Looking to make sure your home is electrically safe?
Rewiring your house is one of those jobs that nobody wants to do or think about. But hear me out…
It could save your life.
According to research, electrical faults are the cause of over 20,000 accidental house fires in the UK per year. And what’s even worse? The majority of them are completely preventable.
The good news?
With the right electrician and a good understanding of house rewiring costs, you can keep your family and your property safe without costing you an arm and a leg.
What you’re going to learn:
- What Does House Rewiring Actually Cost?
- Factors That Affect Your Final Price
- How To Find The Right Electrician
- Warning Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring
What Does House Rewiring Actually Cost?
Ok, let’s cut to the chase.
The average price to rewire a house in the UK is anywhere from £3,000 to £9,000. But this will vary greatly depending on your property size and location.
Here’s a rough guide:
- 1-2 bedroom flat: £2,500 to £3,500
- 3 bedroom house: £3,500 to £5,000
- 4+ bedroom house: £5,000 to £8,000
These prices will usually include labour, materials and basic white finish sockets and switches.
But don’t be fooled by the sticker price…
The hidden costs can add up.
Factors That Affect Your Final Price
Your final bill will depend on a number of key factors. Understanding these will help you budget appropriately and prevent nasty surprises.
Property Age
Older properties often have outdated wiring that doesn’t meet modern safety standards. This can require more work from your electrician.
In particular, Victorian and Edwardian properties will see a higher price due to the extra work involved.
Property Size and Layout
It should go without saying.
The larger the home and the more rooms, the more wiring and labour required. A 4-bedroom detached house will cost more than a 2-bed flat every time.
Location
Rates in London and the South East are 20-30% higher than the rest of the UK on average. This is generally due to a higher cost of labour and overheads.
Access Difficulties
Solid walls, high ceilings, tight spaces, they all make your electrician’s job harder and take longer to do.
Longer jobs = higher costs.
Quality of Fittings
White plastic sockets and switches are the cheapest option. But if you go for brushed chrome or brass fittings, this is extra on top of the basic fee.
How To Find The Right Electrician
This is the most important part of the project.
Here’s why:
A qualified electrician will ensure that the work is carried out safely and up to building regulations. Get it wrong and you’re left with dodgy wiring and a fire hazard.
Check Their Qualifications
Your electrician should be registered with a competent person scheme. Check that they’re members of NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA or similar.
This means that they are able to self-certify the work and provide the correct documentation.
Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t ever accept the first quote you receive.
Get at least 3 quotes from different electricians. This allows you to see the going rate and weed out the quotes that are way too high or suspiciously low.
Ask For References
A reputable electrician will happily provide you with references from previous customers. Make sure you follow these up.
Request A Written Quote
Get your quote in writing. It should include:
- A breakdown of labour and material costs
- Estimated timeline for completion
- Payment terms
- What is included and what is not
Verify Their Insurance
Your electrician should have public liability insurance to cover any damage or accidents that occur during the work.
Warning Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring
Not sure if your home actually needs rewiring?
Watch out for the following signs that should have you picking up the phone…
Flickering Lights
Lights that flicker or dim on a regular basis is a big red flag.
This is usually an indication of faulty wiring that needs fixing immediately.
Frequent Tripping
If your circuit breakers keep tripping on you, it’s trying to tell you something.
Your electrical system can’t cope with the demand.
Burning Smells
The smell of burning near a socket or switch is another big warning sign. Stop using the socket immediately and call an electrician out.
Old Wiring
If your house hasn’t been rewired in over 25 years, it’s probably time.
Older wiring systems weren’t built to handle the demands of modern electrical appliances.
Discoloured Sockets
Any scorch marks or discoloration around sockets is an indication of overheating. A fire hazard waiting to happen.
The Rewiring Process Explained
Curious about what actually happens during a house rewire?
The process can take between 5 and 10 days depending on the property size.
First Fix: New cables get installed throughout the property. This involves lifting floorboards and chasing into walls.
Consumer Unit: Your old fuse box will be replaced by a new consumer unit. This is better protection for modern homes.
Second Fix: New sockets, switches, and light fittings are installed.
Testing: Your electrician will test the entire installation before issuing an Electrical Installation Certificate.
Making It Affordable
House rewiring is no cheap feat.
But there are ways to keep it affordable…
Prepare the property by emptying out rooms and moving furniture. This saves your electrician time and therefore labour costs.
Combine your rewire with other renovations. Doing everything at once is cheaper than multiple separate projects.
Get your quotes during quieter periods. Electricians tend to be busier in the winter, so you might get better prices in spring/summer.
Bringing It All Together
House rewiring costs are a necessary investment for the safety of your home.
Prices will vary from £3,000 to £9,000 or more depending on a variety of factors. When you consider that faulty electrics cause thousands of house fires per year… It’s money well spent.
To recap quickly:
- Understand the factors that affect your quote
- Always use a qualified, registered electrician
- Get multiple quotes and check their credentials
- Be on the lookout for warning signs that a rewire is needed
Choosing the right electrician is the key to getting your house rewired safely and at a reasonable cost. Don’t rush it, do your research and don’t cut corners.
Your family’s safety is at stake here.