House Rewire (Full Rewiring)
Complete house rewire with new circuits, consumer unit, earthing, and bonding. Qualified and insured.
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House Rewire (Full Rewiring)
Qualified electrician
Same-day service
Most jobs matched within hours.
Upfront pricing
Clear quotes before work starts.
Qualified pros
NICEIC & NAPIT registered.
Pay when done
Funds held until you're happy.
How it works
Survey and circuit design
The electrician surveys the entire property, mapping existing circuits and planning the new installation. They agree the number and position of sockets, switches, lighting points, and any specialist circuits (cooker, shower, EV charger). A circuit schedule and cable route plan is drawn up.
First fix — cabling
All old wiring is removed. New twin-and-earth cables are routed through the property — chased into walls, run under floors, and through ceiling voids. Back boxes for sockets and switches are installed. This is the most disruptive phase and requires access to all rooms, loft space, and under floors.
Consumer unit installation
A new 18th edition metal consumer unit is installed with RCBOs or dual RCD protection. All new circuits are terminated at the board. Meter tails, main earth, and bonding conductors are installed or upgraded.
Second fix — accessories
Once plastering and decoration are complete, socket faceplates, light switches, ceiling roses, and other accessories are fitted and connected. Pendant lights and fixed luminaires are wired in.
Testing and commissioning
Every circuit is fully tested to BS 7671 standards. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued for the entire installation. The work is notified to Building Control via the electrician's competent person scheme. A detailed circuit chart is provided.
Handover and documentation
The electrician walks through the installation, explains the consumer unit and RCD/RCBO operation, and hands over the EIC, circuit schedule, and Building Control notification. Any minor snagging is addressed.
What's included
What's involved
A full rewire involves replacing all the electrical wiring, accessories, and the consumer unit in a property. Every circuit is stripped back and replaced with modern twin-and-earth cable, new sockets and switches are fitted, and a new 18th edition consumer unit is installed. The earthing and bonding system is brought up to current standards. This is the most comprehensive electrical upgrade you can carry out and is typically needed in properties with wiring over 25-30 years old, or where an EICR has identified widespread deterioration.
Old wiring deteriorates over time. Rubber-sheathed cable (common pre-1960s), lead-sheathed cable, and early PVC cable can become brittle, lose insulation resistance, and develop faults. Properties with old wiring are at significantly higher risk of electrical fires and electric shock. If your EICR returns a C1 (danger present) or multiple C2 (potentially dangerous) codes, a full rewire may be the only practical solution. It is also often the most cost-effective approach when buying a property that needs major renovation.
Get a personalised quote
Typical cost: £3,000–£8,000per property
Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.
How long does it take?
1-2 weeks for a small property (2-bed flat or terrace). 2-3 weeks for a 3-4 bed house. This is the first fix phase only — second fix (fitting faceplates and accessories) is typically a separate day 2-4 weeks later after plastering.
Regulations & safety
Safety notice
A full rewire is major electrical work that must be carried out by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme. The property will be without power during first fix — this can last several days on larger properties.
If you discover old wiring types during renovation (rubber-sheathed, lead-sheathed, or aluminium cable), do not disturb them. These can be brittle and dangerous. Have an electrician assess the condition before any work proceeds.
During a rewire, floors may need to be lifted and walls chased. This causes significant disruption and dust. If possible, combine the rewire with other renovation work. Consider temporary accommodation if the property is occupied.
Part P of the Building Regulations (Approved Document P)
A full rewire is notifiable electrical work. All new circuits must be designed, installed, tested, and certified by a registered electrician, or inspected by Building Control.
BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition)
The national standard governing all aspects of the installation — cable sizing, circuit protection, earthing, bonding, accessory heights, and special location requirements (bathrooms, kitchens).
Approved Document B (Fire Safety) — Smoke and Heat Alarms
When carrying out a full rewire, smoke alarms must be upgraded to meet current standards: interconnected mains-powered alarms with battery backup on every storey, plus heat detectors in kitchens.
BS 5839-6 — Fire Detection in Dwellings
Specifies the grade and category of fire detection required in domestic properties. A Grade D1 Category LD2 system (mains-powered, interconnected, covering escape routes and high-risk rooms) is standard for a full rewire.
What to expect
Having issues with your existing installation?
Already have a house rewire (full rewiring) and having issues? Check our troubleshooting guides.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my house needs a full rewire?
Can I live in the house during a rewire?
Does a rewire add value to my property?
Can I do a partial rewire instead?
Will I need to redecorate after a rewire?
How long does a rewire last before the next one is needed?
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Consumer Unit & Fuse Box Upgrade
Replace your old fuse box with a modern 18th edition consumer unit. RCD/RCBO protected, metal enclosure. Qualified and insured.
Partial Rewire & Circuit Extension
Upgrade specific circuits without a full house rewire. Ideal for extensions, old lighting circuits, or outdated ring mains. Qualified and insured.
Earthing & Bonding
Upgrade your property's earthing and bonding to current standards. Main bonding, supplementary bonding, and earth electrode installation. Qualified and insured.
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Emergency Electrician
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Professional electrical fault finding and diagnostics by qualified electricians. Tripping, power loss, flickering lights, and burning smells investigated and resolved. Qualified and insured.
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