Renovation & New Construction
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Installing a heat-pump or installing a hot tub, we've got you covered
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Take the guess work out of your home renovation or new construction project.
Full Electrical Services for your Renovation or new build
We help you plan for the present as well as the future’s constantly changing technologies
With ever-changing requirements, rebates, and restrictions, you need someone who knows the ropes for any situation that might arise during your project. Lenius & Osborn brings experience and peace of mind for every project we work on.
Home Renovations
We specialize in knob and tube removal and electrical system updating. Our Powersmart retrofits can help you save energy and money. We also specialize in bathroom renovations, kitchen renovations, floor warming, pot lights, and under counter lighting to name a few.
Using our experience with the older homes and buildings throughout Victoria, we are able to help you implement a modern system that ties in seamlessly with the design of your renovation.
New Construction
New construction is a critical time to get the electrical planned and implemented efficiently. We are experienced at working with your general contractor to implement an electrical plan and layout that offers efficiency, ease-of-use, and performance.
We help you plan for both the present and the future, with the constantly changing technologies, so that you can maximize your projects’ productivity and life span.
Up to code, up to snuff
It starts with a Free Quote and Expert Advice
We will deliver amazing service to go along with amazing results, guaranteed. From pot-lights to pool controls, we’ve got the power you need.
Renovating or Building in Victoria? Here Is What You Need to Know About the Electrical
When does a home renovation require an electrician in BC?
Any renovation that involves adding, moving, or modifying electrical circuits, outlets, lighting, or panels requires a licensed electrician under BC law. This includes kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement developments, additions, and secondary suites. If there is any doubt about whether the scope requires a permit, confirming with a licensed electrician before starting is always the right move.
Do I need a permit for electrical work during a kitchen or bathroom renovation?
Yes, any new electrical circuits, additional outlets, or changes to existing wiring in a kitchen or bathroom renovation require a permit through Technical Safety BC. Kitchens and bathrooms both have specific code requirements around GFCI protection, dedicated circuits for appliances, and minimum outlet placement that must be met and inspected. Lenius & Osborn pull permits as part of every renovation job so the work is code-compliant, inspected, and documented for insurance and resale purposes.
What electrical work is typically involved in a kitchen renovation?
A kitchen renovation commonly involves adding dedicated circuits for new appliances, relocating or adding outlets to meet current code placement requirements, installing under-cabinet and pot lighting, and upgrading the panel if the new load exceeds existing capacity. Modern kitchens require significantly more circuit capacity than older homes were built for. Lenius & Osborn work alongside your general contractor to coordinate the electrical scope so the rough-in is done before walls close and nothing needs to be redone later.
Does a renovation trigger a panel upgrade even if I was not planning one?
It can, and it is one of the most common surprises homeowners encounter mid-renovation. When a permit is pulled for electrical work, the inspector assesses whether the existing panel has sufficient capacity for both the current load and the new circuits being added, and if it does not, upgrading the panel becomes a condition of completing the work. Planning the electrical scope with a licensed electrician before demolition starts is the best way to know whether a panel upgrade is part of the budget before work begins.
What electrical considerations matter most when adding a secondary suite in Victoria?
Secondary suite electrical work in BC must meet the current Canadian Electrical Code in full, which means separate circuits, proper GFCI protection, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and in many cases a load assessment to confirm the existing panel can carry the additional demand. A separate electrical meter for the suite is often required or strongly advisable depending on the municipality and the arrangement with the tenant. Getting the electrical planned and permitted before framing begins avoids costly changes once walls are closed.
How does electrical planning for new construction differ from a renovation?
New construction gives you a clean slate to plan the electrical layout from scratch, which means you can position panels, circuits, and outlets exactly where they need to be rather than working around existing infrastructure. It is also the most efficient time to future-proof for EV charging, home automation, and additional circuits. Running conduit and rough-in at this stage costs a fraction of what it costs once walls are finished. Lenius & Osborn work directly with your general contractor to integrate the electrical plan into the build schedule so rough-in, inspections, and final connections all land on time.
Can electrical rough-in work be done before walls are closed during a renovation?
Yes, and this is exactly when rough-in should happen. Rough-in is the stage where wiring is run through open wall cavities before insulation and drywall go in, and it is the most efficient and cost-effective point in any renovation to get the electrical right. Changes after walls are closed require cutting into finished surfaces, which adds time, cost, and repair work that is entirely avoidable when the electrician is scheduled in before framing closes.
What should I look for when hiring an electrician for a home renovation in Victoria?
The most important things are a valid BC electrical contractor licence, experience specifically with renovation work in older Victoria homes, and a clear process for pulling permits and coordinating with other trades. An electrician who has worked extensively in pre-1945 character homes understands what to expect behind walls that have never been opened, which reduces surprises mid-project. Lenius & Osborn have been working on Victoria renovations since 1991 and are familiar with the older home stock across Oak Bay, Saanich, and the wider region.
Is it worth future-proofing the electrical during a renovation rather than just meeting current needs?
Yes, and the cost difference at rough-in stage is modest compared to what it costs to add capacity once walls are finished and trades have left. Running an additional circuit, adding conduit for a future EV charger, or upsizing the panel while walls are already open is a fraction of the cost of returning for a second job later. Lenius & Osborn factor future planning into every renovation conversation so you are not paying twice for work that could have been done once.
Do you handle renovation and new construction electrical work across Greater Victoria?
Yes, renovation and new construction electrical work is a core part of what Lenius & Osborn do across Greater Victoria, including Oak Bay, Saanich, Esquimalt, and the surrounding area. Their familiarity with older Victoria homes and experience working alongside general contractors makes them a practical choice for projects where the electrical scope needs to fit into a broader renovation timeline.