The electrical installation is one of the most important elements of any home, but also one of the most forgotten when renovating. Because it remains hidden behind walls, ceilings and conduits, many owners overlook its real condition and continue using old systems without being aware of the risks and limitations this implies. At Barcoland, we analyse how much a complete electrical renovation really costs and, above all, when it is essential to carry it out.
Why the electrical installation needs to be checked
An electrical installation ages over time. Materials lose their properties, protections stop being effective and the wiring can deteriorate. Added to this are changes in consumption habits: today more appliances, more connected devices and more electrical systems are used than twenty or thirty years ago. An old system is not only less efficient, it can also involve significant risks:- Overloaded circuits because the installation is not prepared for current consumption.
- Risk of short circuits if the wiring is in poor condition.
- Lack of modern protection, such as more sensitive residual-current devices or surge protection.
- Power limitations, which force you to avoid using several appliances at once.
- Inability to integrate current technologies, such as home automation, electric-vehicle chargers or solar self-consumption.
When it is necessary to renovate the electrical installation
There are several clear indicators that the installation needs renewing:1. The home is more than 25 years old without an electrical renovation
This is one of the most decisive factors. If more than two decades have passed since construction or the last renovation, it is very likely that the system has become obsolete.2. The consumer unit is old
A board without modern protection, with fuses or very old circuit breakers, is a clear sign that the installation needs updating.3. The fuses trip frequently
This usually indicates that the home is not prepared for current electricity demand.4. There are burning smells, sparking or heat at sockets
These symptoms should not be ignored. They can warn of deteriorated wiring.5. The home is going to be fully renovated
When walls, floors or layouts are changed, it is the ideal moment to renew the electrical installation, because doing it later means opening chases again and increasing costs.6. Modern systems are planned
If you want to add solar energy, efficient climate control, home automation or a charging point, you need an electrical system prepared for it.How much a complete electrical renovation costs
The price of an electrical renovation depends on several factors, but it can be calculated approximately according to the property’s floor area, the current state of the installation and the desired level of modernisation. The main elements that influence the cost are:1. Replacing the wiring
It is the most extensive part of the work and depends on the metres of the home. Modern wiring must meet safety standards and be prepared to support greater loads.2. New consumer unit
Today the board is required to include independent protection for each circuit, high-sensitivity residual-current devices and surge protection.3. Sockets, switches and fittings
Modern homes require more socket points, as well as sturdy, efficient fittings. The total number has a direct influence on the budget.4. Labour and chasing walls
In a full renovation, part of the work is integrated with the other trades, which reduces costs. If the renovation is exclusively electrical, this item can represent a significant part of the budget.5. Certification and legalisation
Once the installation has been renewed, a certificate must be issued guaranteeing that everything meets current regulations.Approximate price ranges
Although every home is different, it is possible to give an indication:- Flats of 60–80 m²: entre 3.000 y 5.000 €
- Homes of 90–120 m²: entre 5.000 y 7.500 €
- Large homes or those with an advanced installation: from €7,500 to €12,000 or more