A full house rewire is one of the bigger jobs in electrical work — and one of the most common questions I get asked is how long it'll take and how disruptive it'll be. The honest answer depends on the size and type of property, but here's a realistic guide.
Rewire Timescales by Property Size
1–2 bedroom flat: 2–3 days. 2–3 bedroom house: 4–6 days. 4–5 bedroom house: 6–10 days. These are working days, and they assume the property is reasonably accessible — no unusual structural complications or simultaneous building works.
These figures are for a full rewire, replacing all circuits, cables, sockets, switches and the consumer unit. A partial rewire (just certain rooms or circuits) takes proportionally less time.
Do You Need to Move Out?
In most cases, no — but you need to be prepared for some disruption. There will be periods without power to certain areas, and there'll be some mess while cables are run and making-good takes place.
I work room by room wherever possible to keep as much of the property useable as I can. I fill and plaster as I go — I won't leave holes in your walls. That said, if you have very young children or need all rooms fully functional throughout, it's worth discussing the plan carefully before we start.
What Happens After the Rewire?
Once the rewire is complete, all circuits are tested and I issue a full Electrical Installation Certificate. This is the document that confirms all the work has been carried out to BS 7671 (18th Edition Wiring Regulations) and notified to Building Control through NAPIT. You'll need this for any future sale of the property.
Most customers do a light redecoration after — filling any remaining marks and repainting. The finish I leave won't be perfect, but it won't be a state either. I'll set realistic expectations for this before we start.
How Much Does a Rewire Cost?
Rewire prices vary significantly by property size and condition. I provide a fixed price after a free survey — so you'll know the exact cost before any work begins. For properties in Pinner, Hemel Hempstead, Northwood, Berkhamsted and all surrounding areas, call 07405 629 940 or use the contact form to arrange a free no-obligation survey.