House rewiring

When a rewire is needed

Age on its own doesn't mean a property needs rewiring. It's usually recommended when an inspection finds the wiring has deteriorated, or when the installation no longer suits how the property is used. Signs worth having checked include:

• Old rubber, fabric or lead-sheathed cables.
• Scorch marks, warm sockets or a burning smell.
• Circuits that trip regularly, or lights that flicker.
• An unsatisfactory EICR that points to the wiring itself.

If you're unsure, an EICR will show whether a rewire is needed or whether repairs and upgrades are enough.

Full or partial?

A full rewire replaces everything. A partial rewire replaces part of the installation — a floor, an extension, a kitchen, or circuits that have been altered over the years. We'll recommend what's genuinely needed rather than the largest possible job.

How the work is done

1. Survey and quote. We look at the property, talk through how you use each room, and give you a written quote.
2. Planning. We agree socket, switch and lighting positions with you, and the order we'll work in.
3. First fix. New cables and back boxes are installed. This involves lifting some floorboards and cutting channels in walls, so expect some disruption while this stage is under way.
4. Second fix. Sockets, switches, light fittings and the consumer unit are fitted and connected.
5. Testing. The new installation is fully tested before it's put into service.

Whether you can stay in the property during the work depends on its size and layout. We'll talk this through before we start.

Certification

On completion you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate. A rewire is notifiable work under the Building Regulations, so we notify it through our NAPIT registration and you'll receive a Building Regulations compliance certificate.