House Rewire Cost in Edinburgh

The cost of rewiring a house in Edinburgh will vary depending on factors such as the size of the property, its age, accessibility and the level of upgrade required.

A house rewire involves removing all or part of the existing electrical wiring, sockets, switches and fuse box and replacing them with new components. The new installation must meet modern safety standards. Rewiring is a common practice in older properties which have frayed cabling, outdated fuse boards or non-compliant wiring.

Edinburgh's housing stock is largely made up of period properties, including four storey tenement flats with wiring that predates modern standards. Likewise, the New Town's Georgian properties are large, expensive, and frequently have wiring that hasn't been updated in decades.

These property types pose unique challenges for rewiring projects. In tenements, shared closes and infrastructure present access difficulties, while conservation area restrictions covering much of the city centre mean more care is needed around chasing walls and making good.

With that in mind, here's a full breakdown of the cost of rewiring a house in Edinburgh.

Average Cost of a House Rewire in Edinburgh

On average, rewiring a house in Edinburgh costs between £3,200 and £10,500. This varies according to the size of the property. For example, a 2-bedroom flat costs around £4,500, while a 4-bedroom detached house costs around £8,500 to rewire.

These prices are very similar to the cost of rewiring a house in Glasgow, and the cost of rewiring a house in Scotland is considerably lower than comparable jobs in London.

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House Rewiring in Edinburgh Prices

Below is a table showing typical costs and timescales for different types of rewiring projects. The length of time it takes to rewire a house in Edinburgh can vary depending on its size and age, accessibility, and the overall complexity of the job. If the electrician has to lift floorboards, chase stone walls, or install additional switches and sockets, timescales will be at the higher end.

Rewiring in listed properties can also take longer as the homeowner first has to apply for planning permission, which can delay the process.

If you're looking for a more accurate price for your specific job, our house rewire cost calculator can provide a free, personalised estimate instantly.

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Full vs Partial House Rewire Costs

Sometimes a full rewire is not needed, and if this is the case, the cost will be lower. To help you decide, it’s helpful to know the difference between a partial and a full rewire.

Full rewires involve the replacement of all the electrical wiring, sockets, switches and the consumer unit and ensuring the system meets current safety standards. A partial rewire is when a specific room, circuit or area of a property needs to be replaced.

If there is only one room or area where the wiring is outdated, this is often suitable for a partial rewire. In most cases, however, where the property is old and the wiring dated, a full rewire is recommended for safety and compliance.

Costs range from around £300 to £1,500 for partial rewiring, with the lower end reflecting simple rooms and the higher more expansive work such as installing new circuits for a garage conversion, home extension, or a kitchen renovation.

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Factors Affecting the Cost of House Rewiring in Edinburgh

Several factors affect how much a house rewire costs in Edinburgh. The complexity of the rewiring job, and whether you require a full rewire project or just a partial rewire, will significantly affect the final price.

Property Size

The size of the house or flat, including the number of rooms, directly influences the cost of a house rewire in Edinburgh. A large 4-bedroom house costs more than a 2-bedroom flat due to the obvious difference in size and amount of wiring. Larger homes usually have more circuits and may require longer cable runs.

Age of the Property

Older properties are most likely to have outdated wiring, but many of these homes have stone walls or crumbling plaster which is more difficult to work with than modern stud walls in good condition.

Old wiring can pose significant safety risks, such as electrical fires or shocks, making it crucial to assess the home's wiring before starting a rewire. These issues and others associated with aged houses can increase the cost of a rewire.

Occupied vs Empty Home

Completing a house rewire in an occupied property is more complex than in an empty home. With the need to work around furniture and flooring, electricians charge more to rewire occupied properties as it usually takes longer than empty ones.

Accessibility Issues

Edinburgh has a lot of older properties, such as tenement flats, listed buildings, and stone-walled homes. This makes rewiring more labour-intensive and will therefore affect the cost.

Level of Finish Required

A house rewire cost in Edinburgh will reflect the level of equipment to be fitted. Standard wiring, sockets and switches cost less than specialised circuits or wiring for an EV charger.

The installation or replacement of light fittings and light fixtures is also typically included in a rewire, as these components are updated alongside sockets and switches to ensure both functionality and improved aesthetics. However, relocating them or choosing premium ceiling roses and switches will increase the overall cost.

Additional Costs of Electrical Rewiring in Edinburgh

There are several additional costs to consider when undertaking a house rewire. These include:

• Upgraded switches and sockets (basic ones are usually included in the base price)
• Consumer unit upgrade (also usually included in the base price for full rewires, but may incur additional costs for partial rewires)
• Installing smart home technology such as smart lighting, often done following rewiring
• Electrical certificates, e.g., Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), Part P, although these may be factored into the base price, too
• Remedial works following rewiring, including plastering and decorating
• Additional work such as installing smoke alarms, outdoor lighting, or CCTV will cost more, but many homeowners prefer to get these jobs done while the electrician is already on-site
• Parking permits for tradesmen where needed

The exact nature of the work, whether a full or partial rewire, can often result in other unexpected costs. Older homes in particular may have asbestos present. This is a hazardous material and needs specialist removal and disposal, adding to the overall price.

However, upgrading your wiring and ensuring compliance with current electrical safety standards can also positively impact your property's market value, making it more attractive to buyers or tenants. It's usually a worthwhile investment, not just for your own safety.

Electrical Safety & Building Regulations: A Must For Your Edinburgh Home

Electrical safety is at the very heart of any house rewire, and that's especially the case when you've got a mix of old and new properties as you do in Edinburgh. The rewiring process essentially involves getting rid of any electrical systems that could cause harm, whether that's flickering lights, damaged wiring, or a genuine fire risk.

Before any work starts, an electrician will carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — essentially a full health check for your wiring. This assessment tells you whether you need a major rewire or just a tidy-up to bring your home up to modern safety standards.

UK building regulations are strict about electrical work, and there are a few things worth knowing before you get started:

• Only qualified electricians can carry out or certify the work — and even a qualified electrician can't sign off on a job unless they did the work themselves
• Non-compliant work can cost you — you could face fines, legal issues, or an invalidated home insurance policy
• Certain rewiring work must be notified to Building Control under Part P of the Building Regulations, unless carried out by a registered competent person

Rewiring isn't just about safety compliance — it's also a great chance to modernise your home into the 21st century with improved energy efficiency, LED lighting, smart home tech, or simply more sockets to safely plug in your devices.

If you're unsure about the state of your wiring, get an EICR done and act on its recommendations to keep your home safe and compliant.

Signs Your Home May Need Rewiring

There are often warning signs that your home may need rewiring.

• Frequent tripping
• Buzzing sockets
• Burn marks
• No earthing
• Obviously damaged wiring
• Cloth or rubber-coated cables

You may see one or more of these warning signs. For safety, you should contact a qualified electrician to get an assessment of your wiring as soon as possible.

Hiring Edinburgh Electricians With MyJobQuote

It’s essential that you hire a qualified electrician who's part of NICEIC to perform an electrical rewire service. You will need certification, such as an EIC or Part P of the Building Regulations, depending on the work you have done. Only a registered electrician can supply these.

To ensure you find a qualified electrician in Edinburgh, post your job now on MyJobQuote and connect with registered electricians today.

By obtaining at least three quotes, you will be able to compare prices and choose from the best electricians offering home rewiring in Edinburgh.