A house rewire is one of the most significant electrical projects a homeowner or landlord can undertake. It involves the total replacement of the electrical cables, fittings, and the consumer unit (fuse box) to ensure the property meets the latest 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).
The House Rewire Process:
A professional rewire is typically split into two stages, known as the “First Fix” and “Second Fix.”
Stage 1: The First Fix (Cabling & Back Boxes)
This is the “heavy” part of the job where the property’s infrastructure is laid.
Accessing the Skeleton: We carefully lift floorboards and “chase” (cut channels) into walls to run new cables.
New Circuitry: We install separate cables for lighting, sockets, cookers, and high-power appliances.
Back Boxes: We install the metal or plastic boxes that will eventually hold your sockets and switches.
Fire & Security: We often install the wiring for interlinked smoke alarms and security systems during this stage.
Stage 2: The Second Fix (Fittings & Power)
Once the walls are plastered and decorated, we return to “live” the system.
Faceplates: We install the actual switches, sockets, and light fittings.
Consumer Unit: We install a modern, non-combustible metal fuse board with RCD and Surge Protection (SPD).
Testing: We carry out a rigorous series of tests to ensure every circuit is safe and functional.
How Much Does a Rewire Cost in 2025?
Costs vary based on property size, but providing a ballpark figure helps manage customer expectations. In the UK, average costs currently range from £2,500 to £11,000.
5 Signs Your Property Needs a Rewire:
Homeowners often don’t know they need a rewire until there is a problem.
Old Consumer Unit: If you have a wooden-backed fuse box or one with rewireable “wire” fuses.
Flickering Lights: Frequent dimming or flickering in multiple rooms.
Discoloured Sockets: Brown scorch marks or a “fishy” burning smell from outlets.
Inadequate Sockets: Relying heavily on extension leads because there are only one or two sockets per room.
Property Age: If your home hasn’t been rewired in the last 25–30 years, the cable insulation (PVC or rubber) may be perishing.
Certification & Legality:
At PLS Electrical, we handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to. Every full rewire includes:
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): The technical proof that the work is safe.
Part P Notification: We notify Building Control on your behalf, which is essential for when you eventually sell your property.
The Importance of Certification
When you invest in a full or partial rewire, the paperwork is just as important as the cable in the walls. At PLS Electrical, we don’t just complete the work; we provide the legal certification you need to sell your home, satisfy insurers, and ensure your family’s safety.
What Certificates Will I Receive?
After a rewire, a qualified electrician must provide two key documents.
Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): This confirms that the new wiring, circuits, and consumer unit meet the BS 7671 (UK national safety standard).
Part P Building Regulations Compliance Certificate: Since a rewire is “notifiable work,” we register it with local building control on your behalf. This is essential when you come to sell your property.
