Home Renovation Guide: Heating, Gas Safety, Plumbing, and Electrics

If you are planning to renovate your home, thousands of questions must be coming to your mind. From heating and plumbing to electrics and gas, there are many things that need consideration. 

Since we all have a certain renovation budget, sudden changes in pipelines, heating systems, and rewiring can increase the cost dramatically. 

This article will share a comprehensive guide about home renovation and its related issues. There are some tips too. So, let's begin: 

Detailed Inspection is Mandatory 

You can never decide on an estimated renovation cost in one day. Call a certified engineer and let him check the gas appliances. After an inspection of each appliance and the pipelines, the person will make necessary recommendations. 

Also, look at the expiry date of your gas certificate. The cost of a new certificate will depend on your region. Like gas safety certificates in Cardiff cost £65 and can go up depending upon the number of appliances. 

Likewise, call a plumbing expert to see what changes you need to resolve the plumbing issues. Take an estimate, then discuss it further with the renovation team. A professional electrician can check all the electrical appliances and suggest changes. 

After getting this done, you will have a rough idea of what you need to change in the renovation process. 

But you should also know some key points about the best material, labour cost, and process. Let's look into it: 

1.    Check the Pipelines 

Checking pipelines is essential. Some very old houses, especially the ones that were built before the 1970s, have lead pipes. Such pipes can cause lead poisoning. Therefore, it is better to change them. 

Which pipes are ideal? 

You have two choices, plastic and copper. The selection depends on the location of your bathroom and kitchen. If the area requires the pipes to bend, copper is the right choice. 

However, if you want straight pipes and are concerned about the perfect water flow, plastic pipes are perfect. Remember, labour costs will be less in plastic pipes as they are light in weight and easy to handle. 

2.    Inspect Your Boiler

On average, the life of a good boiler is around 15 years. If the boiler has become old, it's the best time to replace it. Call an expert to take suggestions. 

Since you are renovating, you can go for other heating options like underfloor heating. But a new heating option might require you to change its location. After considering all the options, the expert will recommend the right system for your house. 

Furthermore, clean pipes and radiators. If these parts have dust and debris, they will affect the performance of the boiler. Therefore, a thorough clean is essential. 

3.    Review the Electrical and Plumbing Pipes 

Unfortunately, poor and old-fashioned wiring is one of the biggest reasons for electric fire. The houses of the mid-century have these poor-quality electric wiring. They have covers of lead and rubber, which are not durable. 

Changing them should be your first priority. Go for pipes with PVCu covering. There are some other signs too that indicate a change of electrical wires. These include unusual smells, abnormal voices, old fuse boxes, discoloration of sockets, etc. 

Plumbing pipes also need replacement at times. But the plumber will advise how it can affect the house structure. Usually, the expert replaces the entire old system with a new one. It can damage beams and plasterwork. Therefore, only an expert can do the job. 

4.    Be Careful in Bathroom and Kitchen Work 

Most of the old houses do not have attached washrooms. Today, the trend has changed, and people are looking for modern-styled washrooms. 

But there is a difference between changing the structure of a washroom and adding an entirely new washroom. If you want to add a washroom, make sure that the area will not disrupt due to the water pipeline. 

Problems like seepage, uneven flooring, and tile breakage can occur if the bathroom is designed in an inappropriate place. Likewise, kitchen placement plays a key role in every house. 

Do not renovate your house in a way that the kitchen can make the whole lounge hot. Changing the kitchen location brings a lot of other considerations like gas supply, a place for gas appliances, an oven, etc. 

Additionally, make sure to take permission from the legal authority if you are changing the structure of your house. 

5.    Ensure a Moist Free Kitchen and Bathroom 

Moisture in the bathroom or kitchen can become a huge problem. Therefore, when designing the structure, always leave a hole in the wall for fitting fans. These fans can extract the inside moisture. 

However, make sure that the fitting does not affect the exterior look of the house. 

6.    After the Renovation 

Every house requires maintenance and care after the renovation. Most importantly, do a weekly check-up of all the new things installed. Be it a boiler, gas oven, central air conditioner, or any other thing. 

Also, make sure to check the electricity supply, fire extinguisher, and gas pipes. Any mistake can cause harm to you and your family. Therefore, if you suspect anything, call an expert right away. 

7.    Other Safety Rules: 

·       Unplug gadgets when not in use

·       Use a socket cover for all unused sockets 

·       Keep water sources away from the electric supply 

·       Do not overload one socket with multiple plugs

·       Create a contingency plan and let every family member know about it

·       Switch off the main supply of gas or electricity in case of danger

Wrapping It Up 

In short, home renovation is a complex process. From plumbing and electricity to heating and gas, there can be endless issues. Therefore, a detailed plan is imperative. 

Especially if you are going to change the pipelines and the structure of the house, always take the opinion of the experts. And never compromise on the material selection. 

Good quality material for the pipelines will let you enjoy the coming years in peace. Also, take care of ventilation, house interior and exterior look, and the safety of kids. 

With all these tips and a certified expert, you can successfully renovate your house!

Author Bio:
Shoaib provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. His educational background in the technical field and business studies helps him in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development and digital marketing. He occasionally writes articles for Gas Safety Certificates in Cardiff.