1) Fault finding and electrical repairs

Fault finding is the process of locating the cause of an electrical problem — not guessing. Common symptoms include:

• Lights flicker or dim when appliances turn on
• Breakers trip regularly (especially under normal use)
• Burning smells, buzzing, or warm outlets
• Some sockets stop working
• Outdoor electrics fail during wet weather

A professional electrician will isolate circuits, test safely, and identify whether the issue is a faulty device, damaged wiring, overload, or a problem with protection devices. Proper diagnosis prevents repeat callouts and protects appliances.

2) Consumer unit (fuse board) upgrades

Older consumer units may not provide the protection modern homes need, especially with today’s electrical loads: EV charging, home offices, heat pumps, induction hobs, and multiple high-powered appliances running at once.

A consumer unit upgrade can improve:

• Safety (more effective protection against faults)
• Reliability (reduced nuisance tripping with better circuit design)
• Capacity for extensions and upgrades
• Compliance with modern standards and best practice

If your board is old, has rewireable fuses, lacks RCD protection, or you’ve had repeated trip issues, it’s worth getting professional advice.

3) Partial or full rewires: when are they needed?

Rewiring isn’t something most homeowners want to think about — but in older properties it’s sometimes essential. Signs you may need a rewire (or at least an inspection) include:

• Old wiring types or visible deterioration
• Frequent blown fuses or persistent tripping
• Burn marks around sockets/switches
• Not enough sockets (leading to extension leads everywhere)
• Major renovation plans (kitchen, extension, loft conversion)

A rewire can also be a chance to modernise your layout — better lighting zones, extra sockets, dedicated appliance circuits, and improved outdoor power.

4) Lighting upgrades: comfort, efficiency, and style

Lighting is one of the most impactful home upgrades. Many homeowners in Essex are improving:

• Kitchen lighting (task lighting + ambient zones)
• Outdoor lighting (security + garden ambience)
• LED conversions for efficiency and lower heat
• Feature lighting (downlights, wall lights, stair lighting)

A good electrician will also consider glare, placement, IP ratings (especially outdoors or bathrooms), and the right switching arrangement.

5) Additional sockets and power upgrades

A common reason people call an electrician is simple: modern homes need more power points. Home offices, gaming setups, smart home hubs, kitchen appliances, and garden rooms all add demand.

Adding sockets is more than drilling and wiring — a qualified electrician checks load, circuit design, and ensures the work is safe and tested. If you’re planning a bigger change (like a kitchen refit), it’s often smart to plan sockets and appliances together.

6) Electrical safety inspections and peace of mind

If you’ve just moved house, renovated, or you’re unsure about the age/condition of your electrics, an electrical safety inspection is a sensible next step. It can identify:

• Unsafe DIY modifications
• Damaged wiring or accessories
• Inadequate earthing and bonding
• Overloaded circuits
• Outdated protective devices

Even if everything “seems fine”, inspections often catch issues before they become expensive faults — or safety hazards.

7) Planning your project: how to get the best outcome

If you’re planning domestic electrical work, you’ll get a smoother job by being clear on:

• Which rooms are affected and what access is available
• Any future plans (extensions, EV charging, garden rooms)
• Your preferences for finishes (white accessories vs metal, visible conduit vs chased-in)
• Your ideal timeline (especially around decorating)

A professional contractor will help you think ahead so you don’t pay twice later.