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myHow Much to Rewire a House?
At a Glance
- The average cost to rewire a house is around £5,500.
- Most jobs take 3 to 7 days. Larger homes may require longer.
- NEW! Use our house rewire cost calculator for an instant estimate.
- The cost of rewiring a house in 2026 by property type and location.
- How long replacing your existing wiring system will take and what's involved.
- How to find a local electrician via MyJobQuote.
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Looking to find out the cost to rewire a house?
Rewiring a house is necessary if you have a faulty or outdated wiring system, and is also worth considering if you live in an older building.
The total cost to rewire a house in 2026 ranges between £2,500 and £12,500 depending on the size of property.
The illustration below provides a better idea of the total cost to rewire a house by comparing a range of homes:
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£5,500
Table of Contents
- How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
- House Rewire Costs by Property Type
- Partial Rewire Cost
- Electrician Costs
- How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House?
- House Rewiring Material Costs
- Factors That Impact Rewiring Prices
- How to Lower the Cost of Rewiring a House
- What Does Rewiring a House Involve?
- How to Tell if Your House Needs Rewiring
- Checklist: Hiring an Electrician to Rewire a House
- FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
The average cost of rewiring a house can vary significantly.
The biggest cost drivers for house rewires include the size of your home, ease of access, and your fitting spec.
Let's start with an overview of the overall cost to rewire a house of different sizes.
House Rewire Prices
The below table shows the total average cost to rewire a house and other properties, based on standard fittings and requirements. However, the total house rewiring costs may vary between jobs depending on the extent of work needed.
| Property Size | Average Cost to Rewire |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £3,200 |
| 2-bed flat / maisonette | £4,500 |
| 3-bed flat | £5,500 |
| Bungalow | £5,000 |
| 1-bed house | £4,000 |
| 2-bed house | £4,500 |
| 3-bed house | £6,500 |
| 4-bed house | £8,500 |
| 5-bed house | £10,500 |
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What's Included in the Cost of Rewiring a House?
A full house rewire will usually include labour and materials, but this can vary between contractors, so it's always best to check.
A rewire quote will usually include:
- Removal of existing wiring and fittings, followed by the installation of new cabling throughout the home.
- Installation of new sockets and switches (typically standard white finish unless otherwise specified).
- New consumer unit installation (if required and agreed beforehand).
- Labour for first fix.
- Testing and certification.
Additional rewiring costs to budget for that usually aren't included in your quote:
- Painting or decorating
- Full plastering
- Coving or skirting boards
- Flooring replacement
- Skip hire, if extensive waste removal is needed and isn't already included in the quote
- Temporary accommodation if you move out during the rewiring process
- Labour for moving furniture out of the way
House Rewire Cost Breakdown
Labour makes up the majority of the cost of rewiring a house, reflecting the time and skill required to carefully strip out old wiring and install new circuits throughout the property.
For a standard 3-bed house rewire:
- Labour — £3,000 (75% of total cost).
- Materials — £1,050 (25% of total cost).
Premium materials can push material costs higher, while labour costs stay largely the same, resulting in a labour-material split closer to 70/30.
Ready to get a rewiring quote? Fill in our house rewiring cost calculator to get a closer idea of your costs!
House Rewire Cost Calculator
House Rewire Costs by Property Type
Below we take a look at the cost to rewire each property in more detail, including what influences rewiring costs along with several factors that may influence the end price:
What is your biggest concern with rewiring a house?
Overall cost and unexpected extras
11 votes - 48%48% of votes
Safety concerns and electrical hazards
3 votes - 13%13% of votes
Disruption and lack of electricity during the job
4 votes - 17%17% of votes
Finding a reliable electrician
5 votes - 22%22% of votes
23 votes
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Cost to Rewire a Flat or Maisonette
- Typical Cost — £3,200 to £5,500.
- What Makes It Cheaper — Smaller properties = lower overall costs with fewer rooms, circuits, and shorter cable runs.
- How the Price Can Increase — If ease of access is restricted, labour costs can rise.
Cost to Rewire a Bungalow
- Typical Cost — £4,500 to £5,500.
- Why It Costs This Much — Although typically all on one level, a bungalow often has a larger floor area compared to the average flat, hence the higher rewiring costs.
- Costs Can Increase if — Access is difficult, extra circuits and fittings are required, or the bungalow has an unusual layout.
Cost to Rewire a Terrace House
- Typical Cost — £3,800 to £6,200.
- What Can Increase Overall Costs — Mid-terrace properties can be harder to access, which can lead to higher labour costs.
- Biggest Cost Driver — The condition and age of your current wiring. If a full replacement is required, expect costs to rise.
Cost to Rewire a Semi-Detached House
- Typical Cost — £6,000 to £7,500.
- Why It's More Expensive — Semi-detached properties typically have higher square footage than flats or terraced houses.
- Costs Can Rise Even Higher if — You choose to upgrade your consumer unit, or select premium fittings.
Cost to Rewire a Detached House
- Typical Cost — £6,500 to £10,500.
- The High Cost Is Due to — Significant floor area, more circuits, and longer cable runs.
Cost to Rewire an Old House
- Typical Cost — £7,500 to £12,500.
- Why It Costs More — Older homes tend to have hidden junction boxes and rubber or fabric-sheathed wiring which requires more careful removal. Walls often need to be chased out rather than surface-routing cables.
- Worth Getting a Survey First — Older properties are the most difficult to price accurately and have the most cost variation, so it's well worth getting an EICR before committing to full rewiring.
How much does it cost to rewire a house that's around 80m²? I am purchasing a cottage and I think it needs a full rewire. I would also like some new sockets added, and some light fixtures moved/added.
"On average, I would say that between £4,200 and £5,200 for a basic rewire on a 2/3 bed property. This would include 3 sockets per room. I would definitely advise on getting multiple quotes and all should be coming to look at the job."
Partial Rewire Cost
Can you partially rewire a house?
Yes, a partial house rewire is entirely possible, and usually done on a room-by-room basis. Prices for rewiring a house room-by-room are more difficult to standardise, as it depends on how accessible the current wiring is, so it's recommended to get a survey done first.
Full rewiring is more common, as electricity demands are much higher than they were in the past. EV chargers, home offices, kitchen appliances, smart home devices, and electric showers mean every room now needs a greater number of sockets and a consumer unit that can handle this increased usage.
How Much to Rewire a Kitchen?
The average cost to rewire a kitchen is £500 to £1,500, depending on the size of the kitchen and the number of sockets required. It usually takes 1 or 2 days to rewire a kitchen.
How Much to Rewire a Garage?
The average cost to rewire a garage is £500 to £1,200, as it usually needs its own consumer unit sub-feed, circuits, sockets, and lighting. Rewiring a garage usually takes no more than a day.
How Much to Rewire a Room?
Rewiring a single room usually costs £300 to £800 and takes around a day. Costs are slightly lower for bedrooms or living rooms as there are generally fewer circuits needed than in a kitchen, and cable runs are shorter than in a garage.
Electrician Costs
The average labour only cost for an electrician is usually between £200 and £400 per day, with higher rates in London and the South East due to the higher cost of living. In most properties a full rewire can be carried out by a single electrician, although larger or more complex renovation work may require two electricians working together, which can increase labour costs accordingly.
Below we take a look at the estimated labour only fees for rewiring a standard 3-bed house in the UK, by reviewing how much a rewiring project will cost in several major cities across the country. Please note this excludes any rewiring materials, such as electrical wires, fixtures and fittings or the supply of a modern consumer unit where required.
| Location | Estimated Labour Only Cost | Compared to National Average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £3,200–£4,400 | +25% |
| Bristol | £3,200–£3,850 | +16% |
| Leeds | £2,750–£3,400 | +2% |
| Birmingham | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Sheffield | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Manchester | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Edinburgh | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Glasgow | £2,750–£3,300 | −0% |
| Liverpool | £2,600–£3,300 | −2% |
| Nottingham | £2,500–£2,750 | −14% |
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Note: The cost of an electrical installation certificate may also be charged as extra. This is typically around £120.
Is there an easy way of telling whether my house needs rewiring? I suspect the electrics are quite old.
"The simplest answer, honestly, is to ask for an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report).
If you look at the fuseboard where the meters are, is it an old type with rewirable fuses instead of circuit breakers? Can you see the cables? If they are white or grey, you might get away with a fuseboard change. Are switches and sockets cracked or showing burn marks? These are some indicators.
An EICR should cost £100 to £150 and will give you a true assessment of the condition."
If you look at the fuseboard where the meters are, is it an old type with rewirable fuses instead of circuit breakers? Can you see the cables? If they are white or grey, you might get away with a fuseboard change. Are switches and sockets cracked or showing burn marks? These are some indicators.
An EICR should cost £100 to £150 and will give you a true assessment of the condition."
How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House?
The average house rewiring process takes around 3 to 7 days to complete.
However, the total duration of a rewiring project can vary depending on:
- Property size and number of rooms.
- Property age and current electrical condition.
- Full vs partial rewire.
- Number of plug sockets and power points.
- If a new consumer unit is needed.
The below table is a rough guide based on a full rewire, with the assumption no additional electrical work is required.
| Property Size | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | 2 to 3 days |
| 2-bed flat / maisonette | 3 to 4 days |
| 3-bed flat | 4 to 5 days |
| Bungalow | 3 to 5 days |
| 1-bed house | 2 to 3 days |
| 2-bed house | 3 to 4 days |
| 3-bed house | 4 to 5 days |
| 4-bed house | 5 to 7 days |
| 5-bed house | 6 to 8 days |
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How long does a house rewire take? I have an old 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom Victorian house that needs rewiring and a new fuse box. I'd also appreciate any cost estimates.
"A house rewire for a three-bedroom Victorian house with two bathrooms could take around 7 to 10 days, depending on access and complexity. You're looking at roughly £6,500 to £8,000, especially if you're including a new consumer unit and modern fittings."
House Rewiring Material Costs
As well as labour fees, a rewiring project often comes with additional costs for materials aside from just the wire itself. For example, the likes of electrical sockets, light fittings, switches, and other electrical components, all of which can vary significantly in price.
If we were to look at a three-bedroom house being fully rewired, material costs for standard white plastic fittings will be around £1,050. Yet, for the same property premium quality components and a stylish finish for modern appliances can potentially increase the material cost to £2,000 or more.
This table outlines the cost ranges for standard rewire supplies:
| Supply | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plug sockets | £2.50–£15 each | Price depends on finish (e.g., white plastic vs designer styles) |
| Light switches | £2–£8 each | Available as single, double, or triple gang switches |
| Light fittings | £3–£30 each | Can range from ceiling roses to pendant or feature lights |
| Electrical wiring (50m) | £25–£35 | 1.5mm wire is used for the lighting system, and 2.5mm is used for the power distribution |
| Consumer unit (fuse box) | £50–£90 | Unit cost only |
| Clips and conduit | £5–£25 | Depends on routing and wall/floor construction |
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Factors That Impact Rewiring Prices
The main factors that impact the final price you're quoted for house rewiring will be the:
- Type of House — Is it a bungalow, flat, terrace, semi-detached, or detached property?
- Property Age — An old house or existing poor wiring might slow an electrician down. Working around, and reinstating, period features such as high skirting boards, solid wood flooring, and decorative cornices or coving will also increase costs. Older properties may also have asbestos in the floors or ceilings — professional asbestos testing can drive up costs.
- Size of House — Small one- or two-bedroom flats will be quicker and cheaper to rewire compared to large four-bedroom detached houses.
- Property Layout — Complex or long wiring runs will take an electrician longer to work with.
- Building Materials — Properties built with stone, concrete, timber, or solid brick walls may be more difficult and complex to work on than those with plasterboard walls.
- Quality of Materials — Higher quality electrical sockets, light fittings, switches, and other electrical components, or premium finishes, will cost more than more basic options.
- Electrician's Rate — You might pay twice as much for a more experienced electrician.
- Location — Your location in the UK can also impact costs, as labour rates for electricians are generally higher in London and the Southeast compared to the North, Scotland, and Wales.
How to Lower the Cost of Rewiring a House
Rewiring a house is not a cheap job, but there are ways to reduce the total cost:
- Don't Buy the Supplies Yourself — Ask your electrician to purchase all the fixtures and fittings on your behalf. They can buy items at trade price and make sure all of the supplies are right for the job.
- Clear Your Rooms — The job will be quicker and easier if all of the furniture is moved out of the way and carpets are lifted before the electrician arrives.
- Rewire During Other Renovations — To save on extra redecorating costs, it can be more cost-effective to have the rewiring work done at the same time as other renovations. This will save on future disruption, too.
- Compare Quotes — You can use MyJobQuote to compare quotes from electricians near you to ensure you get the best price. Thoroughly check what's included in each quote, and ensure that the electrician views your property to provide a more accurate quote.
- Choose Basic Materials — While the majority of the cost of rewiring comes from labour, choosing plain plastic plug sockets and light switches costs less than premium, metal options.
- Consider Partial Rewiring — It's best to have your electrics tested first to determine if a full rewiring is necessary.
- Combine the Work with Other Electrical Upgrades — If you also want to fit new external wiring, it can be cheaper to do it while you have the electrician in. External wiring costs around £250 to £500 on top of your interior rewiring bill, but can be useful for CCTV, security systems, outdoor lighting, and automated doors or gates (such as driveways or garden gates).
- Consider How Many Sockets You Need — Rewiring is an ideal opportunity to increase the number of power outlets in your rooms and reduce over-reliance on extension leads. However, avoiding installing more than you really need can help reduce both labour and material costs.
- Move Out During the Work — Although you will have to pay for temporary accommodation (unless you can stay with friends or family), the job can usually be done quicker if the home is unoccupied. Plus, the electrics will have to be switched off while the rewiring is being done.
- Plan for Future Needs — If you're considering installing an EV charger or solar panels soon, planning ahead and ensuring your new wiring can handle the increased load will save more work further down the line.
How can I tell or know if someone is competent to perform electric work in my house? Will they need some sort of certificate or qualification?
"The electrician should be registered with a governing body such as NICEIC, NAPIT or with other approved Part P scheme providers. This shows they have been assessed and deemed competent and qualified. Unfortunately, it doesn't always mean they are 100% competent, but it is a good basis to go by.
If they are registered, the work is backed by a warranty. It is simple to verify a contractor's status online or by phone. When they tell you who they are with, you can check that on the scheme's website to make sure.
You can also check reviews or ask for references. I personally don't have any issue providing references or showing photos of my work if asked, and I suspect anyone who does is probably worth avoiding."
If they are registered, the work is backed by a warranty. It is simple to verify a contractor's status online or by phone. When they tell you who they are with, you can check that on the scheme's website to make sure.
You can also check reviews or ask for references. I personally don't have any issue providing references or showing photos of my work if asked, and I suspect anyone who does is probably worth avoiding."
What Does Rewiring a House Involve?
It is not recommended to work on your own electrical system as any mistakes can not only prove costly, but can also be highly dangerous. Hiring a fully qualified electrician will not only ensure compliance with any relevant Building Regulations, but they can also self-certify their electrical work (providing they're registered with a competent person scheme).
With the help of MyJobQuote you can find local electricians in your area, requesting a number of quotes in the process. Furthermore, the experience is fast, free, and without any further obligations.
Below is a summary of what's usually involved in the rewiring process:
Before the Job
- Inspection of Existing Wiring — An electrician's survey (around £150) can identify the condition of your current wiring, and if it needs replacing altogether or if a partial rewire is sufficient.
- Review of Fuse Box and Plug Sockets — They will also check if you have an outdated fuse box that needs updating with a modern consumer unit, and may also take a look at any plug sockets and switches.
- Power Turned Off — The power is safely isolated. Be mindful this will cause disruption around your home as you won't have any electricity until it is turned back on.
During the Job
- Electrical Installations — If the survey finds faulty wiring, old wires will be removed. This can involve chasing out cables or pulling them from their existing location before feeding through the replacement wiring.
- Fixtures and Components — Once wiring, sockets, switches, and light fittings are installed, replacing like-for-like components is usually relatively quick, although new fittings may take longer if additional work is required.
After the Job
- Testing — The electrician will then test that the electrical system is working, that it complies with UK building regulations, and that the work reaches modern electrical safety standards.
- Certification — Finally, you will receive two documents: an electrical installation certificate for the wiring itself, and, because a full rewire must be notified, a Building Regulations compliance certificate, usually issued within 30 days by your electrician's scheme or as a completion certificate from building control. Without this certification, selling your home later could require paying around £500 for a separate inspection by a test electrician.
What does it cost to rewire a two-bed bungalow with attached garage and conservatory?
"For a two-bed bungalow with kitchen, bathroom, living, the price is £4,000 labour only. Materials not included."
How to Tell if Your House Needs Rewiring
If your electrical system is old, has faulty wiring, or is struggling to cope with your usage, you may need a rewire.
Here's what you should look out for:
- Fuses are blowing regularly or breakers are tripping.
- Crackling or buzzing noises around electrical equipment.
- Lights are flickering or dimming automatically.
- Discolouration or scorch marks around plug sockets and switches.
- You have an old fuse box/consumer unit or outdated wiring.
- It's been more than 10 years since your electrics were last inspected (5 years for a rented property).
- Following an EICR, your electrician recommends a rewire.
How often does a house need rewiring?
There's no fixed lifespan for house wiring, but if you notice any of the signs above, it's best to contact an electrician. An owner-occupied home should have its electrics inspected with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every 10 years, while rented homes need checking every 5 years or at each change of tenancy, whichever comes first. The condition of the wiring is more important than its age.
If you're planning an extension, renovation, or loft conversion you will need to contact your local building control authority. That's because there's more involved than just a full rewire, especially as you will be adding new power points and additional wiring, potentially across multiple floors.
The electrical wires in my fuseboard are red and black in colour. Is this old wiring? Do I need to have a rewire?
"Red and black cables predate 2004. So it could be fifteen years old or it could be fifty years old. It’s impossible to give advice beyond that. I have found fifty-year-old wiring in better condition than five-year-old wiring before.
Whether or not you need a rewire is impossible to advise simply based on your visual inspection. You should hire an electrician to carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to determine the suitability of your wiring for continued use."
Whether or not you need a rewire is impossible to advise simply based on your visual inspection. You should hire an electrician to carry out a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) to determine the suitability of your wiring for continued use."
Checklist: Hiring an Electrician to Rewire a House
Below are some questions to ask when looking to hire a professional electrician for your house rewiring:
- Do they have the right qualifications? As well as hands-on apprenticeships, other qualifications include Level 3 NVQs in Electrotechnical Services, Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment, or a Diploma in Electrical Installations.
- Are they a registered electrician? Professional electricians should always be listed on a government-competent person scheme, and those who appear on the likes of Blue Flame Certification, Certsure, BESCA, NICEIC, or NAPIT are also able to self-certify their work.
- Are they fully insured? Most reputable tradesmen carry public liability insurance to cover personal injury or accidental property damage. They may also hold third-party liability.
- Do they have positive reviews? Online presence will prove valuable for customer feedback, or again check their MyJobQuote profile for any reviews.
- Have you seen examples of previous work? Check their MyJobQuote profile, online testimonials and their company website, or ask if they have a portfolio of work they can share.
- Do they offer any form of guarantees? Electrical rewiring should at least come with a guarantee that if any initial issues occur as a direct result of the rewiring work, they will be resolved at no extra cost.
- Do they offer an extended warranty? In addition to covering their initial work, some tradesmen may provide an additional guarantee, meaning they can also assist if any problems arise within a set timeframe.
- Have you received more than one quote? With the help of MyJobQuote it is strongly recommended to request at least three quotes from local electricians so you can gauge the best price for the work.
Can one rewire a property without pulling the floorboards up?
"You can rewire a property without pulling the floorboards up. It depends if you want the cables hidden i.e. chased into the wall or surface with mini trunking, but lifting the floorboards here and there saves you a lot of chasing out walls. It really depends what way you want to go about it"
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FAQs
Can I Rewire My Own House?
A full rewire has to be notified to building control, as it installs new circuits and usually involves replacing the consumer unit. There are two lawful ways to do this: a competent person scheme-registered electrician can self-certify the work, or you can notify your local building control body before work starts and have them inspect it.
This means a homeowner can lawfully rewire their own house, provided building control is notified first. That said, only a scheme-registered electrician can self-certify the work, so hiring one is usually the simpler route and takes care of the paperwork for you. Rewiring in England falls under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Can My House Be Rewired While I Am Still Occupying It?
Yes, many homeowners stay in their property during the rewiring process, although be aware your electricity will need to be shut off for the duration and until safe to turn it back on.
Should I Inform My Neighbours of My House Rewire Plans?
Although it isn't usually a legal requirement, it's always best to let your neighbours know about any refurbishment plans, given the noise and disruption involved. However, in England and Wales, telling them becomes a legal duty under the Party Wall Act if the work involves cutting into a wall you share with a neighbour.
Chasing cables into a shared wall counts, so this often comes up in terraces, semi-detached houses, and flats. The notice has to be given in writing, between 2 months and a year before work starts, and your neighbour then has 14 days to respond in writing. Scotland has no equivalent legislation.
Does House Rewiring Add Value to Your House?
There's no published figure for how much rewiring adds to a house's value. However, a rewire gives you an electrical installation certificate and a Building Regulations compliance certificate, which is what a buyer's solicitor will typically ask to see during a sale.
My House Has Been Flooded. Do I Need to Rewire It?
If the flooding was severe, or the water was contaminated, you'll likely need at least a partial rewiring, which should be assessed by an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) costing around £150. For minor flooding from a clean water source, an electrician may only need to dry out the cables and replace any sockets, switches and plugs that got wet.
Keep away from any exposed wiring, as it may still be live, and don't turn the power back on or attempt any repairs yourself until a registered electrician confirms it's safe to do so. If further flooding is expected, consider additional measures such as raising the consumer unit and plug sockets.
Do You Need Planning Permission to Rewire Your House?
No, you don't normally require planning permission to rewire your house. The exception is a listed building, as listing covers the inside of a property as well as the outside. Chasing cables or lifting floors could affect its character, meaning you may need listed building consent. It's worth contacting your local planning authority before starting any work.
Are There Any Building Regulations to Follow for a Full Rewire?
Yes. A full rewire (including your consumer unit) must comply with modern safety standards. A full rewire always has to be notified to building control, either through self-certification by a scheme-registered electrician or by notifying your local building control body before work starts.
Does a 1970s House Need Rewiring?
A house built in the 1970s does not necessarily need a full rewire due to its age, but 50-year-old wiring is likely near the end of its lifespan so it's worth contacting an electrician. The wiring itself may still be sound, but it likely doesn't meet current safety standards.
How to Get Your House Rewired for Free in the UK?
While it's not usually possible to get your house rewired for free in the UK, there are government grants and local authority schemes that can help cover the cost. ECO4 may cover the cost of electrical upgrades if they are required to install new heating or insulation to make the property more energy-efficient.
You can apply to your council for a Disabled Facilities Grant if rewiring is needed to accommodate a disabled person's needs. The applicant can be the owner, tenant, or landlord, as long as the disabled person lives there and intends to stay during the grant period, and the council is satisfied the work is necessary. How much you get depends on household income and savings.
