How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

A Guide to Home Rewiring Costs

A full house rewire in the UK typically costs between £3,000 and £10,000, depending on the size of your property, the condition of your existing wiring and where you live.

This guide covers costs by home size, signs you need a rewire, what affects the price, the regulations and certification involved, and practical tips to keep your project on budget.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Average cost to rewire a house
2. How much does it cost to rewire a 1 or 2-bed property
3. How much does it cost to rewire a 3-bed house
4. When do you need to rewire a house?
5. Professional installation costs for rewiring a house
6. Building regulations and certification for a rewire
7. How to save money on rewiring a house
8. What could increase the cost of rewiring a house?
9. Connect with house rewiring professionals on MyBuilder
10. FAQ: Common questions about house rewiring costs

Average Cost to Rewire a House

Rewiring your home is a smart move that keeps your family safer and handles all your modern gadgets without a hitch.

In the UK, the cost of rewiring a house typically ranges from £3,000 to £10,000, depending on property size, existing wiring condition and regional pricing.

Take a look at the average house rewiring costs for different sizes:

Home size	Average cost
1-bed flat	£3,000–£4,800
2-bed house or flat	£3,500–£5,800
3-bed house	£4,500–£8,000
4-bed house	£6,000–£10,000
5+ bed house	£7,500–£12,500

Prices are a guide, and some electricians quote including VAT and others excluding it, so check what your quote includes.

Say goodbye to outdated wiring that could spark fires or shorts. New cables bring everything up to today’s standards and make room for smart tech like EV chargers.

If you’re also considering improving your heating system, you might want to check out our guide on how much a new boiler costs.

How Much Does it Cost to Rewire a 1 or 2-Bed Property

Smaller homes cost less overall, but more per square metre, because the consumer unit, testing and certification cost much the same whatever the size of the property. A 1-bed flat typically costs £3,000 to £4,800 to rewire, and a 2-bed flat or house £3,500 to £5,800.

A typical quote for a smaller home includes a new consumer unit, new cables to every socket, light and switch, earthing and bonding, testing and an Electrical Installation Certificate.

A few things are worth knowing about rewiring a flat:

• Leasehold flats: Check your lease and tell your freeholder or managing agent before work starts, as you may need their consent.
• Access: Cables in flats often run through solid walls or floors, which can add time.
• Partial rewire: If only part of the property needs work, a partial rewire may be enough. See the section on signs you need a rewire below.

How Much Does it Cost to Rewire a 3-Bed House

If you’re planning to rewire a 3-bed house, you should think about both the time and costs involved. The process typically takes 5 to 10 days, causing some disruption. Costs range from £4,500 to £8,000, depending on property size, wiring condition and location.

The cost to rewire a 3-bed house will vary based on the following factors:

• House size: Larger properties require more wiring and labour.
• Access: Difficult-to-reach wiring can increase labour time and, therefore, costs.
• Property age: Older properties may need additional work to bring them up to current standards.

What a typical 3-bed quote includes:

• A new consumer unit with RCD protection.
• New cables and circuits for lighting, sockets, the cooker and the shower.
• Earthing and bonding.
• Testing, an Electrical Installation Certificate and building regulations notification.

What isn’t usually included: Plastering, painting and floor repairs after the walls have been chased out (often £500–£2,000), and extras such as EV charger circuits or smart wiring.

If you’re also looking to add new plug sockets, check out our handy guide on the cost of installation for new plug sockets.

Rewiring a house might feel daunting with all its wires and safety requirements, but don’t worry, picking the right electrician can make it a breeze and keeps everything safe and compliant.

Ready to get started? Just click here to post your job on MyBuilder, and get in touch with different electricians near you who are here to help.

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When Do You Need to Rewire a House?

Wiring doesn’t last forever. A house typically needs rewiring around every 25 years, although it depends on the type of cable and how it has been used. The best way to find out is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which typically costs £150 to £300 and is recommended at least every 10 years.

Signs you may need a rewire include:

• An old fuse box with rewireable fuses, or one without RCD protection.
• Round-pin sockets, or cables with old rubber, lead or fabric insulation.
• Sockets or switches that are warm, discoloured or crackling, burning smells, or scorch marks.
• Lights that flicker, or circuits that trip regularly.
• Too few sockets, leading to overloaded extension leads.
• An unsatisfactory EICR with several C2 (potentially dangerous) or C1 (danger present) codes, which often makes a full rewire better value than patching up the problems.

Full vs Partial Rewire

• Partial rewire: Replaces only the worst circuits, such as the kitchen and a few others. It typically costs £1,500 to £4,000, depending on how many circuits are involved.
• Full rewire: Replaces everything. It’s the better choice if the cables are old throughout, or your EICR shows widespread problems.

A partial rewire that adds or replaces circuits is also notifiable work. Doing the work in several stages usually costs more overall, as the electricians have to return each time.

Professional Installation Costs for Rewiring a House

Labour makes up the biggest chunk of UK house rewiring costs, driven by job complexity, your location, and how long it takes, which is typically 5 to 10 days for a standard home.

For a typical project, expect to pay £4,500–£8,000 overall (labour often £2,000–£5,000).

Here’s a quick look at what can affect professional house rewiring costs:

• Location: London is about 20–30% higher than North or rural areas.
• Access and condition: Hard-to-reach wiring or heavy plastering can add £500–£2,000.
• Extras: Consumer unit £500–£1,500; testing £250+; smart wiring £500–£1,500.

Costs spike in busy cities like London due to higher labour rates, so it’s important to reach out to a few electricians in your area before you book a job, so you know what to expect when it comes to costs.

Just post your job on MyBuilder today, and electricians near you can come back with any advice, or services you may need. It’s quick, easy and free.

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Building Regulations and Certification for a Rewire

A full rewire is a new electrical installation, so it’s notifiable work. The rules differ across the UK:

• England and Wales: A rewire must be notified under Part P of the Building Regulations. Either use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme (such as NICEIC or NAPIT), who certifies the work and notifies building control for you, or notify your local building control team before work starts. Always check your electrician’s registration before they begin.
• Scotland: Part P doesn’t apply. You’ll need a building warrant, or an electrician registered with the Approved Certifier of Construction scheme who can certify the work.
• Northern Ireland: Electrical work follows its own building regulations, so check with your local council’s building control team or a registered electrician before you start.

Certificates you should receive:

• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): Issued when the rewire is complete. It confirms the new installation meets BS 7671, the UK wiring standard.
• Building regulations compliance certificate: Issued through your electrician’s competent person scheme, or by building control. Keep both, as solicitors usually ask for them when you sell.

An EIC is for new work, while an EICR is a report on existing wiring. After a rewire, you shouldn’t need a new EICR for up to 10 years.

How to Save Money on Rewiring a House

Rewiring your home can seem like a big investment at first, but there are some ways you can make sure you’re getting the best out of your budget.

Top cost-saving tips on rewiring a house:

• Get multiple quotes: Comparing prices from several electricians on MyBuilder can help you to find competitive rates and avoid overpaying.
• Plan rewiring during renovations: Bundling rewiring with other home work can lower labour costs and minimise disruption.
• Keep your home clear: Clear furniture and belongings before work starts so electricians can work quickly and efficiently.
• Choose standard fittings: Basic sockets and switches cost less than premium designs without sacrificing safety.
• Don’t DIY the wiring: It might seem cheaper but risks safety and costly fixes later.

What Could Increase the Cost of Rewiring a House?

When you’re rewiring your house, there are a few things that can bump up the price beyond what you might expect. It’s not just about miles of wire and sockets.

But don’t worry, knowing what those sneaky cost-increasers are can help you avoid surprises and plan smarter for your project.

• Larger or complex homes: More rooms, square footage, or tricky layouts mean extra wiring, sockets, and labour time.
• Older properties: Pre-1970s homes with outdated wiring (such as old rubber- or lead-sheathed cables), plastered walls, or poor access (such as no accessible loft or underfloor space) require more demolition and remedial work.
• Upgrades and extras: New consumer units (£500–£1,500), EV chargers, smart tech, or high-power circuits add dedicated wiring.
• Repairs and finishing: Wall and ceiling plastering, painting, or floor reinstatement after chasing out walls often costs £500–£2,000 extra.
• Unforeseen issues: Hidden damage, upgrades to meet current regulations (such as RCD protection), or building regulations notification discovered on site.

You can talk to an electrician before beginning your project to double check if any of these additional costs are likely to spring up. That way, there will be no nasty surprises while your house rewiring project is underway.

Connect With House Rewiring Professionals on MyBuilder

Rewiring a house can be a daunting task, but finding the right professional doesn’t have to be. It only takes a few clicks to post your job on MyBuilder today, and get in touch with verified electricians in your area. You can also view their customer reviews, and images of their past jobs so you can hire with more confidence.

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FAQ: Common Questions About House Rewiring Costs

Is there a specific time of year that’s best for rewiring a house?

There’s no definitive best time, but many homeowners prefer spring or summer due to better weather and longer daylight hours, which can help minimise disruptions and speed up the project.

What challenges might arise when rewiring a house?

Potential issues include uncovering hidden problems like outdated insulation or structural damage, dealing with asbestos and ensuring compliance with building regulations. Temporary disruptions, such as restricted access to certain areas, should also be expected.

What should I consider when choosing a professional for a house rewire?

Look for qualified and certified electricians, such as those registered with NICEIC or NAPIT. Check their experience, request references, verify insurance coverage and ensure they provide a clear cost breakdown in their quote.

Do I need to move out while my house is rewired?

You don’t have to, and many people stay, but the power will be off for parts of each day, floorboards will be lifted and walls chased out, so it can be disruptive. If you can move out for a few days, particularly with children or pets, the work is easier and typically 15–20% cheaper.

Can I rewire a house in stages?

Yes, but it usually costs more overall, as the electricians have to return each time, and each stage still has to be tested and certified. A partial rewire is sensible if only some circuits are old. If the cables are old throughout, a full rewire is usually better value.

Does a rewire need building regulations approval?

Yes. A full rewire is notifiable work, which in England and Wales means Part P of the Building Regulations. Using an electrician registered with a competent person scheme means they notify building control for you. See the section above for the rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland.