How Much Does It Cost For House Rewire?

Rewiring a house is one of the biggest expenses of home renovation. But it’s also necessary for safety and efficiency, and you need to know the cost of electrical rewiring.

As time passes, old wiring can become outdated and struggle with modern usage.

So whether you’re being proactive and know your system needs updating before you move into a new home, or you’re sick of tripping breakers in a home you already live in. Chances are you’ll be looking for house rewiring prices.

Now that you’ve decided to replace your old wiring with a new electrical system, you’ll want to know what’s involved in the rewiring process and, more importantly, the cost to rewire.

In this article, we’ll provide all the information you need to understand what can affect rewiring costs.

This includes whether a full or partial rewire is required and the factors affecting the cost. We’ll also give you some tips on how to save on your house rewiring job.

What Is House Rewiring?

House rewiring, also known as an electrical rewire, means replacing your entire electrical system, including old and faulty wiring, with a new electrical installation that meets modern safety and efficiency standards.

Houses with electrical installations over 25 years old are usually due for a full rewire.

This is because these systems were installed at a time when electricity consumption was far less than today’s demands.

With today’s homes having multiple devices such as TVs, computers, appliances, smart technology and even cars, energy consumption puts huge pressure on these old systems. It causes faults such as frequent breaker trips.

The rewiring process brings your electrical system up to modern home power requirements, reducing the risk of system overload. This means a new consumer unit and wiring throughout the property, including new circuits.

Rewiring can be a big job. It involves planning every part of the home to calculate energy demands and ensure there are enough sockets and switches for the job.

But it’s a big job to make sure your home can handle any additions you put in the home during your time there.

How Do I Know I Need a Rewire?

Identifying when you need your house rewiring is the first step.

As a general rule of thumb, homes over 25 to 30 years old may need a rewire, especially if they still have the original old wiring.

But the age of a home isn’t the only factor to consider.

There are clear signs that indicate your existing wiring is old or unsafe.

One of the most obvious signs is flickering or dimming lights when you turn on multiple appliances or use high-wattage devices.

This means the wiring is struggling to meet the power demands. Another major red flag is burning smells or visible sparks from electrical outlets.

If you smell burning or outlets or switches feel hot to the touch, this could be electrical overheating due to outdated or faulty wiring throughout. If you have frequent breaker trips or blown fuses, your electrical system can’t handle your home’s energy load.

Other signs to look out for are crackling sounds from outlets or the fuse box, discoloured or scorched sockets and old fuse boxes that don’t have modern circuit breakers or RCD (Residual Current Device) protection.

If your home still has a fuse box with rewireable fuses, upgrading to a modern consumer unit is highly recommended. If you’re doing a major renovation or extension, a rewire may be required to ensure the electrical system can handle the additional electrical load of the new space.

The Rewiring Process: What’s Involved?

Rewiring a house is a big job that involves three main stages: the initial electrical inspection, upgrading the consumer unit and installing new wiring and sockets.

Complying with building regulations, particularly Part P of the Building Regulations in the UK, is essential during the rewiring project process.

Initial Electrical Inspection

The first stage of any rewire is the initial electrical inspection.

This is a critical part of the process where a qualified electrician assesses the current state of your home’s wiring system.

Not every home needs a full rewire, so this inspection determines whether you need a full, partial, or minor electrical update.

The electrician will check the condition of the existing wiring, looking for signs of wear and tear, old materials (aluminium wiring), and potential hazards.

The electrician will also check the fuse box, wiring insulation, grounding system, and circuit layout. Rewire costs can vary greatly depending on the size and condition of the property, so understanding these factors is key.

The results of this inspection will determine the rewiring plan.

The electrician may recommend upgrading certain system parts, such as adding new circuits for heavy-duty appliances or more plug sockets for modern needs.

This stage is critical as it allows the electrician to create a tailored plan for your home while ensuring safety and compliance with electrical regulations.

Upgrading the Consumer Unit

One of the most important upgrades in any rewire is replacing the consumer unit (also known as the fuse box).

The consumer unit is the central hub that distributes electricity throughout your home. If your current fuse box is old, it may not adequately protect against electrical faults.

Modern consumer units have Residual Current Device (RCD) protection, which is essential to prevent electrical shocks by shutting off the current if a fault is detected.

Upgrading the consumer unit means your electrical system is up to today’s standards.

The new unit will have multiple circuit breakers so you can control different areas of your home separately, adding an extra layer of safety.

This upgrade is an essential part of the rewire, as it will protect your home from potential hazards like electrical fires and ensure the system can handle modern appliances.

New Wiring and Sockets

The final and most time-consuming part of the electrical rewire is installing new wiring and sockets throughout the property. At this stage, the old wiring is removed, and new cables are installed.

To connect each room, the electrician will run wiring through the walls, ceiling cavities and floorboards. New plug sockets will be installed, often increasing the number of sockets in each room to meet modern needs.

Many older homes have limited sockets, which can lead to the misuse of extension cords. Adding more sockets is a simple way to improve safety and convenience.

The materials used in this stage can impact the overall cost and lifespan of the electrical system.

For example, choosing premium wiring, sockets, and light fittings will cost more upfront but will be more durable and safer in the long run.

In this stage, the electrician may also install additional components such as USB charging points, smart home integrations, or energy-efficient lighting systems to make the home more functional.

Cost to Rewire a house

The cost to rewire a house can vary greatly.

One of the biggest factors is the size and complexity of the job. Larger homes with more rooms will need more wiring, sockets, and labour, so they will cost more.

Homes with complex electrical wiring and layouts, such as multi-story homes or older homes with non-standard construction, will also take more time and expertise to complete the job.

Another factor that affects the cost is the age and condition of the existing wiring.

If the current wiring is very old or the home still has outdated systems like aluminium or knob and tube wiring, more work will be required to replace it safely.

Older homes may also require additional updates, such as upgrading the grounding and bonding system, which will add to the cost.

The type and quality of materials used will also impact the price.

Standard wiring and fittings will be fine for most homes, but higher-end materials like energy-efficient wiring or smart home-compatible components will cost more.

Location and accessibility of the property also come into play—homes in remote areas will have higher labour costs due to travel, and properties with difficult access (e.g., apartments in high-rise buildings) will require extra logistics and manpower.

Last of all, the number of sockets, lighting fixtures, and circuits you need will greatly impact the overall cost.

Modern homes require more sockets and lighting than older homes, especially if dedicated circuits are to be added for high-energy appliances like ovens, washing machines, or air conditioners.

Material Costs to Rewire a House

When rewiring a house, the material costs can vary greatly depending on the size of the property, the quality of materials and the job’s complexity. Here are some estimated material costs to rewire a house:

• Electrical wires: The backbone of any rewire, electrical wires, can cost between £500 and £1,000. The price depends on the type and length of wire required for your home.
• Plug sockets: Modern homes need many plug sockets for all the devices. Expect to pay £100 to £300 for plug sockets, depending on the number and type you choose.
• Light fittings: Lighting is both functional and aesthetic. Depending on the style and quality of the fixtures, light fittings can cost £200 to £500.
• Switches: Controlling your lighting and appliances switches will cost between £50 and £100.
• Consumer unit: Upgrading to a modern unit is part of the rewire process. Depending on the unit’s features and capacity, this can cost between £200 and £500.
• Electrical installation condition report (EICR): An EICR is required to ensure your new wiring meets safety standards. This report will cost between £150 and £300.
• Other materials: Additional materials like wire clips, conduit and junction boxes will add another £100 to £300 to the total cost.

Please note these are rough estimates, and the actual material costs may vary depending on the specific requirements of the rewire.

A qualified electrician will give you a more accurate estimate of the material costs so your budget matches your home’s needs.

Labour Costs and Extras

Labour costs to rewire a house can vary depending on the region, the complexity of the job and the electrician’s experience. In the UK, labour costs for electricians range from £200 to £400 per day.

The total labour cost will depend on the size of your home and how long it takes to complete the rewire. For an average 3-bedroom house, the rewire will take up to 7 days, so labour costs alone could be between £1,400 and £2,800.

Apart from labour, the other costs will include materials like wiring, sockets, light fittings and consumer units.

You’ll also need to budget for testing and inspection fees after the rewire is complete.

A qualified electrician will need to do these inspections to ensure the work meets safety regulations and the system is safe to use.

These fees will add £100 to £300 to the total cost. Other expenses may include wall repairs and repainting as the rewire will involve cutting into walls to run new cables.

How to Choose a Qualified Electrician for Your House Rewire

Choosing a qualified electrician is crucial.

Electrical work is highly regulated, and using an unqualified electrician could result in poor workmanship, safety hazards or even a complete system failure, which could cost you money to put right in the future.

Look for qualified electricians who are fully certified and registered with trade bodies like NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting), CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) or ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association).

These accreditations mean the electrician has the training and experience to rewire safely.

Before you choose an electrician, get quotes from several companies. This will give you a better idea of the average cost for your job and allow you to compare services.

When reviewing quotes, don’t just choose the cheapest. Look for electricians with good reputations, good reviews, and a portfolio of previous work. You want to ensure the company you hire will provide a quality service that meets all current safety standards.

How to Save on Your House Rewire

Rewiring your home is a big investment, but there are ways to manage costs and save. One way to save is to plan and budget before the job starts.

Knowing the scope of the work, the materials needed and the costs upfront will help you avoid any surprises.

Another way to save is to find someone who can do the job quickly and safely. Using an unqualified or inexperienced electrician might save you money upfront but could cost you more in the long run.

If your budget is limited, you can also rewire in stages. For example, you could do the upstairs first and leave the downstairs for later. However, the repeated labour and setup will add to the overall cost.

Lastly, you can save on materials by choosing standard, good-quality fittings instead of premium brands. While you shouldn’t cut corners on safety, choosing mid-range materials will keep the job within budget without compromising quality.

How Long Does a House Rewire Take?

The time it takes to rewire a house depends on the size of the property and the job.

A full rewire will take 5 to 7 days of labour for an average 3-bedroom house. Larger houses or houses with complex electrical systems will take longer.

The process involves several stages: initial inspection, planning, removal of old wiring, installation of new wiring, upgrade of consumer unit and testing and inspection.

Note rewiring can be a messy process. Walls must be cut into, floorboards lifted, and furniture moved.

So plan ahead, especially if you live on the property during the rewire. Some homeowners choose to stay elsewhere while the work is being done to minimize the disruption to their daily lives.

Summary

Rewiring a house is a big investment in your home’s safety and electrical efficiency.

Knowing the factors that affect the cost, from the size and complexity of the job to the materials and labour, will help you budget for it.

Get a qualified electrician, and you’ll be safe and sound.

Plan and budget, and you can save on your house rewire and have a safe and reliable electrical system for years to come.