Top Electrical Upgrades to Make During Your Home Renovation

Your home renovation is the perfect opportunity to do more than just make things look better—it’s your chance to make the whole space work better. What is one of the smartest upgrades you can make during a renovation? Well, it’s simple - electrical upgrades that boost energy efficiency, modernise your home, and futureproof your lifestyle.

From smart home systems to low-energy lighting and EV charging prep, these upgrades go beyond the basics. In this article, we’ll break down the top electrical upgrades to consider during a home renovation—with a focus on long-term savings, safety, and convenience.

Why Are Electrical Upgrades Important?

A home renovation already involves opening up walls, floors, and ceilings—so it makes sense to tackle wiring and electrical systems now, while access is easy and cost-effective. These can help you:

• Reduce energy bills

• Improve comfort and convenience

• Increase your property’s value

• Enhance safety and compliance

• Futureproof for new tech and lifestyle changes

Electrical Upgrades & Energy-Efficient Systems for a Smart Home

1. Upgrade Your Consumer Unit (Fuse Board)

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home’s system. If it’s outdated or overloaded, now is the time to replace it with a modern consumer unit with RCDs and MCBs.

Benefits:

• Prevents electrical fires and shocks

• Meets modern safety standards (ET101 in Ireland)

• Supports more circuits for larger power demands

• Essential for EV chargers, smart tech, and high-power appliances

Pro Tip: Ask your electrician if your board supports future add-ons like solar inverters or smart meters.

2. Install Energy-Efficient LED Lighting

Lighting upgrades are one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to save energy—and completely change the feel of a room.

Recommended Upgrades:

• Replace halogen or CFLs with LED downlights or bulbs

• Install dimmable switches for flexibility and savings

• Add motion sensors in bathrooms, hallways, and utility rooms

• Consider daylight sensors for outdoor lights

Benefit: LED bulbs use up to 85% less energy and last 15–20x longer than traditional bulbs.

To learn about tips on energy saving and how you can make your home more efficient & cut costs, you can read our informative article.

3. Add Smart Home Technology

A smart home isn’t just about gadgets—it’s about central control, automation, and efficiency. Renovation is the best time to hardwire smart systems or plan for wireless setups.

Smart Upgrades to Consider:

• Smart lighting – Control lights via phone or voice (e.g. Philips Hue, LIFX)

• Smart thermostats – Automate heating with learning tech (e.g. Nest, Hive)

• Smart plugs/switches – Schedule appliances or lighting

• Smart doorbells and security – Integrated cameras and sensors

• Zoning – Different heating/lighting schedules by room or floor

Benefit: Greater control = lower bills and improved home comfort.

4. Plan for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

With EV adoption on the rise in Ireland, pre-wiring for an EV home charger is one of the smartest forward-thinking upgrades.

What to Know:

• Most home chargers require a dedicated 32A circuit

• You may need load balancing to protect your supply

• Government grants may be available for installation

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t drive an EV now, wiring the infrastructure today saves major costs in the future.

5. Add More Power Points (and USB Sockets)

Older homes often lack enough sockets for modern life. During a renovation, it’s easy to:

• Add more wall sockets in living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms

• Install USB-integrated outlets at bedside tables, kitchen counters, or desks

• Place floor sockets in open-plan layouts or island areas

• Include outdoor outlets for tools, lights, or garden tech

Pro Tip: Avoid extension leads and adapters by planning enough built-in sockets.

6. Install Data and Media Wiring

If you're upgrading your home, you might want to go beyond just Wi-Fi and think about hardwiring your data and media connections.

Ideal for:

• Streaming-heavy households

• Work-from-home setups

• Multi-room speaker systems (e.g. Sonos or built-in audio)

• Home cinemas or media walls

7. Zoned Heating Controls and Thermostats

Reduce wasted energy and increase comfort by upgrading to zoned heating controls.

• Divide your home into heating zones (e.g. upstairs/downstairs or individual rooms)

• Control each zone via smart thermostats or mobile apps

• Combine with a smart boiler controller for full automation

Bonus Tip: Zoned systems are ideal for larger homes or homes with new insulation upgrades.

8. Underfloor Heating (UFH) and Programmable Controls

If you’re redoing floors during your renovation, consider installing electric underfloor heating—especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or open-plan spaces.

• Offers even heat distribution and a luxury feel

• Works well with smart thermostats and timers

• Can be more energy-efficient in small zones vs. radiators

Note: Must be installed with proper insulation and matched to flooring type.

9. Add Exterior Lighting and Power

A renovation is a great time to wire for:

• Wall lights or bollards for garden paths

• PIR motion-sensor security lighting

• Outdoor sockets for power tools, heaters, or holiday décor

• Smart-controlled outdoor lighting scenes

  
  

10. Install a Backup Generator or Battery Storage

If you’re going all-in on energy independence, some homeowners are also installing:

• Home battery storage (paired with solar panels)

• Backup power generators for rural or storm-prone areas

Ready to upgrade? At Painter Adam, we work with trusted, registered electricians across Ireland to ensure your renovation includes smart, safe, and energy-efficient electrical solutions from the ground up. Apart from this, we are also known for our exceptional home renovation and painting services. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today and get an estimate for your next project.

The Final Word

Electrical upgrades during a home renovation aren't just about wires—they're about improving how you live in your home every day. From energy-efficient lighting to smart home systems, electrical upgrades are essential during a renovation. These best upgrades will not just modernize your space and improve efficiency, but will save energy and help you gain control over your environment. These modern smart home systems are here to make your house smarter, safer, and more future-ready.