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Pembroke

UK

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House Using Trunking?

Rewiring a house using trunking can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to chasing walls and lifting floorboards, especially in properties where minimizing disruption is essential. Trunking involves running wiring through protective conduits mounted on the surface of walls or ceilings. Here’s a detailed overview of the costs associated with rewiring a house using trunking in the UK:

Factors Influencing the Cost

  1. Size of the House
    • Small Homes (1-2 Bedrooms): Requires fewer materials and labor hours.
    • Medium Homes (3-4 Bedrooms): Requires more extensive materials and labor.
    • Large Homes (5+ Bedrooms): Involves the most extensive work and highest costs due to the size and complexity.
  2. Scope of Work
    • Full Rewiring: Replacing all wiring, sockets, switches, and upgrading the consumer unit.
    • Partial Rewiring: Focusing on specific areas or circuits, resulting in lower costs.
  3. Material Quality
    • Standard Trunking: Basic plastic trunking suitable for most domestic installations.
    • High-Quality Trunking: Designer or metal trunking that might be used in visible areas for a more aesthetic finish.
  4. Labor Rates
    • Regional Differences: Labor rates vary significantly, with urban areas like London typically having higher rates than rural areas.
    • Electrician Experience: More experienced electricians may charge higher hourly rates, but their efficiency could offset this.

Typical Costs Breakdown

  1. Materials
    • Trunking: £1 - £3 per meter. The total cost depends on the length of trunking required, which is determined by the layout and size of the house.
    • Wiring and Cables: £500 - £1,000, depending on the house size and complexity.
    • Sockets and Switches: £200 - £500.
    • Consumer Unit: £100 - £500.
    • Additional Components: £100 - £300 (e.g., light fittings, smoke alarms, protective fittings).
  2. Labor
    • Hourly Rates: £40 - £60 per hour.
    • Estimated Time:
      • Small Homes: 3-5 days (approximately 24-40 hours).
      • Medium Homes: 5-10 days (approximately 40-80 hours).
      • Large Homes: 10-20 days (approximately 80-160 hours).
    • Total Labor Cost: £960 - £3,200 for small homes, £1,600 - £4,800 for medium homes, and £3,200 - £9,600 for large homes.
  3. Inspection and Certification
    • Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR): £120 - £250.
    • Final Testing and Certification: £150 - £300.
  4. Making Good and Decoration
    • Minimal Requirements: Since trunking reduces the need for chasing and lifting, making good costs will be lower. Basic repainting or touch-ups might be needed, costing £200 - £500.

Example Cost Breakdown for a Medium 3-Bedroom House

  1. Materials:
    • Trunking: £300 (assuming 150 meters at £2 per meter)
    • Wiring and Cables: £800
    • Sockets and Switches: £300
    • Consumer Unit: £300
    • Additional Components: £200
    • Total Materials: £1,900
  2. Labor:
    • Hourly Rate: £50
    • Total Hours: 60 (approximation for a medium-sized house)
    • Total Labor: £3,000
  3. Inspection and Certification:
    • EICR: £200
    • Final Testing and Certification: £200
    • Total Inspection and Certification: £400
  4. Making Good:
    • Basic Repainting: £400
    • Total Making Good: £400

Total Estimated Cost for Rewiring Using Trunking: £1,900 (Materials) + £3,000 (Labor) + £400 (Inspection and Certification) + £400 (Making Good) = £5,700

Benefits of Using Trunking

  1. Reduced Disruption
    • Minimal Damage: Trunking minimizes the need for cutting into walls and lifting floorboards, reducing dust and debris.
    • Quicker Installation: Surface-mounted wiring can often be completed more quickly than traditional methods.
  2. Flexibility
    • Easier Upgrades: Trunking allows for easier future upgrades or modifications to the electrical system.
    • Accessibility: Wires are more accessible for maintenance or repairs without significant disruption to the structure.
  3. Cost-Effectiveness
    • Lower Labor Costs: Reduced time spent on making good and decoration can lower overall costs.

Considerations

  1. Aesthetic Concerns
    • Visibility: Trunking is visible on the surface of walls and ceilings, which might not be desirable in all contexts. Choose high-quality or designer trunking for visible areas.
    • Integration: Integrate trunking with the room’s aesthetics, such as painting the trunking to match the wall color.
  2. Professional Installation
    • Qualified Electrician: Ensure the work is carried out by a qualified electrician to comply with safety standards and regulations.
    • Inspection and Certification: Proper inspection and certification are necessary to ensure compliance with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671).

Conclusion

Rewiring a house using trunking is a practical and cost-effective method that reduces disruption and can be completed relatively quickly. The typical cost for a medium 3-bedroom house ranges from £4,500 to £7,000, depending on various factors such as material quality and labor rates. Proper planning, engaging a qualified electrician, and ensuring compliance with safety standards are crucial for a successful rewiring project. The use of trunking provides flexibility for future upgrades and maintenance, making it an attractive option for many homeowners.