Signs your house may need rewiring
- Old rubber-insulated, fabric-covered or lead-sheathed cables.
- Round-pin sockets, or sockets fitted in the skirting boards.
- Light switches on the wall with no earth, or metal light fittings without an earth connection.
- Scorch marks, buzzing or a burning smell from sockets or switches.
- Not enough sockets, so extension leads are everywhere.
- An EICR has recommended a rewire.
Start with an EICR
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a full inspection and test of your existing wiring. It tells you whether the installation is safe, what needs attention and whether a full or partial rewire is really needed.
The usual guidance is an EICR every 10 years for a home you own. For privately rented homes in England it's a legal requirement: landlords must have the installation inspected at least every five years and give tenants a copy of the report.
What happens during a rewire
First fix
Floorboards are lifted, walls are chased, and new cables and back boxes are run to every socket, switch and light position. This is when you decide where everything goes, so it's the moment to add the extra sockets, lighting circuits and outdoor points you want.
Second fix
After plastering, the sockets, switches and light fittings go on, the new consumer unit is connected, and the whole installation is tested.
Certification
You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate. A rewire is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England, so it must also be notified to building control.
How long does a rewire take?
It depends on the size of the property and the access. A typical house takes several days. Partial rewires, and rewires in empty properties, are usually quicker. Plastering and decorating come afterwards, so allow for those in your plans.
Can you live in the house during a rewire?
Often, yes. The work can be done room by room, with power restored at the end of each day where possible. It's dusty work, though, so an empty house is quicker if you have that option.
Plan for how you'll live, not just for today
- More double sockets, including USB sockets by beds and desks.
- Separate lighting circuits so you can add layered lighting later.
- Smoke and heat alarms where they're needed.
- An outdoor socket and garden lighting circuits.
- Spare capacity, or a dedicated circuit, for a future EV charger.
- Network cabling to the rooms where you work or watch TV.
Need a hand?
E.A Electrician Ltd is a North London electrical company based in Wood Green, N22, rated 5.0 from 32 Google reviews. See our full & partial rewires service, or call 07871 056970 for a free estimate.
Quick answers
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Signs include rubber, fabric or lead-sheathed cable, round-pin sockets, sockets in skirting boards, scorch marks or burning smells. An EICR will tell you for certain.
How long does it take to rewire a house?
A typical house takes several days, depending on its size and access. Partial rewires and empty properties are quicker.
Will I need to redecorate after a rewire?
Usually, yes. Cables are chased into walls and floorboards are lifted. The chases are made good, but plastering and decorating normally follow.
Published by E.A Electrician Ltd. Last updated 31 October 2026.