• Local service in Watlington

Local Electrical Contractor

  • Watlington
  • 3,112(303 reviews)

We are offering following services Installation Services Electrical Maintenance, Emergency Electrical Repairs, Electrical Upgrades, Safety Inspections and Testing, Security System Installations, Data and Communication Wiring, Renewable Energy Installations, Fire Alarm Systems, Commercial and Industrial Services, Home Automation Systems, Electrical Design and Consultation, Energy Efficiency Audits, Exterior Lighting Installations, Generator Installation and Maintenance, Fault Diagnosis and Repair, Lightning Protection Systems, HVAC Electrical Integration, Underfloor Heating Systems, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation,

Watlington

UK

What Is the Cost to Rewire a House?

The cost to rewire a house can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the size of the house, the complexity of the installation, the quality of materials used, and regional differences in labor rates. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the typical costs associated with rewiring a house:

Factors Influencing the Cost

  1. Size of the House
    • Small Homes (1-2 Bedrooms): Smaller homes generally have less wiring and fewer electrical components, resulting in lower costs.
    • Medium Homes (3-4 Bedrooms): Medium-sized homes require more extensive wiring and additional components, leading to higher costs.
    • Large Homes (5+ Bedrooms): Larger homes with more rooms, circuits, and electrical fixtures will have the highest costs due to the complexity and volume of work required.
  2. Scope of the Rewiring
    • Partial Rewiring: Involves rewiring specific sections of the house, such as a kitchen or a single floor, and is less expensive than a full rewire.
    • Full Rewiring: Involves replacing all the existing wiring, sockets, switches, and possibly upgrading the consumer unit (fuse box). Full rewires are more comprehensive and typically more expensive.
  3. Condition of the Existing Wiring
    • Access and Complexity: Homes with easily accessible wiring (e.g., loft spaces, underfloor voids) will be easier and cheaper to rewire compared to homes with difficult access or older properties with complex wiring systems.
  4. Quality of Materials
    • Standard vs. Premium: The choice of materials, such as the type and quality of cables, sockets, switches, and light fittings, can affect the overall cost.
  5. Labor Rates and Regional Differences
    • Geographical Variations: Labor rates can vary significantly depending on the region. Urban areas, especially cities like London, typically have higher labor costs compared to rural areas.

Typical Costs

  1. Small Home (1-2 Bedrooms)
    • Cost Estimate: £2,000 - £4,000
    • Scope: Includes rewiring basic circuits, replacing sockets, switches, and possibly upgrading the consumer unit.
  2. Medium Home (3-4 Bedrooms)
    • Cost Estimate: £4,000 - £8,000
    • Scope: Covers more extensive wiring, additional circuits, more sockets and switches, and a comprehensive upgrade to the consumer unit.
  3. Large Home (5+ Bedrooms)
    • Cost Estimate: £8,000 - £15,000+
    • Scope: Involves extensive rewiring, numerous circuits, a large number of sockets and switches, sophisticated lighting systems, and possibly a new consumer unit.

Additional Costs and Considerations

  1. Upgrading Consumable Units (Fuse Box)
    • Cost: £400 - £700
    • When Required: Often necessary if the existing consumer unit is outdated or unable to handle the new load after rewiring.
  2. Inspection and Testing
    • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): Typically performed before and after rewiring to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
    • Cost: £120 - £250
  3. Plastering and Decoration
    • Making Good: Rewiring often involves chasing walls and lifting floorboards, resulting in some damage that needs to be repaired.
    • Cost: £300 - £1,000 depending on the extent of the work required to restore walls, ceilings, and floors.
  4. Permits and Compliance
    • Building Regulations: Ensure that all electrical work complies with Part P of the Building Regulations and that necessary permits are obtained.
    • Certification: Work should be certified by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme (e.g., NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, STROMA).

Managing Rewiring Costs

  1. Get Multiple Quotes
    • Comparison: Obtain quotes from multiple electricians to compare prices and scope of work. Ensure the quotes are detailed and include all potential costs.
  2. Prioritize Work
    • Essential Areas: If on a tight budget, prioritize essential areas for rewiring, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and main living areas, where electrical needs are highest.
  3. Plan and Budget
    • Financial Planning: Plan and budget for the rewiring project, considering all potential costs, including inspections, making good, and decoration.
  4. Professional Assessment
    • Qualified Electricians: Ensure the work is carried out by qualified and certified electricians to guarantee safety, compliance, and quality workmanship.

Conclusion

The cost to rewire a house in the UK can range significantly depending on the size and complexity of the project, with typical costs being £2,000 - £4,000 for a small home, £4,000 - £8,000 for a medium home, and £8,000 - £15,000 or more for a large home. Additional costs can include consumer unit upgrades, inspection and testing, plastering and decoration, and permits and compliance. To manage costs effectively, obtain multiple quotes, prioritize work, plan and budget, and ensure all work is carried out by qualified electricians. Proper assessment and careful planning can ensure a safe, efficient, and cost-effective rewiring project.