Contemplating house rewiring - advice?

[James Reed <james@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi

I've just moved in to a largish victorian terrace. The wiring is not in
good condition, and as we are planning to stay for some time I'm
contemplating having the whole house rewired.

I'm keen on home automation but haven't really got the money (or the
permission from HQ!) to install all the modules etc now. I'm interested
in a wired system such as Idratek (have looked at Cbus but seems too
expensive by comparison).

I've got some electricians coming round, and basically what I am asking
is what sort of wiring would I need to give me options in the future to
add kit bit by bit? I was thinking that I would need control wires run
along with the mains cabling for the lights at least - any suggestions how?

ALso should I be considering 'star wiring' of the lighting circuits?

What I'm trying to balance up is making the most of the opportunities
presented by a rewiring whilst keeping costs as low as I can. I'm going
to have a number of years of leisure to install modules etc, but
(hopefully!) only one shot at the rewiring.

I'd be really interested to hear views / opinions

James


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