The Invisible Renovation: Why You Should Replace Plumbing & Wiring First

When you buy a fixer-upper in Liverpool, it’s easy to get excited about the visible changes: the new kitchen islands, the LVT flooring, or the paint colors.

But at Ally Engineering, we often have to be the voice of reason. We tell our clients: "Don't spend a penny on the decoration until you are 100% sure about what is inside the walls."

Many older properties—especially the Victorian terraces and 1930s semis across Merseyside—are hiding a patchwork of old repairs. Here is why we almost always recommend stripping back the plumbing and wiring before you start the pretty stuff.

1. The Plumbing: Efficiency & Longevity

One of the biggest risks in an older home is what we call "Frankenstein Plumbing"—a mix of lead, iron, and plastic from different decades.

The Risk: It is nearly impossible to judge the lifespan of existing pipework just by looking at it. A pipe might look fine on the surface but be corroded or poorly joined under the floorboards.

Our Standard: We believe in doing it once and doing it right. For full refurbishments, we recommend replacing the "guts" of the house:

• Copper Soldering: For all hidden pipework (under floors, behind walls), we prefer traditional copper soldering. Unlike push-fit plastic, soldered joints—when done correctly—are incredibly durable.

• Energy Efficiency (Insulation): This is crucial. When we install new central heating runs, we don't just leave the copper bare. We lag (insulate) the pipes, especially those running under floorboards or in cold voids. This ensures the heat actually reaches your radiators rather than being lost in the empty space under your house.

• Pressure Testing: Before we close up any walls, we pressure test the system. This stresses the pipes to ensure there are absolutely no leaks.

The Result: A leak-free system that keeps your heating bills down and lasts for decades.

2. The Electrics: Safety First, Smart Tech Second

Just like plumbing, old wiring degrades over time. Rubber insulation crumbles, and old fuse boxes can't handle the load of modern appliances (think: induction hobs, electric showers, and high-power dryers).

The Solution: The EICR If a full rewire isn't in the budget immediately, you must get an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) done the moment you get the keys. This is a full health check of the property's electrics.

• It finds hidden faults.

• It identifies dangerous earthing issues.

• It tells you if the house is actually safe to live in.

However, if you are stripping the walls back to brick anyway, a full rewire is the smartest choice. It lets you add sockets where you want them, not where they were put in 1970.

3. The Roof: The Umbrella of Your Home

Finally, before you plaster a single wall, look up.

There is no point spending thousands on a new plaster finish and expensive paint if a slipped slate or a blocked gutter is going to let rainwater trickle down behind it next winter.

We always advise a Roof and Gutter Health Check as step one to ensure the "shell" is watertight.

Summary

Renovating is expensive, and it is tempting to save money by keeping the old radiator pipes or the existing sockets. But if those fail in two years, you will be ripping up your brand-new expensive flooring to fix them.

Do the boring stuff first. Secure the roof, renew the wires, and insulate the pipes. Your house (and your wallet) will thank you in the long run.