Home Rewiring in London: When, Why, and How It’s Done

Understanding home rewiring in London is crucial if your property’s wiring is older, unsafe, or struggling to keep up with modern electrical demands. This guide explains when rewiring is necessary, why it matters, and how professionals approach the job.

When Should You Consider Home Rewiring in London?

Knowing when to rewire is key to keeping your property safe and compliant. For most homes, a full home rewiring in London is recommended every 25 to 30 years. If your property hasn't been rewired since the 1990s—or ever—it’s worth checking the condition of the electrical system. Many older homes still rely on outdated rubber, lead, or fabric-insulated wiring, which poses a serious fire hazard. These materials degrade over time, increasing the risk of electric shock, overheating, and short-circuits.

Signs you may need a rewire include flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, or a persistent burning smell near sockets or switches. Warm or discoloured outlets are also red flags. If your home has a fuse box instead of a modern consumer unit with RCD protection, that's another major indicator. According to Checkatrade, properties with ungrounded wiring or no earthing system are not only dangerous but likely to fail safety checks when selling or letting.

London ELEC also advises new homeowners to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out, especially if the property's history is unclear. Rewiring isn’t just about function—it’s about safety, legal compliance, and ensuring your home can handle today’s technology without risk.

There are clear warning signs your property needs rewiring:

• Frequent circuit breaker trips
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Buzzing outlets or switches
• Unusual burning smells
• Discoloured or warm sockets

According to Checkatrade, homes often need a full rewire every 25 years, especially if you notice any of these signals.



Older properties may feature outdated wiring systems like knob‑and‑tube or aluminium, which fail modern safety standards. London ELEC recommends rewiring any system that lacks proper earthing, modern insulation, or safe overcurrent protection.

Why You Should Get Your Home Rewired

There are several critical reasons why home rewiring in London should never be delayed if needed. The most important one is safety. Faulty or outdated wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires in UK homes. According to Checkatrade, over 51,000 domestic electrical fires occur annually in the UK—many of which are preventable through timely rewiring and upgrades. Rewiring ensures your system complies with current safety standards, such as BS 7671 and Part P of the Building Regulations.

Another major reason is functionality. As we add more high-power appliances—like induction hobs, electric vehicle chargers, and home office setups—older wiring systems often struggle to cope. You might notice circuit breakers tripping frequently or sockets becoming overloaded. A full rewire allows you to future-proof your home, ensuring it supports smart home technology, modern lighting systems, and efficient energy usage.

From a financial perspective, a newly rewired home can also boost resale value. Buyers and insurers prefer properties with modern electrics and valid safety certificates. London ELEC highlights that many insurers now require proof of electrical safety before issuing home cover. So, rewiring isn’t just a long-term investment in your comfort—it’s essential for your legal, financial, and physical security.

Home rewiring in London offers several important benefits:

• Enhances safety by meeting BS 7671 standards and reducing fire risks
• Supports modern electrical needs, such as EV chargers and smart devices
• Ensures compliance with Building Regulations and Part P
• Supports future resale value and insurance requirements

Checkatrade reports rewiring can prevent the ~51,000 electrical fires that occur annually in the UK. London ELEC confirms that rewiring brings peace of mind—and resale appeal—thanks to full certification and long-term compliance.

The Steps of Home Rewiring in London

Professional rewiring typically follows a clear two-phase process:

1. Survey and Planning

• Electrician inspects wiring, circuit breakers, consumer unit, sockets, and lighting
• You discuss where sockets, switches, and appliances should be placed
• A written quote and schedule is shared

2. First Fix

• Remove old cabling through chasing walls or lifting floorboards
• Install new cables from distribution board to outlets, lighting points, and consumer unit
• Place back-boxes for switches and sockets
• Restore walls to allow for the second fix

3. Second Fix

• Fit lighting fixtures, switches, and sockets into position
• Hook up the consumer unit with new breakers and protection devices
• Conduct comprehensive testing: Continuity, insulation, polarity, earth fault
• Issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

London ELEC stresses strict compliance with BS 7671 and Building Regulations throughout.

How Long Does Home Rewiring in London Take?

Typical timescales are:

• 2-bed flat: 4–5 days
• 3-bed house: 6–10 days
• Larger properties or those with asbestos might require more time

Time needed depends on:

• Property size and layout
• Wall and floor material
• Presence of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos)
• Extent of new fitting locations

London ELEC recommends planning ahead to minimise disruption and allows time for plastering and decoration following electrical work.

Costs of Home Rewiring in London

While costs vary, here’s a rough guide:

• 2-bed flat: £3,900–£4,800
• 3-bed house: £6,000–£8,000+

This includes wiring, labour, consumer unit installation, testing, certification, and VAT, but generally excludes plastering or decoration.

London ELEC provides customised quotations based on property type, scope of work, and quality of fittings, all aligned with safety compliance.

What You Should Do Before and During a Rewire

• Prepare rooms: Remove furniture and fragile items
• Plan socket and switch placement early with your electrician
• Ask for a timeline and check it includes both fix stages
• Ensure certifications will be issued on completion

London ELEC offers quotes that clearly outline costs, timelines, materials, and aftercare support. All teams are NICEIC-registered and provide a workmanship guarantee.

Living in the Property During a Rewire?

Yes, it’s possible—especially if part of the house remains live. But expect:

• Temporary power cuts during each stage
• Dust and wall repairs post-first fix
• Restricted kitchen or bathroom access in some cases

Large-scale rewires may require temporary rehoming for safety and convenience. London ELEC can suggest local solutions if needed.

How often should you rewire a house?

Most homes require a full rewire every 25–30 years, especially older properties with outdated wiring or safety concerns.
[Read the Full Article (Source: Checkatrade)]

What is involved in rewiring a house?

 Rewiring includes removing old cabling, installing new wires to sockets and lighting, fitting a modern consumer unit, thorough testing, and issuing a safety certificate
 

Tackling home rewiring in London may seem daunting—and it can be. But it is essential for safety, compliance, and future-proofing your home. From clear signs and costs through to a phased, certified process, London ELEC provides an expert, step-by-step solution. If your wiring is old, unsafe, or struggling with modern demands, reaching out for a professional quote is the smart first step. Stay safe, compliant, and confidently connected for years to come.