If your home is more than a few decades old, there’s a good chance the electrical wiring isn’t up to modern standards. Rewiring your property is one of the most important upgrades you can make, not just for safety, but also to future-proof your home for today’s technology-driven lifestyle. Whether you’re renovating or simply want peace of mind, here’s a straightforward guide to understanding what’s involved in a full or partial rewire.
Why Rewiring Is So Important
Old wiring isn’t just inefficient, it can be dangerous. Many properties built before the 1980s still use outdated materials like rubber, lead, or fabric-insulated cables, which degrade over time. When insulation breaks down, wires can overheat, short-circuit, or even start a fire. Common signs your home might need rewiring include:- Flickering or dimming lights
- Regularly tripping circuit breakers or blown fuses
- Discoloured or warm sockets and switches
- Buzzing sounds or burning smells near outlets
- Lack of RCD protection in your consumer unit (fuse box)
What’s Involved in a Full Rewire
A full rewire replaces all existing wiring, sockets, switches, and light fittings, while bringing your system up to today’s safety and usage standards. It’s a big job, typically taking between 5 and 10 days depending on the size of your property, but it’s also one of the most worthwhile investments you can make.1. Planning and Design
Before work begins, your electrician will walk through the house with you to map out socket and lighting layouts. Think about how you use each room, where you’ll need sockets for TVs, home offices, or appliances. Now’s also a good time to consider adding:- USB outlets
- Outdoor power points or garden lighting
- EV charger cabling
- Smart home controls or data cabling
2. First Fix
This is the messy bit. Floors and walls are lifted or chased out to run new cables for lighting, sockets, and switches. Cables are installed for each circuit, and back boxes are fitted in the walls ready for your new accessories. At this stage, your old system will often be turned off, so temporary power may be provided.3. Second Fix
Once the plastering and any building work are complete, your electrician will return to connect sockets, light fittings, and your new consumer unit (fuse board). The circuits are tested to ensure everything is working correctly and meets all safety standards.4. Certification
At the end of the job, you’ll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the work complies with UK Building Regulations (Part P). This certification is essential if you ever plan to sell your home.Living Through a Rewire
There’s no getting around it, rewiring can be disruptive. Dust, noise, and temporary power outages are common. If possible, it’s best to vacate the property while the first fix is being done. If you need to stay, your electrician can usually complete the work in stages so that key rooms retain power. A few tips to make life easier:- Clear as much furniture and carpet as possible before work starts
- Cover remaining items with dust sheets
- Label which circuits power which rooms, it helps when testing later
- Arrange for decorators after the electrical work is complete
Can You Rewire Part of a House?
Yes, if only certain areas are outdated, a partial rewire might be sufficient. For instance, you could upgrade just the kitchen and bathroom circuits (which need RCD protection) or modernise lighting upstairs while leaving downstairs intact. Your electrician will assess whether the existing wiring is safe to keep connected.Choosing the Right Electrician
Rewiring is not a DIY project. Always hire a qualified electrician registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or a similar body. This ensures the work is compliant and covered by certification and warranty. When comparing quotes, make sure to:- Ask for a detailed breakdown of materials and labour
- Confirm what’s included (consumer unit, smoke alarms, testing, etc.)
- Check reviews and examples of previous work