Rewiring a house typically costs £4,500–£7,500 for a 3-bedroom property in the UK, depending on size, materials, accessibility, and additional upgrades. Hiring certified electricians ensures safety, compliance, and reliable installation.
Rewiring At A Glance
Rewiring a house is a significant home improvement project that ensures your property’s electrical system is safe, efficient, and up to modern standards. Whether you are dealing with ageing wiring, planning a home renovation, or want to increase energy efficiency, understanding the cost of rewiring a house in the UK is essential.
This guide explores the factors that affect rewiring costs, typical price ranges, what to expect during the process, and how professional services like Emergency Electricians in Uxbridge can provide safe and reliable solutions.
Why Rewiring a House May Be Necessary
Old or faulty wiring poses serious risks, including electrical fires, short circuits, and inefficient energy use. Common reasons for rewiring include:
- Ageing electrical systems in homes built before the 1970s
- Frequent power trips or blown fuses
- Upgrading for new appliances or lighting systems
- Home renovations or extensions
- Compliance with modern electrical safety regulations
Factors Affecting the Cost of Rewiring
Several key factors influence the cost of rewiring a house.
1. Size of the Property: The number of rooms, floors, and sockets in a house directly impacts material and labour costs. Larger properties require more cabling, outlets, and labour hours, increasing the total price.
2. Type of Wiring and Materials: The choice of materials, including cable type, fuse boards, sockets, and switches, can affect costs. Modern homes often use PVC-sheathed cables, which are safe and long-lasting.
3. Labour Costs: Electricians in the UK typically charge by the hour or as a flat rate per property. Labour costs can vary based on experience, location, and whether the work is urgent.
4. Accessibility: Houses with plasterboard walls or limited access to wiring routes require more work. Homes with exposed walls or suspended ceilings may be easier and cheaper to rewire.
5. Additional Upgrades: Rewiring often includes upgrading fuse boards, installing RCD protection, and adding new sockets. Each upgrade increases cost but enhances safety.
Typical Rewiring Costs in the UK
Average price ranges for typical UK homes based on 2026 data:
| Property Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (1-2 Bed) | £3,000 – £5,000 |
| Medium (3 Bed) | £4,500 – £7,500 |
| Large (4+ Bed) | £7,000 – £12,000+ |
*Additional upgrades typically range from £500 – £2,000 extra.
What’s Included in a Full House Rewire
A professional rewire generally includes:
- Removal of old wiring
- Installation of new cables throughout walls, floors, and ceilings
- New sockets, switches, and light fittings
- Replacement or upgrading of the consumer unit/fuse board
- Testing and certification for safety compliance
VCR Electric Services ensure that all work complies with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, which is critical for both safety and insurance purposes.
The Rewiring Process
- Initial Assessment: An electrician inspects your property and provides a detailed quote.
- Planning: Circuits, sockets, and lighting layouts are planned to meet your needs.
- Preparation: Furniture is moved, areas are protected, and access points are created.
- Installation: Old wiring is removed, and new cables and components are installed.
- Testing & Certification: The system is thoroughly tested, and a certificate is issued.
Signs You Might Need a Rewire
Common indicators include:
- Frequent fuse trips
- Flickering lights
- Discoloured or warm sockets
- Knob-and-tube wiring in older homes
- Electrical shocks from appliances
How to Save on Rewiring Costs
Homeowners can reduce costs by:
- Comparing multiple quotes from certified electricians
- Bundling rewiring with other home improvements
- Choosing standard fittings rather than premium options
- Ensuring clear access to wiring to reduce labour time
Hiring the Right Electrician
Safety and compliance are crucial. When hiring:
- Choose registered professionals like VCR Electric Services
- Ask for references and previous work examples
- Ensure a detailed quote is provided
- Verify insurance coverage
Ready to Secure Your Home?
House rewiring is an investment in safety and peace of mind. Get a professional assessment and a detailed quote from our certified experts today.
Get Your Free Rewiring QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between £4,500 – £7,500, which includes both labour and high-quality materials.
No, rewiring should only be carried out by a certified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with UK building regulations. DIY electrical work can be dangerous and may invalidate your home insurance.
A typical 3-bedroom house rewire usually takes between 5 to 10 working days, depending on the complexity of the project and accessibility.
While not strictly necessary, it is often easier and faster for the electricians if the property is vacant. If you stay, expect significant disruption and dust during the "first fix" stage.
