Need to get your home rewired and wondering what’s involved? If you’re curious about exactly what an electrician will do during this process, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’re outlining all the steps involved in rewiring a home’s electrics, as well as when you might need to do it, and how long it takes.
What Is a Home Rewire?
Let’s start by understanding what a home rewire actually is.
This is the process of replacing all the electrical wiring, back boxes, outlets, and sometimes the consumer unit (also called a fuse box). The purpose of doing this is generally to make sure your home meets current electrical safety standards.
As well as replacing the existing wiring, your electrician may also add more sockets, USB outlets, and whatever else you ask for.
When You Might Need to Rewire Your Home?
If your wiring is over 25-to-30 years old, your home is probably a good candidate for a full rewire.
There are a few signs that your electrics aren’t up to standard, including flickering lights and burning smells. Visually, if your fuse box is outdated and your wiring uses fabric or rubber, it’s likely old enough to need replacing.
It usually makes the most sense to rewire your home when you’re renovating it and your walls are already open. Keep in mind that you’ll usually need permits from your local building department before this work can get started.
What Happens During A Home Rewire?
Typically, professional electricians like the team at BreakerPro - https://www.breakerprotx.com will rewire a home in two stages: the first fix (running cables) and the second fix (installing sockets, switches, lights, and so on).
You probably won’t be surprised to know that the work is messy and disruptive, usually involving lifting floorboards and chasing walls. Your electrician will have to temporarily cut your power while the rewiring is being carried out, so you might want to move out while the work is happening.
Timeline & Costs For A Home Rewire
The exact time it takes for an electrician to complete your rewire depends on the size of your home, how easy it is to access your electrics, the size of the team carrying out the job, and whether you're living there during the work.
Generally, a full rewire usually takes 5 to 10 days, assuming that you have an average three-bed home.
In terms of the cost to rewire a house, you should expect to pay $8,000–$15,000+, depending on the extent of the rewiring required. It’s not a cheap job, and you’ll pay even more if you want extras like smart lighting or high-spec finishes.
What to Expect After the Work Is Completed
When an electrician finishes a rewire, they’ll provide you with a certificate of compliance, which you should keep in a safe place for your home insurance or if you sell the property in the future.
A good electrician should test all sockets and lighting thoroughly before they sign off, but you can do your own testing as well, for extra peace of mind.
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