Your home’s electrical system is one of the most vital things to keep in good condition. Old or faulty wiring can be a fire hazard and lead to other problems, such as electrical shocks and appliance damage.
Deciding whether your house needs rewiring depends on a variety of factors, including the age of your electrical system, the type of wiring you have, the condition of the wiring, and your specific electrical needs.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss the signs that your house may need rewiring, the cost of rewiring, and the process involved. We will also provide essential tips and tricks for choosing a qualified electrician.
Why Rewire a House? What Is the Reason?
You should get your house rewired due to outdated or defective wiring. Faulty wiring presents a significant hazard, leading to approximately 12,500 residential fires and 750 serious accidents annually.
This is the reason why it’s important that if you notice any problems with your electricity, you should have a qualified electrician test it and replace the wiring if needed. This helps keep you and your home safe.
Does My House Need Rewiring? What Are the Signs?
If your property has not been rewired for the last 25 years, it would need wiring upgrades. However, even if this is not the case, and you’re getting the following signs, you should get your house rewired.
Outdated Consumer Unit
If your fuse box has a wooden back, switches made of cast iron, a black electrical cable, or lacks proper labelling, these could indicate an old and potentially unsafe electrical system.
Worn-out Plug Sockets
If your plug sockets are cracked, broken, or have round holes instead of the standard 3-pin design, it might be time for an update.
Frequent Tripped Breakers
If your circuit breakers trip often, it could mean your electrical system is overloaded or malfunctioning.
Old Cable Colours or Aluminium Wiring
Outdated cable colours or the use of aluminium wiring, especially if there’s no dedicated earth cable/path, could pose safety risks.
Lights that Flicker or Dim Regularly
Lights that flicker or become dim frequently, even after changing bulbs, might be a sign of underlying wiring problems.
What Is Typically Involved in Rewiring?
Preparing Your Home
The first step is to lift the flooring and drill into the walls. This might sound disruptive, but don’t worry – everything will be put back the way it was once the work is done.
Rewiring Your House in Two Stages
Rewiring happens in two main stages, which usually take one to two days:
Stage 1: All the old cables, circuits, wiring, and back boxes are replaced with new ones. This is like giving your home’s electrical system a fresh start.
Stage 2: New faceplates are put on your sockets and switches. Also, new light fittings are installed. These new parts will then be connected to your main electrical control unit.
Customising Your Wiring
Since your entire wiring is being replaced, this is an excellent opportunity to customise your home’s electrical setup. You can move sockets, switches, or lights to better places or add more if needed.
In addition, if you’re interested in having modern technology in your home, like smart devices, you can plan for that too.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
The exact price of rewiring a house varies based on occupancy, number of bedrooms, property size, age, location, and chosen professionals. However, the following is the overview of how much it costs for different house types.
| House Type | Estimated Cost |
| 2 Bed Terrace | £2,200 – £3,000 |
| 3 Bed Semi | £2,800 – £4,000 |
| 4 Bed Detached | £4,000 – £6,000 |
Can I Do the Rewiring Work Myself?
By law in the UK, yes, you can do the rewiring work yourself while living. However, at the same time, you should also know that it’s not an amateur job. If you do not have the necessary knowledge and expertise, we suggest hiring a qualified electrician to rewire your house.
How to Find the Right Person for Rewiring?
When you’re searching for the right person to rewire your house, the following are some essential things to consider.
Check Qualifications
It’s essential that the electrician you hire has the proper qualifications. Before hiring them, ask to see their qualifications. Also, ensure they’re associated with a trustworthy organisation like NICEIC or ELECSA, which shows they’re competent in their work.
Insurance and Warranty
Make sure the electrician has public liability insurance. This is important in case something goes wrong during the job. Ask them about a warranty policy too, which can help cover any issues that might arise after the work is done.
Certificate from Building Control
Once the rewiring is finished, it’s crucial that the electrician provides you with a certificate from Building Control. This certificate confirms that their work meets the regulations outlined in Part P of the Building Regulations.
