What is your full name & where did you grow up?

Glenn Wilton, I grew up in Woronorah Sydney. It's in the Sutherland Shire but I don't know if I should be telling people that! I've been in Newcastle a long time though; I moved here in the late 90's so I feel like a Novocastrian.

How did you get into electrical & where did you start your career?

I assisted my dad when I was a kid around the house, he was an unqualified electrician from the 70's, Glenn laughs fondly. I finished year 12 & decided to do a trade instead of going to uni for the ability to work outdoors & using my brain & hands. 

I started in 1988 with Hodgson & Lee in Surry Hills, Sydney. It was mostly commercial & fire safety. Tried my hand at apartment blocks, oven repairs & maintenance but then, like everyone else, in 1993 I was retrenched due to the recession. I went straight into subcontracting; this is where I found my passion for domestic work. 

In 1995 I left to go travelling & used a travel visa to work in London where I met my partner Kim & we came back to Newcastle together.

What is your favourite aspect of electrical & being the Director of Wilton Electrical?

Easily my favourite part of electrical is fault finding & trouble shooting. I genuinely love helping our clients, so I'm always looking for solutions to fix problems.

Being part of a team is great, that's why I wanted to expand Wilton Electrical beyond a sole trader. I also love seeing apprentices become tradespeople & have a new skill for life!

What are 3 facts people might not know about you?

1. I love music, you know if I'm home because there's always something blasting out of my record player (usually Sunny Boys).

2. Sharks' supporter but I don't know if I should be splashing that information around here in Newcastle he laughs. And I love being part of the soccer community here in Cooks Hill.

3. I'm allergic to almost all animals; dogs, cats, horses..  you name it!

Lastly, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Still very involved in Wilton & hopefully still on the tools! Electrical is always advancing so I'm sure it will take us into new areas of work which is exciting.

Our 2 daughters will both be finished their HSC by then so hopefully a little more travelling & surfing too!

One often overlooked aspect is the safety & efficiency of your electrical system. Choosing the right electrician sets the tone for a seamless 2024.

A relationship with Wilton is your key to maintaining a safe & functional environment, whether its home or work. From small upgrades to emergency repairs, having the knowledge of Glenn & the team at your fingertips is imperative for a safe home or workplace. One of Glenn’s greatest qualities is ‘future proofing’, quick fixes are temporary & so should your relationship with the tradie doing so. Glenn is always looking for ways to get the most out of appliances, lights or any systems being installed. You are always informed 100% along the way & we’ve found keeping our clients in the loop & educated on what’s happening in their own home ensures an honest relationship from the start 

Supporting small businesses is one thing but finding an electrician that’s here to support you & give an honest breakdown is imperative for fostering a healthy relationship.

Make 2024 the year you form a connection with a trusted & licensed electrician and get in touch with Glenn Wilton on 0414 494 902.

We look forward to working with new & existing clients in 2024!

1. Unforeseen Issues are Inevitable:  No matter how meticulously you plan your renovation, it's nearly impossible to predict every obstacle that might pop up. Whether it's hidden electrical problems, structural issues, or unexpected council matters. Having extra funds set aside can prevent these surprises from derailing your project (and your sanity). 

2. Safety First: Electrical work is a critical component of any renovation. Ignoring electrical issues can lead to safety hazards and non-compliance. Setting aside additional funds allows you to address any unexpected electrical issues promptly, ensuring safety for everyone on site and your family. 

3. Avoid Stress and Delays: A budget with surplus of funds provides peace of mind. Instead of feeling anxious and stressed when unexpected costs arise, you can handle them with confidence. This proactive approach will prevent unnecessary delays, keeping your project on track. 

4. Quality Matters: Rushed decisions made due to budget constraints can compromise the quality of your renovation. With extra funds available, you can make informed choices that ensure your project not only meets your expectations but is compliant as well. 

5. Long-term Savings:  or in the words of Glenn, “future proofing” is investing in quality work and addressing unexpected issues promptly which saves you money in the long run. It's more cost-effective to fix problems during the renovation phase than dealing with them as emergencies later. 

In conclusion, allowing for some flexibility in your renovation budget is a really wise decision. As a local electrical company, we emphasise the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. When you plan ahead for unforeseen circumstances, you can enjoy a safer, and more successful renovation project. So, whether you're upgrading your home electrically, tackling an owner builder renovation or a complete knock down rebuild, remember that budgeting for the unexpected is a valuable investment. For more information please get in touch with Glenn Wilton on 0414 494 902. 

Safety First: The prominent reason to hire a licensed electrician is safety!! A small mistake during a DIY electrical project could lead to electric shock, fire, or even fatal accidents. Licensed electricians possess the knowledge to navigate complex electrical projects safely.

Expertise and Experience: Licensed electricians bring years of experience and in-depth knowledge to the table. Do you know the codes & regulations to ensure that all work is compliant?

Quality Work: DIY electrical work often results in subpar outcomes. Faulty wiring & improper installations can lead to problems down the tack. Wilton is a team of licensed electricians that are committed to delivering quality work.

Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While DIY projects might seem budget-friendly initially, the cost of rectifying your budget pendant installation can often end up being much more than you’d initially wanted to spend. Professional electricians do the job right the first time.

Insurance and Liability: Licensed electricians are insured, meaning that if an accident occurs during their work, you're not held financially responsible. On the other hand, DIY electrical work could void your insurance.

In conclusion, when it comes to electrical work, the risks of DIY projects far outweigh the benefits. By hiring a licensed electrician, you're not just investing in our professional expertise but also in the security and peace of mind that come with a job done properly, the first time.

If you want electrical work done, need a quote or just want to speak to an expert,  get in touch with Glenn on 0414 494 902.

Not only do they help to reduce our carbon footprint, but they also save us money in the long run.
However, owning an electric car also presents new challenges, like finding a charging station when you're on the go. That's where owning your charging station comes in handy.

We’ve installed everything from Toyota’s to Tesla’s and the unanimous feedback we receive is that having your charging station brings so much day-to-day ease. As companies start to create electric family cars it's very inconvenient for a family with young children to wait at an outdoor charging station for 3+ hours.
Apart from the initial cost of setting the charger up, it can also be used as a selling point for your home if you choose to incorporate it in a future renovation as many future homebuyers will start to look for properties with car chargers.

Once you’ve purchased the charger we can usually wire, install, test and commission the same day.

If you'd like to know more about saving money and time on an electrical charging station or you're after a quote, get in touch with Glenn on 0414 494 902.

Simply put, a Level 2 accredited service provider Electrician is the middle person between the power to your house and the main connection from AusGrid Network out on the street front (please note: that   AusGrid   is the Newcastle area and greater region’s network. Outside of this area there will be other company network providers).

They are an important part of your renovation that work with your current Electrician to ensure you comply with   all of   AusGrid   Network and building code rules around power to your home.

Wilton Electrical regularly works with local Level 2 contractors. They are the conduit from your home’s main meter box/switchboard to the network supply, whether underground or overhead.

Level 2 is fundamental to your requirements to ensure adequate supply to your electrical additions. It is quite   specialised   work and is very high risk, as usually reflected in the associated invoice. They have set prices ranging from $350 to $1,500 dependent on the needs of your upgrade, such as a full upgrade or   localised  repairs and metering.

Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of why you need a Level 2 Electrician, as they really are an integral part of almost any renovation and every new build.  

If you require any further   information on what differentiates each level of electrician, or if you're after a quote or call out   please do not hesitate to get in touch with Glenn on 0414 494 902.

This is about the time you want to call Wilton to have a chat about what this involves.

If you're going from a basic free standing oven to a luxury Smeg or Belling you may need to upgrade your capacity at the main switchboard. 

It’s a question we're frequently asked when our clients are doing maintenance or renovations to their home.

Our most common answer is; if we’re upgrading, a small addition of security cameras is no stress for us but HUGE peace of mind for you!

 

While flood lights are a great deterrent, you're not always looking to keep people out in the night. You might have an elderly parent living alone or your children might be old enough to let themselves in after school until your home from work. 

Most modern or upgraded homes have some form of security now, whether that be an alarm system, security cameras or a smart/digital door lock. Either way, most systems are complimented with an app for your phone so you can watch your home from anywhere. 

 

Security systems have given so many of our clients peace of mind and, looking to the future, they are a great selling point if you're renovating to sell.

Unfortunately gone are the days of being able to leave your car unlocked or a ‘key under the pot’. The good news is, we have plenty of systems that can be installed so that you can rest easy at night & put your mind at ease during the day! 

Considering some extra security? Don’t hesitate to call us for more information or an estimate on systems & installation – 0414 494 902

In this blog we will give you an insight into what it takes to upgrade your heritage home, electrically and what you need to know before starting.

With so little to choose from, it can be hard to find new light fittings, switches & power points that stay within the character and traditional, classic detail of a heritage home. heritage homes in NSW are protected, which means they come with a slew of regulations that make renovating… not difficult, per se, but certainly nuanced .

Firstly, let's talk fittings & fixtures! Your going to want to stay within your homes period so finding the right pieces could be tricky but we’ve done the hard work for you!

 

Rovert & Beacon Lighting both still carry a decent range of heritage inspired light fittings with all the new age modifications; LED, sound weatherproofing etc. Davis & Spence have never let us down for period inspired switches & power points.

 

But our favourite for all things heritage is; www.classicswitches.com.au

 

Their website is so extensive & top shelf! It’s all Australian so your supporting local & never wait too long for shipping!

 

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Choosing the right electrician:

1. Make sure they have experience with restoring heritage homes. It doesn’t make them any less talented if they don’t but, if you are committed to preserving the integrity of your home its best to find the right person for the job. Glenn has a heritage listed home himself & has worked extensively in Newcastle East, Cooks Hill, Morpeth & the Upper Hunter replacing the electricals in countless heritage homes.
   
2. Next, don’t go for the cheapest quote!! Please!! You have a period home because you love the finer things in life & have impeccable taste. Your electrician should know that these projects take extra time, care & most all – attention to detail! It’s so important to have a forever home that is not forever bothering you with its issues that were missed from the start. Talk to your team about what needs to be upgraded to survive the next 10-20 years. Future you will be eternally grateful!
   
3. Lastly, just because you have an “older” home doesn’t mean you need to stick with a hills hoist & one fireplace keeping the entire place warm. Tie today’s modern luxuries in to give your home an extra edge. Get the underfloor heating! Ducted air con throughout! LED strip to accentuate the bookshelf in the study! Have fun with it & make sure your electrician is onboard!

Do you need someone to speak to about your heritage home electrical needs? Call Glenn on 0414494902 for all enquiries about upgrading your home today.