UK rewiring a house

[donaldmccragge]

is it normal to rewire an entire house and use the existing sockets and light switches, or would it be better practice to use the new regs 450mm and 1200? also is it normal to chase the wiring for sockets all the way up the wall rather than chase below and under the flooring, even if it means chasing the floor out?

 

[Dustydazzler]

Running in a few extra circuits for future building extension is very common and very easy to do during a full rewire...
I often get asked to pull in extra cables for future work and leave coiled up in a loft or cupboard space. Normally just charge the cost of the cable for providing this...if it’s part of a rewire. Shows good faith and often helps win the new work when it happens.

 

[telectrix]

To be fair, I think the new heights look hideous and they’re welcome to keep them on new builds.

the 450mm height for sockets is common sense, even if not disabled, reaching down almost to the floor to plug in an appliance is bad for your back and knees. at my age, it's painful. having said that, unless light switches are meant for use by people in wheelchairs, the 1200mm is stupid. most people want to switch a light on with their hand, not their belly button.