Renovating your own home as an electrician in Newquay is a bit of a journey! You’re both the client and the contractor, and every decision feels more personal. Me and my partner, Jasmine, knew we wanted one thing from our project: to have a healthy, efficient, and comfortable home using the latest technology in ventilation, lighting, and renewable energy.
I wanted to take everything I’ve learned running Wake Electrical and use it to make my dream home. With the same level of care, attention to detail, and high-quality workmanship, we offer every client at Wake Electrical. From upgrading the electrics to integrating smart and sustainable systems, this has been a chance to put all of our values and expertise into practice.
This blog is a behind-the-scenes look at my very own home renovation here in Newquay, Cornwall. A renovation that’s very much still ongoing with more exciting things to come!
The Project Background
The property is a 1918 semi-detached home in the centre of Newquay. Houses around this time were built when the best labour was taken for the battlefront in the First World War, and it was harder to get hold of good materials. The house is full of character, but definitely showing its age behind the walls. Like many homes in Newquay, it had outdated wiring and limited ventilation.
The goal? Bring it up to modern safety standards, make it smarter, healthier, and future-ready, all whilst preserving its original charm. This wasn’t just about electrics; it was about improving our everyday living.
Electrical Upgrades and Improvements
One of the first things we tackled was replacing the entire electrical system. The existing system had no RCD protection and wasn’t fit for modern demands. I didn’t want to take the charm of the property away with lots of modern spot lighting, harsh colours, and plastic. So we opted for more traditional-style metal sockets and switches, recessed spot lights to stop glare, and ambient lighting wherever possible to create a soft, warm glow.
We installed:
- RCBO fuse box with SPD protection
- CAT6 cabling for fast internet in the office
- MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) for improved air quality and mould protection.
- Soon to be solar and battery storage in the garage.
- EV charger-ready setup.
- Sauna with smartphone Control
- Layered lighting for low-level lighting at night time
- Zoned heating controls for better efficiency with underfloor heating in the bathroom and downstairs rooms
The difference is night and day. The new lighting is sympathetic to the history of the home but still functional. The house stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The ventilation system removes mould and reduces radon exposure, whilst significantly cutting energy waste.
Before, the kitchen only had one socket per worktop. Now, it’s fully equipped with hidden sockets, appliance zones, and under-cabinet lighting that responds to motion. It’s the little things that make everyday life better.
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Choices
As Newquay electricians, we’ve seen more homeowners become conscious about living in a healthy and happy space. Sustainability was at the core of our decisions.
We are installing an EV charger point, pre-wiring the system for solar PV (with plans to install panels next year), and using low-energy LED lighting throughout. The MVHR system has made a noticeable improvement in both air quality and moisture control, especially important in a coastal environment like Newquay, where damp can be a constant battle. Also, full water filtration was installed for the cleanest drinking water possible (from the tap at least).
This is what we call our Healthy Home approach, prioritising comfort, efficiency, and long-term health, both for the home and the people in it.
The Challenges (and How They Were Solved)
Like most older properties, we hit a few snags along the way. The layout of the home didn’t always make things easy, trying to preserve the original finishes while modernising behind the scenes.
One big challenge was ventilation. The house had no mechanical system, and windows were often left shut in the colder months. The windows do not seem to last long in Newquay, being by the coast! Plus, the trickle vents all seized up, leading to condensation and mould buildup. Installing MVHR involved carefully running ductwork through tight ceiling spaces and boxed-in voids without compromising on aesthetics. It was tricky, but completely worth it.
We also had to battle with the coastal damp common in many Newquay homes. All wiring was upgraded to suit the environment, and we made sure future-proofing was part of every decision.
The Finished Result (not there yet, but almost!)
The house that is slowly becoming a home, totally transformed from what it was a year ago when we first moved in.
“It’s easy to tell clients what they should do, but living through the process myself has really reinforced how important good electrical design is. This isn’t just about ticking safety boxes, it’s about creating a space that works for how you live.” Ricki, Wake Electrical
From smart control to the quiet hum of the MVHR, every upgrade contributes to a healthier, more comfortable space. And it’s not just me noticing, even friends and family comment on how much ‘lighter’ and fresher the place feels.
Thinking About Your Own Home Renovation?
If you’re planning a renovation, don’t leave the electrics to the last minute. Upgrading your home’s wiring, controls, and ventilation early on can completely change the outcome; it will add value to your property and save you stress (and cost) down the line.
As experienced electricians in Newquay, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners modernise safely, sustainably, and smartly. Get in touch for a free quote today!