When homeowners think about upgrading a property, rewiring isn’t usually top of the list. It’s not visible, it’s not exciting but it matters. Old or faulty wiring doesn’t just affect safety; it can also limit your ability to renovate, extend or even sell your home.
So how much should you expect to pay for a full rewire in the UK? And what exactly does that involve?
Let’s break it down.
What Does a House Rewire Involve?
A rewire replaces the fixed electrical system in your home from the consumer unit (fuse box) to every socket, switch and light fitting. It includes:
- Installing modern cabling
- Upgrading sockets and switches
- Adding extra points where needed
- Replacing or relocating the consumer unit
- Fitting modern protective devices such as RCDs
- Earthing and bonding in line with current regs
- Full testing and electrical certification
In short, it brings your home up to current safety standards, usually BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations.
How Do You Know If You Need a Rewire?
There are a few telltale signs that your property might need attention:
- Your fuse board doesn’t have RCD protection
- Sockets are cracked, hot to the touch or poorly placed
- Lights flicker regularly or trip circuits
- Wiring is coated in black rubber or fabric
- You’ve had an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) with multiple C2 or C1 issues
- You’re renovating a property built before the 1980s
Sometimes, just replacing the fuse board is enough. But if the underlying cabling is dated, a full rewire is often the safest route.
So, What Will It Cost?
Rewiring costs vary depending on a few things:
- The size and layout of the property
- Whether it’s occupied during the work
- The number of sockets and light points you need
- The age of the property and ease of access
- Whether you want extras like USB sockets or smart tech
- The finish: standard white fittings vs decorative styles
While there’s no single figure that suits all homes, a modest 1-bed flat might cost just over £3,000, while a large 4-bed detached home could easily be £7,000–£8,000. These figures include labour, materials, VAT and certification.
The job can take anywhere from 4 days to 3 weeks depending on complexity. Occupied homes may take longer due to phased working and safety requirements.
Can You Live In a House While It’s Being Rewired?
Yes — but it’s not ideal.
Rewiring is dusty, noisy and involves temporarily cutting power to parts of the home. If you can vacate during work, it’ll go faster and smoother. If you must stay, your electrician will usually work in stages, keeping some circuits live while others are upgraded.
Planning is key. You’ll need to move furniture, lift carpets and accept some disruption.
What About Partial Rewires or Phased Work?
If a full rewire isn’t financially feasible all at once, phased rewiring is an option, especially during home renovations. For example, you might start with the kitchen and consumer unit during a ground-floor refurb, then do the upstairs next year.
Just keep in mind: any newly rewired circuits must comply with the latest standards and the overall installation will still need to be safe and certified.
Legal Requirements You Should Know
In England and Wales, electrical work in homes is governed by Part P of the Building Regulations. That means:
- Any rewire must be notified to Building Control
- Work must be carried out by a registered (competent) electrician
- You must receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) on completion
- The work must meet BS 7671 standards
Hiring a qualified electrician who’s part of a recognised scheme (like NICEIC or NAPIT) means they can self-certify and handle the notification process for you. This protects both your safety and your legal position, especially important if you plan to sell the property in future.
Rewiring and Property Value
Is it worth the money?
For older homes, absolutely. A full rewire not only improves safety, it’s also a valuable selling point. Prospective buyers often walk away from properties with poor electrical systems or they use it to negotiate the price down.
A modern consumer unit, clean sockets, LED-ready circuits and up-to-date certification all help your home pass a buyer’s survey without issue. If you’re a landlord, a safe and compliant electrical system is non-negotiable. You’re legally required to provide an EICR at least every five years and fix any issues flagged. In many cases, that starts with a full or partial rewire.
What to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician
- Are you NICEIC or NAPIT registered?
- Do you include full certification?
- Can I see examples of similar rewires?
- Do you handle building control notifications?
- Will the price include any plastering or decorating?
- Do you provide a clear, written quote and scope of work?
Good electricians are transparent about costs, timelines and what’s included. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Know What You’re Paying For
Rewiring isn’t a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a structural one. Done right, it keeps your home safe, compliant and ready for the modern world. Done badly or put off too long, it can cause expensive problems down the line. So if your electrics are out of date or your EICR has raised concerns, speak to a qualified contractor who specialises in full rewires.
Get It Done Right with Glenfield Electrical
Based in Leicestershire, Glenfield Electrical delivers safe, compliant and efficient rewiring services for homeowners across the region. Whether you’re upgrading an older property or making your home fit for the future, we’ll guide you through the process from inspection to certification.