What's included in a full house rewire?

A full rewire includes replacing the consumer unit (fuse board) with a modern unit fitted with RCDs and MCBs, running new twin-and-earth cable to every socket, light fitting, and fixed appliance in the house. You will get new double sockets throughout — typically two per bedroom, four to six in the kitchen, and two to three in living areas. All light switches are replaced with new ones. The work also includes new cabling for your cooker circuit, immersion heater, and smoke alarm system. On completion, the electrician issues an Electrical Installation Certificate and registers the work with building control.

What catches people off guard is the disruption. A full rewire involves lifting floorboards, chasing walls to run new cables, and drilling through joists. The first fix — running all the cables and fitting back boxes — takes the longest, usually five to seven days for a three-bedroom house. Second fix — fitting the sockets, switches, and light fittings — takes another two to three days. After the electrical work, you will need a plasterer to make good all the chased channels. This plastering cost is not always included in the electrician's quote, so check carefully.

Some things are not included in a standard rewire quote unless you ask. Outdoor lighting, garden sockets, USB sockets, underfloor heating wiring, and electric vehicle charger circuits are all extras. If you are rewiring anyway, it is the ideal time to add these because the walls are already open. Also confirm whether the quote includes bonding — the earthing connections to your gas and water pipes. This is a legal requirement under BS 7671 and must be done as part of any rewire. A good electrician will specify all of this in their quote.