Full and partial house rewiring to current wiring regulations

Full and Partial Rewiring

A full or partial rewire replaces some or all of a property's electrical wiring, sockets, switches and consumer unit with a new installation to current standards, typically needed where existing wiring is old, unsafe or insufficient for modern electrical demand.

Definition

What Rewiring covers

A full rewire replaces the entire electrical installation of a property — cabling, sockets, switches, lighting circuits and consumer unit — usually recommended where wiring is decades old, uses outdated materials, or an EICR identifies widespread issues. A partial rewire addresses specific circuits or areas, such as a single floor or an extension, while leaving sound existing wiring in place.

Suitable for

  • Older properties with original or outdated wiring flagged as unsatisfactory on an EICR
  • Properties being renovated where walls and floors are already being opened up
  • Extensions or conversions needing new circuits integrated with the existing installation
  • Landlords bringing a property up to current standards before letting

Not suitable for

  • Properties where only a single fault needs fixing — our fault-finding service is the appropriate starting point rather than a full rewire
  • DIY-completed wiring you want signed off without inspection — a qualified electrician needs to test and certify the actual installation

Process

How the work is carried out

  1. 01

    Survey and EICR

    Assessing the existing installation and identifying what needs replacing versus what can remain.

  2. 02

    Specification

    Agreeing the scope — full or partial — circuit layout, and consumer unit requirements.

  3. 03

    First and second fix

    Running new cabling, then fitting sockets, switches and light fittings once other trades have finished.

  4. 04

    Testing and certification

    Full testing to BS 7671, with an Electrical Installation Certificate and Part P notification issued on completion.

Typical timescale

A full rewire of an average 3-bedroom house typically takes one to two weeks including making good; a partial rewire of a single area is usually quicker. Confirmed after survey.

Cost guidance

A full or partial rewire typically costs £3,000–£6,500 per job in our area, with a 3-bedroom house as the reference point — scope, property size and how much needs opening up drive the final figure. We provide an itemised quotation after a site visit rather than a fixed headline price.

Limitations and exclusions

  • Making good of plaster, decoration and flooring disturbed by cable routes is quoted separately unless specifically included
  • A full rewire and consumer unit change is notifiable work under Part P and is certified accordingly
  • Any additional faults or issues found once walls are opened up are agreed and priced before proceeding

FAQs

Rewiring FAQs

How do I know if I need a full or partial rewire?

This is based on an EICR and the age and condition of the existing wiring, not assumed from the property's age alone. We assess the installation and recommend the appropriate scope.

Will a rewire mean redecorating afterwards?

Typically, yes — chasing cable routes into walls disturbs plaster and decoration, so some making good and redecoration is usually needed afterwards. We set out what to expect before work starts.

Is a rewire notifiable under Building Regulations?

Yes, a full rewire is notifiable work under Part P, and we self-certify it through a competent person scheme rather than requiring a separate Building Control application.

Discuss your rewiring project

Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.

Last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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