Contractors’ view: Electrical work on older buildings

You’re asked to work on a heritage building. What’s your instinctive reaction? If it’s back off as subtly as you can, this one’s for you. 

When you start off in business, the inclination is to say yes to everything. By virtue of the fact that you want to get the business established and want to get the dollars rolling in, what you’d look at in hindsight as good jobs and not-so-good jobs are accepted equally, and that’s an important learning process.

Because, as you get more experience, you can sniff out a bad job a few hundred kilometres off, and you know the niches you want to specialise in. Some of these may be planned, others you may have inadvertently stumbled upon – but if you get a reputation for being the go-to business for a certain type of project, it can reap some serious rewards.

Take jobs in heritage buildings for example. That very prospect may have piqued your interest or subconsciously made you recoil – as these sorts of jobs can be a completely different sort of challenge.

But, they can be very rewarding and lucrative, too.

Today, Ryan Gregor of RCG Electrical, Adelaide – a customer of Gemcell wholesaler P&R Electrical – has worked on a number of the city’s century-old homes. But he says he first got into heritage work almost by accident. 

“I took on a heritage job thinking it’d be straightforward… it really wasn’t. I had to contend with solid walls, old wiring, and layers of red tape.

“But, once I figured out how to work around the challenges, I started enjoying it, and I really sharpened my skills.”

In Sydney, Daniel Vasilevski,Director & Owner at Bright Force Electrical, has worked on The Mint on Macquarie Street, the old sandstone St Stephen’s Uniting Church, also on Macquarie Street, and heritage-listed terraces in Paddington.

Fate had a role in Daniel getting involved in heritage work – and he quickly found it was an area that brought different rewards than the more regular, everyday work.

“I got into heritage electrical work because I was invited by a senior contractor to assist on a project early in my career that involved upgrading the wiring in an old sandstone building,” he explains.

“He just needed extra hands but also wanted someone who could learn the careful approach required for heritage sites. It was a completely different challenge from standard jobs, and I had to figure out how to install modern systems without damaging the structure.

“For me, the most challenging job was working on The Mint on Macquarie Street, where we had to run new wiring through walls that couldn’t be opened up. Some sections still had original timber from the early 1800s, which had weakened over time. Drilling was risky because the wood could splinter or collapse.”

Electrical challenges in older buildings

Working on older buildings comes with a whole host of new challenges, and Michael Barram of Audem Electrical in Brisbane – which has accounts with Gemcell wholesalers Middy’s and CNW – says it’s essential to get involved as early as possible in the process.

“As electrical contractors, we like to be involved ideally during the feasibility and design stages.

“Early involvement allows for thorough assessments of existing electrical infrastructure, ensuring compliance with heritage regulations while meeting modern demands. It also helps in coordinating with architects and conservation experts to develop solutions that minimise impact on historical features, preventing costly modifications later in the project.”

Ryan says it’s essential to first understand the regulations you’re working to.

“Check if the building is listed as State, Local, National, or World Heritage. Each has different restrictions. In Adelaide, for example, if it’s heritage-listed, local council or Heritage South Australia approval is usually required before touching anything.

“Work must meet AS/NZS 3000 while also preserving the building’s historical significance. It’s a balancing act between compliance and keeping the place intact.”

And that fine balancing act is where the real skill of the job comes in. While there will be some common challenges faced, every job is vastly different, requiring a load of problem-solving and creative thinking – within the guardrails set by the needs of the building and the needs of compliance, too.

Daniel says, “Heritage projects are completely different from regular electrical jobs because they require working within strict preservation guidelines while upgrading outdated systems. Unlike modern buildings, where wiring can be easily routed through walls and ceilings, heritage structures usually have fragile materials, decorative plasterwork, and original timber or stone that cannot be disturbed. Every modification needs careful planning and, in many cases, approval from heritage conservation authorities.

“Another issue is that older buildings often lack proper earthing systems and have switchboards that don’t meet modern safety standards. Upgrading these while maintaining the original structure takes extra time and expertise.

“Collaboration with heritage conservation authorities, architects, and local councils is important as well. Every change must follow preservation guidelines while meeting modern safety standards. Detailed documentation of all work ensures future maintenance can be done without disrupting the historical integrity of the building.”

Choosing products to protect the heritage

As a result of the challenges posed by heritage buildings, many products you’d usually turn to are off-limits.

Daniel says, “Heritage electrical work needs specialised products that protect the building’s structure while maintaining its historical look. For example, surface-mounted conduit and cable trays are used because walls and ceilings cannot always be opened up. These are chosen in colours and styles that blend with the existing architecture.

“Custom switchboards and outlets are also needed to fit within the building’s design. In some cases, antique-style light switches and fittings are used to match the historical aesthetic while meeting modern safety standards.

“For fragile structures, low-impact adhesives, custom brackets, and flexible conduits are used to avoid drilling into delicate materials. If old wiring needs replacing, we use fire-resistant and insulated cabling to improve safety. Every product is selected to ensure the building stays safe, functional, and historically intact.”

Michael says there’s a host of practical challenges, too.

“Common challenges include limited space for wiring and modern electrical components, outdated infrastructure that may require full rewiring, and strict heritage regulations restricting modifications. Material compatibility is another issue, as new systems must integrate without damaging historical elements.”

How electrical contractors can get involved in heritage work

Want to take a step back in time and get involved in heritage work? Our experienced contractors have some insight.

Michael says, “Some contractors are hesitant due to the complexity of heritage projects – you could face unforeseen structural issues, hidden hazards like asbestos, and the difficulty of routing new wiring without damaging original architecture. Compliance with strict preservation laws can also extend project timelines. Additionally, higher liability risks exist, as improper installations can compromise protected features, leading to potential legal and financial consequences.”

Getting into heritage work can, however, be very lucrative – and a great niche to have among your areas of specialisation.

“To contractors who avoid this kind of work, I’d say it’s not as intimidating as it looks once you understand the process,” says Daniel.

“It takes patience and problem-solving, but the key is using the right techniques and working with conservation experts when needed. The work is more detailed, but it’s also interesting, and there’s always a demand for skilled electricians who can handle heritage buildings properly.”

Ryan has some final words of advice.

“Respect what’s already there. Use existing conduits where possible instead of cutting into walls, match new fittings to the original style, and always consult with owners and heritage advisers.”

So, if heritage work is something you’ve traditionally given a swerve, it might be time for a rethink. Not only does it present different challenges, but you can also play your part in local history, too.