How much does it cost to rewire a house?

Cost guide to rewiring your home

This guide covers everything you need to know about full house rewiring in the UK. Including typical costs, long-term savings on bills and insurance and some practical tips to keep your project on budget.

In this cost guide we will talk about:

1. Average cost to rewire a house
2. Professional installation costs for rewiring a house
3. How much to rewire a 3-bed house
4. How to save money on rewiring a house
5. What could increase the budget of rewiring a house?
6. Connect with house rewiring professionals on MyBuilder
7. 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, handles all your modern gadgets without a hitch, and even helps cut down on your high energy bills!

In the UK, the cost of rewiring a house typically ranges from £3,000 to £9,000, 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
3-bed house	£4,500 - £8,000
5+ bed house	£7,500 - £12,500

Say goodbye to outdated wiring that could spark fires or shorts, new cables bring everything up to today's standards and make room for smart tech like EV chargers.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 does a new boiler cost?

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 £4,000 - £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 £400–£800; 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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How much 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 7 days, causing some disruption. Costs range from £4,000 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 code.

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 stuff, but don't worry, picking the right electrician can make it a breeze and keeps everything safe and up to code.

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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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 budget of rewiring a house?

When you're rewiring your house, there’s 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, outlets, and labour time.
• Older properties: Pre-1970s homes with outdated wiring (like knob-and-tube), plaster walls, or poor access (no crawl spaces) require more demolition and remedial work.
• Upgrades and extras: New consumer units (£400–£800), EV chargers, smart tech, or high-power circuits add dedicated wiring.
• Repairs and finishing: Wall/ceiling plastering, painting, or floor reinstatement after chases - often £500 - £2,000 extra.
• Unforeseen issues: Hidden damage, code upgrades (GFCIs/AFCIs), or permits discovered onsite.

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 rewiring a house

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.

How long does a full house rewire take?

A full rewire typically takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the property's size and complexity. Larger or older homes may take longer. Efficient coordination and quick decision-making can help keep the project on schedule.

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.