What's included in a full house rewire?
A full house rewire replaces all the wiring, sockets, switches, and the consumer unit (fuse board) in your home. It is typically needed in properties over 30 years old or those with outdated rubber or lead-sheathed cabling. On completion, the electrician issues an Electrical Installation Certificate and registers the work with building control.
For detailed pricing, see our guide to house rewire costs in the UK.
What is included as standard
- New consumer unit fitted with RCDs and MCBs
- New twin-and-earth cable to every socket, light fitting, and fixed appliance
- New double sockets throughout — typically two per bedroom, four to six in the kitchen, and two to three in living areas
- All light switches replaced
- New cabling for cooker circuit, immersion heater, and smoke alarm system
- Earthing and bonding to gas and water pipes (a legal requirement under BS 7671)
- Electrical Installation Certificate on completion
The disruption
A full rewire involves lifting floorboards, chasing walls to run new cables, and drilling through joists. First fix — running all the cables and fitting back boxes — takes 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.
Common extras (not always included)
- Outdoor lighting and garden sockets
- USB sockets
- Underfloor heating wiring
- Electric vehicle charger circuit
- Plastering to make good chased walls
If you are rewiring anyway, it is the ideal time to add these because the walls are already open.
What this means for a quote
A rewire quote should itemise every circuit, the number and type of sockets and switches, what is included versus excluded, and whether plastering is part of the price. If you use TailoredQuote, you can generate an itemised scope that covers the electrical work, making good, and any extras as separate line items so the customer can see exactly what they are paying for.
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