Quick Answer 💡
The cost to rewire a house in the UK typically ranges from £2,500 to £10,000+, depending on the size of the property, its age, and the complexity of the job. Most homeowners spend between £3,000 and £6,500 for a standard full rewire, with the work taking 5–10 days to complete.
Try our FREE Cost Calculator Here, or read on for the full breakdown by house size, what affects the price, and whether you might qualify for funding.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in the UK? 💷
If you’ve noticed flickering lights, tripping breakers, or you’ve just bought an older property, there’s a good chance you’re wondering whether you need a full house rewire — and more importantly, what it’s going to cost.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about house rewire costs in the UK for 2026, including what affects the price, how long it takes, and whether you might be able to get it done for free.
Cost Breakdown by House Size 🏡
| Property Type | Estimated Rewire Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | £2,500 – £3,500 | 3–5 days |
| 2-bedroom house | £3,000 – £4,500 | 3–5 days |
| 3-bedroom house | £4,000 – £6,000 | 5–7 days |
| 4-bedroom house | £5,500 – £8,000 | 7–10 days |
| 5-bedroom+ house | £7,000 – £10,000+ | 10+ days |
These are estimates only — the only way to get an accurate figure for your property is to have a qualified electrician carry out a survey. At Electric-Cal Solutions, we offer free, no-obligation quotes across Worksop and the surrounding areas.
What Affects the Cost of Rewiring a House? 🔍
No two rewires are exactly the same. Several factors will influence the final price:
1. Size of the Property
The bigger the house, the more cable, fittings, and labour hours are involved. A five-bedroom detached home will naturally cost significantly more than a one-bedroom flat.
2. Age and Condition of Existing Wiring
Older properties — particularly those built before the 1970s — often have rubber-insulated or aluminium wiring that must be completely replaced. This can sometimes involve more complex work to safely remove old materials.
3. Accessibility
If your walls have been plastered over or it’s difficult to run cables, the job takes longer. Properties with loft access or suspended floors are generally cheaper to rewire than solid-walled buildings.
4. Consumer Unit (Fuse Box) Replacement
Most rewires include replacing the consumer unit with a modern unit that includes RCD protection. This adds cost but is essential for safety and compliance with current regulations. Read more in our consumer unit replacement cost guide.
5. Number of Sockets, Lights, and Circuits
If you want additional sockets, outdoor lighting, EV charger points, or smart home wiring added at the same time, this will increase the overall cost — but it’s far more economical to do it during a rewire than as a separate job later.
6. Location
Labour costs vary across the UK. Electricians in London and the South East typically charge more than those in the Midlands and North.
How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House? ⏱️
A typical full rewire takes between 5 and 10 days, depending on the size and complexity of the job. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- 2-bedroom house: 3–5 days
- 3-bedroom house: 5–7 days
- 4-bedroom+ house: 7–10 days
During the rewire, you’ll need to expect some disruption — floorboards may be lifted, and plaster may need to be cut into to run new cables. A good electrician will tidy up after themselves, but you should plan for some minor redecoration afterwards.
Signs That You Need to Rewire Your House ⚠️
Not sure whether your home actually needs a full rewire? Look out for these warning signs:
- Flickering or dimming lights — especially if it happens across multiple rooms
- Frequently tripping circuit breakers — a sign your system is overloaded
- Burning smell near sockets or switches — this is a serious fire risk
- Old-style round-pin sockets or brown/red wiring — signs of very outdated electrical systems
- Sockets that feel warm to the touch
- Your home is more than 25–30 years old and hasn’t had an electrical inspection
- You’ve recently had a bad EICR result (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
If any of these apply to your home, you should contact a qualified electrician as soon as possible. Faulty or outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. For more detail, see our guide on signs your house needs rewiring.
Can You Get Your House Rewired for Free? 💰
In some cases, yes — though eligibility is restricted. There are a couple of routes worth exploring:
ECO4 Scheme (Energy Company Obligation)
The UK government’s ECO4 scheme funds energy efficiency improvements for eligible households. While it primarily covers insulation and heating, electrical upgrades that support these improvements may be included. Eligibility is based on income and benefit status.
Local Authority Grants
Some local councils offer grants or interest-free loans for essential home improvements, including electrical safety work, for owner-occupiers on low incomes. It’s worth contacting your local council directly to ask what’s available in your area.
Landlord Obligations
If you’re a tenant and your landlord has failed to maintain safe electrical installations, they may be legally required to fund a full rewire under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020. See our guide on electrical checks in privately rented homes for landlord obligations.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for any scheme, give us a call — we’re happy to advise.
Can I Rewire My House Myself? 🛠️
Technically, some minor electrical work can be carried out by a competent DIYer, but a full house rewire is not something you should attempt yourself. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, most electrical work in the home must be either carried out by a registered electrician or notified to your local building control authority.
Beyond the legal requirements, the safety risks are severe. Incorrectly installed wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires and electrocution in the UK. A qualified, NICEIC-approved electrician will ensure the work is done to the correct standard and issue you with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) on completion — which you’ll need if you ever sell your home.
How to Find a Qualified Electrician for a House Rewire ✅
When choosing an electrician for a rewire, always look for:
- NICEIC approval — the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting is the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical industry. NICEIC-approved electricians are assessed regularly against national standards.
- Public liability insurance — any reputable electrician will carry this
- Clear, written quotes — never accept verbal estimates for a job this size
- Reviews and references — ask to see previous work or read Google reviews
At Electric-Cal Solutions, we’re NICEIC approved with a 5.0-star rating on Google from verified customers across Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, and the surrounding areas. We provide free, detailed quotes with no obligation and no jargon.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Do I need to move out during a rewire?
Not always. For smaller properties it may be easier, but for larger homes the work can often be done room by room so you can remain in the house. Your electrician will advise based on your specific situation.
Will a rewire increase my home’s value?
Yes — a full rewire with certification is a significant selling point and can add to the value and saleability of your property, particularly for older homes.
What’s the difference between a full rewire and a consumer unit upgrade?
A consumer unit (fuse box) upgrade replaces just the distribution board and is appropriate when the wiring itself is in good condition. A full rewire replaces all the cables, sockets, switches, and fittings throughout the property.
How do I know if my wiring is safe?
Book an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report). This is a formal inspection carried out by a qualified electrician that assesses the safety and condition of your electrical installation and identifies any work that needs doing. See our guide on how long an EICR lasts for more.
Will the work be messy?
Some disruption is inevitable — cables need to be routed through walls and floors — but a professional electrician will minimise damage and leave the property as tidy as possible. Minor redecoration is usually required after a rewire.
Get a Free House Rewire Quote in Worksop and Surrounding Areas 📞
If you’re based in Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, or anywhere across the East Midlands, Electric-Cal Solutions can provide a free, no-obligation rewire quote. We’re NICEIC approved, fully insured, and trusted by hundreds of local homeowners.
Call us: 07922 110678 / 01909 261231
Or fill out our contact form for a fast callback →
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