Yes, rewiring does sound rather dramatic, but it is a common upgrade in older UK homes. It involves bringing electrics up-to-date in terms of safety and reliability, which is obviously a priority, particularly with so many more appliances/chargers/and home working now too! Here is how to tell when a rewire could be required, what it generally costs, and how long it ought take.
How do you know if your house needs rewiring
An individual problem, which may not always mean a whole rewire, but these are the standard warning signs:
Wiring that is decades old (most likely if the property has not been modernised in years)
Consumer unit (fuse box) frequently tripping, or fuses blowing continuously
Smelly burn marks with burning smell, scorched appearance, buzzing switches, and sockets. Clearly noticeable warm switch faceplates
Damaged sockets and switches, look for splitting in the plastic or any discolouration
Insufficient sockets (the reliance on extensions can be a giveaway that it is an old system)
Consumer unit without RCD protection (often found in older installations)
Various DIY or piecemeal repairs over the years (from different cable types to weird junctions)
If you are unsure, an electrician can carry out an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) to check the condition and what needs doing. For an Electrician Cheltenham, contact www.blu-fish.co.uk/electrical-services-cheltenham
Is a full rewire always necessary?
Not necessarily. This can vary drastically between projects; it might be that all that is needed is a consumer unit upgrade, upgrading some circuits, or fault-finding. A good electrician will explain the options clearly and show you the evidence (the results of tests, photographs, and what was noted in a report).
What is the cost of rewiring a house in the UK?
Price differences differ on:
Sq ft and configuration (flat vs terrace vs detached)
Solid walls and raised floors, including loft access
If works being carried out while the house is occupied
The number of sockets, lights, and extras.
In general, rewiring is a project cost, not an hourly task. You should have 2-3 quotes at a minimum, and they should be from reputable professionals with the correct certification.
How long does a rewire take?
Typical timelines:
1-2 bed flat: around 2-4 days
3-bed house: around 4-7 days
Larger homes: 1-2+ weeks
Anticipated disruption: Floorboards lifted, walls chased, and supplies temporarily disconnected. It is least problematic to rewire when you are doing other work on the house or before moving in, if possible.
The takeaway
If you have an older property that is giving off warning signs, get an EICR done. It shows you in black and white what works, what should be looked at closely, and if it really is necessary to rewire the whole house.