My 1950's brick cottage has the original meter box on the side of the house. The box contains the meter and only three circuits, each protected by a fuse. Three circuits is inadequate for the house, especially given an extension was added in the 80's, and in winter we trip the fuses if more than a couple of current appliances are in use.
As we move forward with our renovation I plan to have the wiring in the original part of the house replaced and additional circuits installed to carry a 'standard' load for a house of this size, along with a reverse cycle aircon unit.
I was considering getting an electrician to go ahead and replace the entire box with a new one with the capacity to support an appropriate number of circuits (and replace wiring in the future as we open walls, etc). I have no idea how much it would cost to supply an install a new meter/power box, and don't want to get ripped off. I don't want to replace the existing wiring at this time - just the meter box and contents (i.e. meter, fuse switches, etc).
Can anyone give me an idea of how much I should expect to pay in Sydney to have a new meter box/board supplied and installed (not replacement of the existing house wiring, just replacing the existing board with a new one with the capacity to have additional circuits added in the future)?
Thanks in advance,