Average House Rewiring Costs by Property Type
Understanding house rewiring costs is crucial for homeowners planning this essential upgrade. Our calculator above provides personalized estimates, but here's a comprehensive breakdown of typical costs across the UK:
| Property Type | Average Cost | Timeline | Circuits |
|---|
| 1 Bed Flat | £2,500 - £3,500 | 3-4 days | 6-8 circuits |
| 2 Bed House | £3,500 - £4,500 | 5-7 days | 8-10 circuits |
| 3 Bed Semi-Detached | £4,500 - £6,000 | 7-10 days | 10-12 circuits |
| 4 Bed Detached | £6,000 - £8,000 | 10-14 days | 12-15 circuits |
| 5+ Bed House | £8,000 - £12,000 | 14-21 days | 15+ circuits |
What's Included in a Full House Rewire?
A complete house rewire in 2025 includes far more than just replacing old cables. Here's what you should expect:
- New Consumer Unit: Modern 18th Edition metal consumer unit with RCD protection (£400-£600)
- Complete Rewiring: All circuits replaced with modern cable to current standards
- Sockets & Switches: New accessories throughout (average 2-4 sockets per room)
- Lighting Circuits: Separate circuits for each floor, compatible with LED lighting
- Kitchen/Utility Circuits: Dedicated circuits for high-power appliances
- Bathroom Circuits: Special consideration for zones and IP ratings
- Earth Bonding: Main bonding to gas, water, and oil supplies
- Smoke Alarms: Mains-powered interlinked alarms (building regs requirement)
- Testing & Certification: Full EICR and compliance certificates
Factors Affecting House Rewiring Costs
1. Property Access & Construction
- Solid walls vs cavity walls (solid walls add 20-30% to costs)
- Floorboard access vs concrete floors
- Listed building restrictions
- Occupied vs empty property (add 15-20% if occupied)
2. Electrical Requirements
- Number of circuits required
- Smart home pre-wiring
- Electric vehicle charging preparation
- Garden power and lighting
- Home office requirements
House Rewiring Cost Breakdown
Understanding where your money goes helps you budget effectively. Here's a typical breakdown for a 3-bedroom house:
- Labour (2 electricians, 7-10 days)£2,500 - £3,500
- Materials (cable, accessories, consumer unit)£800 - £1,200
- Plastering & making good£500 - £800
- Certification & testing£200 - £300
- Total Typical Cost£4,000 - £5,800
When Should You Rewire Your House?
Knowing when to rewire can save you from dangerous situations and costly emergency repairs. Consider rewiring if:
Urgent Signs
- Fabric-covered wiring (pre-1960s)
- Lead or rubber sheathed cables
- Frequent tripping or fuse blowing
- Burning smells from sockets
- Flickering lights
Recommended Timeline
- House over 40 years old
- No previous rewire records
- Buying a property (get EICR first)
- Major renovation planned
- Adding high-power appliances
How to Save Money on House Rewiring
While safety should never be compromised, there are legitimate ways to reduce rewiring costs:
- Empty the property: Save 15-20% by moving out during work
- Combine with renovation: Rewire during other building work
- Prepare access: Clear furniture and lift carpets yourself
- Choose standard accessories: Designer switches can triple costs
- Get multiple quotes: Prices can vary by 30-40%
- Consider partial rewiring: If only certain circuits need updating
💡 Pro Tip: Free Government Grants
Some households may qualify for free or subsidized rewiring through local authority grants. Check if you're eligible for:
- Disabled Facilities Grants
- Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme
- Local council housing improvement grants
The House Rewiring Process: What to Expect
Understanding the rewiring process helps you prepare properly and avoid surprises:
1
Initial Survey & Quote
Electrician assesses your property and provides detailed quote
2
First Fix
Running new cables, installing back boxes (most disruptive phase)
3
Plastering
Walls made good where cables have been chased in
4
Second Fix
Installing sockets, switches, and connecting circuits
5
Testing & Certification
Full testing and issuing of electrical certificates
Regional Price Variations
House rewiring costs vary significantly across the UK. Birmingham typically offers competitive rates compared to the national average:
Birmingham & Midlands
£4,500 - £6,000
3-bed semi average
London & South East
£5,500 - £8,000
20-30% higher
North & Scotland
£4,000 - £5,500
10-15% lower
House Rewiring Services Across Birmingham
TechFix Electric provides professional house rewiring services throughout Birmingham and surrounding areas. Our NAPIT registered electricians offer competitive prices and quality workmanship:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rewire my house myself to save money?
No, house rewiring must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Part P of the Building Regulations requires most electrical work to be certified by a registered electrician. DIY rewiring is illegal, dangerous, and will invalidate your home insurance.
How long does a full house rewire take?
A typical 3-bedroom house takes 7-10 days to rewire completely. This includes first fix (running cables), plastering repairs, second fix (fitting accessories), and final testing. Larger properties or those with complications may take 2-3 weeks.
Does house rewiring include a new consumer unit?
Yes, a full house rewire always includes a new consumer unit (fuse box) that meets current 18th Edition regulations. This will be a metal unit with RCD protection on all circuits, providing maximum safety for your home.
Will rewiring damage my decoration?
Some disruption is inevitable, but experienced electricians minimize damage. Cables are usually run under floorboards and in wall cavities where possible. Where chasing into walls is necessary, a plasterer will make good, but you'll need to redecorate affected areas.
How often should a house be rewired?
Modern wiring should last 25-40 years with proper maintenance. However, homes wired before 1980 likely need rewiring due to outdated standards. Regular EICR testing every 5-10 years will identify when rewiring becomes necessary.
Ready to Calculate Your Rewiring Costs?
Use our free calculator above for an instant estimate, or contact us for a detailed quote
