When most people think about an electrical installation, they picture the finished result – stylish lighting, neatly fitted sockets and smart switches.
What many don’t see is the work that happens long before the plasterboard goes on.
We recently completed the first fix electrical installation for a detached property in Harrogate undergoing a major renovation and extension. Part of the original house had been demolished to make way for a substantial side extension, creating a completely new layout and requiring an entirely new electrical installation designed around modern family living.
Although this stage of the project will eventually be hidden behind walls and ceilings, it’s one of the most important phases of the entire build. Getting it right now ensures the finished installation is safe, practical and ready for many years of reliable use.
What is a first fix electrical installation?
First fix is the stage where all of the electrical infrastructure is installed before the walls are plastered.
This includes routing cables throughout the property, installing back boxes, planning circuit layouts and preparing for every electrical accessory that will be fitted during the second fix stage.
It’s also the best opportunity to future-proof a home, ensuring everything is in place before the building is finished.
A complete electrical installation
- This project involved far more than simply installing sockets and lighting.
- Our first fix package included:
- Power circuits throughout the property.
- Lighting circuits for the new layout.
- CAT6 data cabling to key locations for fast and reliable wired internet connections.
- Smoke and heat alarm system.
- External lighting supplies.
- External power supplies.
- Dedicated EV charger supply.
- Somfy lighting control modules.
- Underfloor heating wiring.
- A Powerflo hot water diversion system, allowing excess solar generation to be diverted into heating hot water instead of exporting unused energy back to the grid.
Every cable was carefully planned before installation to ensure the finished system would be practical, efficient and easy to maintain.
Planning ahead
One of the biggest advantages of carrying out a full renovation is the opportunity to design the electrical installation around how the homeowner will actually live in the property.
Rather than trying to adapt an existing installation, every circuit could be planned from scratch.
This allowed us to consider future requirements such as electric vehicle charging, smart lighting controls, high-speed data cabling and renewable energy integration while everything was still accessible.
Taking the time to plan these details during first fix avoids costly alterations once the property is complete.
Overcoming the challenges
Every project brings its own challenges, and this one was no exception.
One of the main cable routes required us to drill through a structural steel beam to achieve the most suitable cable path while maintaining a tidy and practical installation.
The location of the consumer unit also meant that several circuits required long cable runs, with the board positioned at the opposite end of the property from many of the electrical loads.
Careful planning and cable routing ensured these longer runs remained organised, well supported and easy to identify throughout the installation.
Attention to detail matters
At KOVE Electrical & Renewables, we believe the quality of an installation is often judged by the parts the customer never sees.
Long before decoration begins, every cable has already been positioned, clipped, identified and routed correctly.
Neat cable runs aren’t just about appearance—they make future maintenance easier, reduce the risk of accidental damage and demonstrate the care that’s gone into the installation from day one.
The photographs from this project show the level of organisation and workmanship we aim to achieve on every installation.
Looking ahead
With the first fix now complete, the project is ready for the next stages of construction.
Once plastering has been completed, we’ll return to carry out the second fix installation, fitting sockets, switches, lighting, accessories and the consumer unit before completing a full inspection, testing and certification of the installation.
We’re looking forward to returning and seeing this impressive renovation come to life.
Thinking about renovating your home?
Whether you’re planning a full renovation, a home extension or a completely new electrical installation, careful planning during the first fix stage makes all the difference.
At KOVE Electrical & Renewables, we work closely with homeowners, builders and other trades to design electrical installations that are safe, practical and built around the way you’ll use your home—not just today, but for years to come.
