If your property is over 30 years old, your electrical wiring might not meet today’s safety standards. House rewiring is an essential upgrade that protects your home from electrical faults, improves energy efficiency, and supports modern-day appliances, whether renovating or moving into an older property in London. Understanding how rewiring works can help you plan and budget better.
What is House Rewiring?
House rewiring involves replacing old, outdated, or damaged electrical wires, sockets, switches, and the fuse board. It’s a comprehensive job that ensures your electrical system is safe and compliant with current UK regulations (BS 7671 Wiring Regulations).
A full rewire typically includes:
New wiring circuits throughout the property
Updated consumer unit (fuse board)
New switches and plug sockets
Installation of earth bonding
Smoke alarms and extractor fans (if required)
Signs Your Home May Need Rewiring
You might need a house rewire if:
Your fuse board uses old-style fuses instead of circuit breakers
Sockets are mounted on skirting boards
You experience frequent tripping or flickering lights
There’s a burning smell or buzzing noise from sockets
Wiring is covered in black rubber, fabric, or lead
If you’re unsure, a qualified electrician can perform an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to assess the state of your system.
How Long Does a Rewire Take?
A whole-house rewire usually takes:
3–7 days for a 2–3 bedroom house
Up to 10 days or more for larger properties or those with complex layouts
The time required depends on the size of the house, the number of circuits needed, and whether the property is occupied during the work.
How Much Does House Rewiring Cost in London?
Costs can vary based on the size of your home and the project’s complexity. On average in London:
1-bedroom flat: £3,000–£4,500
3-bedroom house: £4,500–£7,000
5-bedroom house: £7,000–£10,000+
Other factors affecting cost include:
The type and finish of sockets and switches
Whether plastering and decorating are needed afterwards
The presence of smart home or security systems
It’s always best to request a detailed quote from a certified local electrician.
What to Expect During a Rewire
Rewiring is disruptive but manageable. Here’s what happens:
Planning – A survey is carried out to assess your current system and layout needs.
First Fix – Wires are installed before the walls are plastered or painted.
Second Fix – Sockets, lights, and the consumer unit are installed.
Testing & Certification – The system is tested to ensure it meets all safety standards, and you’ll receive the relevant certificates.
If the property is fully occupied, you may need to vacate parts of it or the whole house during the process.
Do You Need Permission to Rewire?
Rewiring is classified as “notifiable work” under Part P of the Building Regulations. This means it must be:
Report to your local authority
Completed by a Part P-registered electrician (like us)
Failure to do so can result in fines or issues when selling your home.
Leave It to the Professionals
Rewiring is not a DIY job. It’s a complex, hazardous process that should only be carried out by qualified and registered electricians. Using a professional ensures the safety of your home, your loved ones, and your investment.
Need House Rewiring in London?
Route Electrical Ltd specialises in safe, efficient, and fully certified house rewiring services across London. Whether upgrading an old property or planning a complete renovation, our expert electricians are here to help from start to finish, with minimal disruption and maximum peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation or request a no-obligation quote.
