When is a rewire needed?
Most properties that need rewiring have wiring that is simply too old to be safe or reliable. A rewire is likely to be needed when:
- The property has original rubber or fabric-covered wiring (pre-1970s installations)
- An EICR has returned an unsatisfactory result requiring significant remedial work
- The installation has no RCD protection
- Circuits are frequently tripping without a clear external cause
- The consumer unit still has rewireable fuses rather than MCBs
- The property has not had any electrical work done in over 25 years
- You are undertaking a full renovation and it makes sense to rewire at the same time
If you are unsure whether your property needs a full rewire, see our guide on signs your house needs rewiring.
Full rewire vs partial rewire
A full rewire replaces all the fixed wiring throughout the property — cables, sockets, switches, light fittings, and the consumer unit. A partial rewire targets specific circuits or areas that have been identified as faulty or insufficient. We assess each job individually and recommend what is genuinely needed.
What to expect during a rewire
- Floorboards in upstairs rooms are lifted to run cables between floors
- Shallow channels may be cut in walls to route cables to new socket and switch positions
- The electricity supply will be off during working hours each day
- We work methodically to minimise disruption and leave the property as tidy as reasonably possible
- On completion, all circuits are tested and an Electrical Installation Certificate is issued
- The work is notified to Building Control under Part P of the Building Regulations
Some redecoration will usually be needed after a full rewire. We are upfront about this before work starts.
What you receive on completion
- An Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the installation meets BS 7671
- Building Regulations completion certificate (Part P notification)
- A new consumer unit fitted with RCD protection as standard
- A clearly labelled distribution board
Rewires and consumer unit replacement
A rewire always includes a new consumer unit. If the wiring in your property is in generally sound condition but the consumer unit is outdated, a consumer unit replacement on its own may be all that is required.