A full house rewire involves completely replacing all the electrical wiring, sockets, switches, and the consumer unit (fuse box) in your home. It's a major undertaking that typically becomes necessary in homes over 30 years old, where the wiring no longer meets current safety standards or can't cope with modern electrical demands.
Why Your Home Might Need a Full Rewire
Several signs indicate your property needs rewiring. If you have a fuse box with old-style fuses rather than circuit breakers, outdated rubber or fabric-covered cables, round-pin sockets, or frequently tripping electrics, it's time to consider a rewire. Homes built before 1970 almost certainly need updating, as do many properties from the 1970s and 1980s. A qualified electrician can conduct an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess whether rewiring is necessary.
The Initial Survey and Planning Stage
Before any work begins, an electrician will survey your property to plan the job properly. They'll discuss your requirements, including where you want sockets, light switches, and any special features like USB charging points or smart home wiring. This is your opportunity to think about modern living needs – you'll likely want more sockets than currently installed, especially in kitchens and home offices. The electrician will then provide a detailed quote. It's worth getting multiple quotes to compare prices, as full rewires typically cost between £3,000 and £7,000 depending on property size and complexity.
First Fix: Stripping Out and Installing New Cables
The rewire happens in two stages. The first fix is the most disruptive phase, taking roughly 3-7 days for an average three-bedroom house. The electrician will lift floorboards and create channels (called chases) in walls to run new cables throughout your home. All old wiring comes out, and new cables are pulled through to every socket, switch, and light fitting location. Back boxes for sockets and switches are fitted into the walls, and a new consumer unit replaces your old fuse box.
During this phase, your home will be in considerable upheaval. Carpets need lifting, furniture moving, and there'll be dust and debris despite best efforts. You'll need to temporarily move items from cupboards where floorboards need accessing. Most people remain in their homes during rewiring, though you should prepare for significant disruption to your daily routine.
Making Good and Plastering Work
Once the first fix is complete, the chases in your walls need filling and the plaster making good. Some electricians include basic making good in their quote, whilst others leave it for you to arrange separately. Professional plasterers typically need 2-3 days to complete this work properly. The plaster must then dry thoroughly – usually around a week – before decorating can begin. This waiting period is essential and shouldn't be rushed, as damp plaster can ruin paintwork and wallpaper.
Second Fix: Installing Fittings and Testing
After plastering and drying time, the electrician returns for the second fix, which takes 1-2 days. They'll install all the faceplates on sockets and switches, connect light fittings, and wire everything into the consumer unit. The system then undergoes rigorous testing to ensure everything works safely and meets current regulations (BS 7671 18th Edition at time of writing).
Upon successful completion, you'll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate, which is a legal requirement for this work. Keep this certificate safe – you'll need it when selling your property and for insurance purposes.
Living Through a Rewire
Total time from start to finish is typically 2-3 weeks, though the electrician won't be present every day due to drying times. Your power will be off during working hours, so charge devices overnight and plan accordingly. Consider whether elderly relatives or people working from home should stay elsewhere during the most disruptive days.
Plan your rewire during warmer months if possible, as floorboards being up affects heating efficiency. You'll also need to arrange redecorating afterwards – budget an additional £1,500-£3,000 for a professional decorator to restore your home, or factor in your own time if decorating yourself.