Full and Partial House Rewires
Rickman Electrical Services Ltd carries out full and partial house rewires from our base in Dorking, for homes across Mole Valley and the nearby Surrey towns. A rewire replaces the cables, sockets, switches and the consumer unit with a modern installation that meets the current wiring regulations, BS 7671.
Wiring does not last for ever. Cable insulation dries out with age, earthing on older circuits can be poor, and a house wired for a few lights and a radio was never meant for a modern kitchen, a home office or an electric car.
Signs Your Home May Need a Rewire
If your property is over 30 years old and has not had a recent inspection, it is worth having it checked. Common signs include:
- Rubber or fabric covered cables
- Lighting circuits with no earth wire, which is common in homes wired before the late 1960s
- An old fuse box with rewireable fuses and no RCD protection
- Scorch marks, warm sockets or a burning smell
- Lights that flicker or circuits that trip often
- Too few sockets, with extension leads in most rooms
Old cable colours on their own do not mean a rewire is needed. The best first step is an EICR, which shows whether the wiring can stay, needs some circuits replaced or needs a full rewire.
Full Rewire
A full rewire replaces every circuit in the property, along with the sockets, switches and the consumer unit. It is the right choice when the existing cable has reached the end of its life.
Partial Rewire
A partial rewire replaces selected circuits, such as a kitchen, an extension or one floor of the house. It suits homes where most of the wiring is sound but some areas need upgrading.
Rewiring During a Renovation
If you are planning a new kitchen, an extension or a loft conversion, it makes sense to rewire at the same stage, before plastering and decorating.
How a Rewire Works
We start with a visit to look at the existing installation and talk through how you use each room. You then get a clear, fixed quote with no hidden costs.
A rewire is done in two stages. First fix is when the new cables are run under the floors and in the walls, before any plastering. Second fix is when the sockets, switches, lights and consumer unit are fitted and connected. The whole installation is then tested and you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate.
A rewire is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, so you should also receive a Building Regulations compliance certificate. Rewiring is a major job, but we keep disruption to a minimum, work cleanly and keep you informed at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a house rewire take?
It depends on the size of the property and whether it is empty. As a rough guide, a full rewire of a three bedroom house usually takes between five and ten working days. We will confirm the timescale for your home when we quote.
How much does a house rewire cost?
The cost depends on the size of the property, the number of circuits, sockets and lights you want, and how easy it is to reach the cable routes. We give a clear, fixed quote after visiting the property, so you know the cost before any work starts.
Can I stay in my home during a rewire?
Many people do, although the work is quicker and easier in an empty or partly cleared property. Floorboards need lifting and some walls need chasing, so expect dust and some disruption. We talk this through with you before the work starts.
Will a rewire damage my walls and decoration?
Some making good is always needed, because new cables run in the walls and under the floors. Redecorating is best left until the rewire is finished, so plan any plastering and decorating for after the second fix.