
Coordinated Level 2 installation of new private pole and consumer mains.
Navigating Complexity on Multiple Fronts
Renovation projects rarely follow the original plan. This one evolved constantly as structural work revealed the true state of the electrical system. Each discovery required recalibration, clear communication, and solutions that kept the project on track.
Compliance Issues
Asbestos switchboard, non-compliant wiring, and insufficient circuit protection discovered as demolition progressed. Every wall opened meant reassessing scope and budget.
Changing Scope
Multiple builders brought different visions. Design decisions shifted monthly. Lighting layouts changed. Room purposes evolved. Flexibility became essential.
Budget Concerns
Unexpected switchboard replacement meant significant additional investment. Early identification and transparent communication helped clients plan accordingly.
Completed outdoor entertainment area with custom, dimmable lighting.
A Structured Process for an Unpredictable Project
Six months of collaboration, problem-solving, and proactive communication
December 2024
Foundation Reset
Disconnected entire switchboard and established temporary power for builders. Created clean slate for comprehensive rewire.
1
2
February 2025
Design & Consultation
Walked through property with clients and builder. Created complete lighting and power layouts room-by-room. Four downlights per bedroom, strategic power placement, three-way switching, appliance circuits.
March–April 2025
Rough-In
Installed all cabling through wall frames and ceiling cavities. Documented every bracket and cable run through detailed photos for fit-off phase.
3
4
May–June 2025
Fit-Off
Marked locations on finished surfaces, cut openings, fished cables, installed switches, power points, downlights, and external lighting. Adapted to late-stage induction cooktop addition.
August 2025
Testing & Handover
Comprehensive testing of all circuits, safety switches, and compliance documentation. Weekly check-ins ensured no surprises at completion.
5
1
December 2024
Foundation Reset
Disconnected entire switchboard and established temporary power for builders. Created clean slate for comprehensive rewire.
2
February 2025
Design & Consultation
Walked through property with clients and builder. Created complete lighting and power layouts room-by-room. Four downlights per bedroom, strategic power placement, three-way switching, appliance circuits.
3
March - April 2025
Rough-In
Installed all cabling through wall frames and ceiling cavities. Documented every bracket and cable run through detailed photos for fit-off phase.
4
May - June 2025
Fit-Off
Marked locations on finished surfaces, cut openings, fished cables, installed switches, power points, downlights, and external lighting. Adapted to late-stage induction cooktop addition.
5
August 2025
Testing & Handover
Comprehensive testing of all circuits, safety switches, and compliance documentation. Weekly check-ins ensured no surprises at completion.
Proactive Communication Made the Difference
Weekly client check-ins meant we knew about design changes immediately. While other trades might say "you never told us," we had already ordered materials and adjusted schedules. That three-week lead time on non-migratory cable? Already on-site when the pergola was ready.
Expertise in Every Detail
Six months of collaboration, problem-solving, and proactive communication
Switchboard Engineering
Calculated total property load across all circuits, appliances, air conditioning, and pool equipment. Designed board with 30% growth capacity, which proved essential when clients added induction cooktop late-stage.
Compliance Remediation
Replaced all non-compliant wiring to AS/NZS 3000:2018 standards. Installed RCDs and surge protection. Coordinated Level 2 electrician for new private pole and consumer mains installation.
Circuit Design
Separate dedicated circuits for pool equipment, air conditioning units, oven, induction cooktop, general lighting, and general power. Each circuit sized for actual loads with appropriate safety margins.
Problem-Solving
Threaded induction cooktop circuit through completed walls without opening them up. Three-way and four-way switching arrangements for multi-level home. External lighting with motion sensors for security.
Delivered On Time, Adapted to Every Change
Six months of constant adaptation, weekly communication, and proactive problem-solving delivered a transformed electrical system that met every safety standard and exceeded client expectations. The property sold within weeks of completion.
Zero delays caused by electrical work despite scope changes
Switchboard design handled late-stage changes without rework
Weekly check-ins kept clients informed and reduced stress
Complex cable fishing completed without wall damage
Full compliance documentation for property sale
100%
on-time delivery of finished electrical work
6
months from first fix to final testing
2
builders coordinated with successfully
100%
compliance achieved across all circuits
"Andy's flexibility throughout this project saved us so many headaches. We changed our minds more times than we'd like to admit, and instead of pushback or delays, we got solutions. He checked in with us every week, which meant when we decided to add something, he'd already thought three steps ahead about how to make it work. The electrical work was flawless, but honestly, it was the communication and problem-solving that made the biggest difference."
Renovation projects rarely go exactly to plan. The difference between stressful and successful often comes down to choosing trades who adapt, communicate proactively, and solve problems without adding complexity.
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