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Your home’s electrical system quietly powers your daily life – until something goes wrong. From charging phones to running appliances, modern living depends on safe, reliable wiring. But how do you know when your home’s electrical system needs more than a quick fix?
Let’s look at the clear signs that tell you it’s time to think about rewiring a house, and why sorting this early can save you stress (and money) later.
Here are clear signals when its wiring isn’t up to scratch. Watch for these key signs:
- Frequent circuit breaker trips point to an overloaded system. If you can’t run your kettle and toaster at the same time without cutting power, your wiring might be struggling to keep up with your needs.
- Brown marks around sockets or a burning smell when using appliances are serious red flags. These signs mean your wiring could be creating dangerous heat – a major fire risk that needs immediate attention.
- Flickering lights aren’t just annoying – they can signal loose connections or damaged wiring behind your walls. If your lights dim when you turn on appliances, your home’s wiring might not be distributing power properly.
Most electrical systems last 25-30 years, but several factors affect this timeline:
- Houses built before 1970 often have older wiring types that don’t meet current safety standards. If your home still has its original wiring from this era, it’s time for a professional check.
- Adding new appliances and gadgets puts extra strain on older systems. Your 1990s wiring might have handled a TV and washing machine perfectly, but today’s homes run multiple devices that old circuits weren’t designed to support.
Regular electrical inspections can spot problems before they become dangerous. For homes over 25 years old, getting a professional assessment every 5 years helps you stay ahead of potential issues.
A full house rewiring happens in two main stages:
- First Fix – This stage involves all the behind-the-scenes work:
- Removing old wiring and installing new cables
- Running cables through walls, floors, and ceilings
- Setting up new circuits for your home’s needs
- Placing back boxes for switches and sockets
- Second Fix – This is where everything comes together:
- Installing new sockets, switches, and light fittings
- Connecting all circuits to your consumer unit
- Testing every circuit for safety
- Getting final certification from a qualified electrician
Here’s what you might pay and how long it takes for a full rewiring job:
| House size | Estimated Cost | Estimated Duration |
| 2-bedroom house | £3,000 – £4,500 | 4-7 days |
| 3-bedroom house | £4,000 – £6,000 | 6-10 days |
| 4 – bedroom house | £5,000 – £8,000 | 8-14 days |
These prices typically include:
- Materials (cables, sockets, switches): 30% of total cost
- Labour: 60% of total cost
- Testing and certification: 10% of the total cost
Several factors can push your costs up or down:
- House Size and Layout. Your home’s square footage is just the start. Multiple floors mean more work, while unusual layouts might need extra cable runs.
- Access Issues. Can electricians easily reach your wiring spaces? Homes with limited loft access or solid floors often need extra work, adding time and cost.
- Property Age. Older homes might hide surprises like asbestos or crumbling plaster, which need sorting before rewiring can start.
- Your Choices. More sockets, smart home features, or outdoor lighting all add to the final bill. A basic house rewire includes standard sockets and switches – anything extra costs more.
- Location. London and South East prices typically run 20-30% higher than other UK regions.
Have you thought about which extras you might want while the house rewiring happens? It’s often the perfect time to add those extra sockets or update your lighting.
The DIY Route: Worth the Risk?
Yes, DIY electrical work might save you money upfront. But let’s be clear – rewiring needs proper training, tools, and certification. Here’s why DIY rewiring rarely pays off:
- Safety risks go beyond a simple shock. Poor wiring can cause fires that might not show up for months or years. Is saving money worth putting your family at risk?
- Legal issues crop up fast. In the UK, most electrical work needs certification from a qualified person. Without it, you could face fines and invalidate your home insurance.
- Hidden costs hit hard. One wrong connection could damage your appliances or require a complete redo by a professional – often costing more than hiring them first.
Why Professional Electricians Matter
Our professional electricians are NICEIC registered and safeguard your home with expertise that goes well beyond basic wiring. They bring vital building regulations knowledge to every job, keeping your home both legal and safe. Each installation gets tested, certified, and documented properly – something that protects you when selling your home or making insurance claims.
If anything goes wrong during or after the work, you’re covered with a 12 month guarantee on labour. Compare this to DIY mishaps, which could leave you paying thousands to fix problems your home insurance won’t touch.
Our experts come equipped with advanced testing gear that spots hidden issues DIY work often misses. They’ll check every circuit, connection, and component with precision tools, ensuring your whole system works safely. When they’re finished, you’ll get proper certification proving everything meets current standards.
Ready for Tomorrow’s Technology?
When rewiring your home, planning ahead saves you money and hassle. Here’s what to consider:
| Area | Requirements |
| Circuits | • 20A circuits for high-use areas (kitchens, offices)
• Dedicated lines for power-hungry appliances • Separate circuits for technology zones |
| Socket Placement | • Double sockets every 2 metres along walls
• Floor sockets under potential furniture spots • USB sockets in bedrooms and living spaces • Pop-up sockets in kitchen islands and desks |
| Home Office | • Surge-protected circuits for equipment
• Extra data points for internet stability • Planning for multiple screens setup • Backup power options for critical gear |
| EV Charging | • 40-amp dedicated circuit for fast charging
• Strategic charging point placement • RCD protection installation • Consumer unit capacity verification |
| Entertainment | • Cable routing for wall-mounted TVs
• Conduits for future cable upgrades • Extra circuits for gaming and sound • Multi-room audio system planning |
Want to chat about your specific rewiring needs? Start by booking an EICR to get a clear picture of your current system’s condition.
Safe, modern wiring keeps your home running smoothly and your family protected. Any warning signs or ageing wiring needs attention now, not later.
Book an EICR today and get a thorough check of your home’s electrical system. You’ll get a professional assessment that spots potential issues before they become problems.
Our qualified electricians provide one-to-one consultations to explain any findings in clear, simple terms. We’ll give you a detailed report with photos and smart solutions tailored to your home’s needs. No technical jargon – just straight talk about what needs doing and why.
Want to know the costs upfront? Visit our quote page for instant pricing based on your specific needs. We break down all the costs clearly so you know exactly what you’re paying for. Get a quote with no commitment – it’s that simple.
Your home’s safety starts with a simple check – book yours today.