Replacing/rewiring upstairs lighting circuit

[ilikewatchingtv]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone could offer an opinion on the following. I have just moved to a 1900's terraced house, the current upstairs lighting is all controlled via pull switches, and as I am having to replace the ceilings I thought this might be a good time to chase the walls and fit wall switches, since there will be plenty of mess/replastering happening anyway.
Having looked at the current wiring in the loft, everything seems pretty simple, with 5 ceiling lights controlled by pull switches, and the landing light controlled by two way surface mounted wall switches at the top and bottom of the landing.
I would want most of the light fittings to be replaced in their current positions, though would probably wish to reduce the number of lights in the bathroom to 1 (there is currently 2, - controlled via separate pull switches), I would also wish to add 1 or 2 lights in the loft. The current circuit is wired using junction boxes, I would probably wish to change this to wiring via the ceiling roses, removing the need for the junction boxes.
What I wish to know is whether this type of work is within the scope of a DIYer or whether I need to get a professional in to do the work.
I have no relevant experience of this type of project, but am eager to read up on the subject and properly plan the work if it is something I can legally do myself.
Many thanks in advance for any help!

 

[jj4091]

There is no law that says you cannot do it yourself, but you should comply with electrical regs for various reasons. Happy reading, may I suggest the wikkis are a good place to start.

 

[RF Lighting]

Sounds like the best thing to do is rewire the whole circuit.

Now is the best time to do so if you are hacking the place to bits anyway

 

[tim_s_uk]

In case you hadn't thought of this:
If you're adding lights in the loft then it's best add these first and put them on a different circuit. That way you can have them on while you work on the upstairs lighting circuit.
Also, the wires should run above the insulation and under any loft boards.