What to Expect (and How to Prepare) for a Full Rewire of Your Property

A full rewire is one of the biggest electrical projects you can undertake in a home or business — but it’s also one of the most valuable. Rewiring ensures your installation is safe, compliant with the latest regulations, and ready to handle the demands of modern life.

If you’re planning a rewire, here’s what you need to know about the process and how best to prepare.

⸻

Why a Rewire Might Be Needed • Old Wiring – Many properties still have wiring dating back 30–50 years. This can include rubber, lead, or fabric-insulated cables, all of which deteriorate over time. • Safety Concerns – Old wiring often lacks RCD protection, correct bonding, or adequate earthing. • Modern Demands – Today’s homes use far more electrical equipment than in the past (EV chargers, smart tech, induction hobs, etc.). Old installations simply weren’t designed for this. • Compliance – A rewire ensures your property meets the latest BS 7671:2024 Wiring Regulations.

⸻

What to Expect During a Rewire

A rewire is usually completed in two stages:

1. First Fix (before plastering and decorating)

• Cables are installed throughout the property. • Back boxes for sockets and switches are cut into walls. • Chase routes are created for cables, with floorboards lifted where needed. • Any new circuits are run back to the new consumer unit.

⚡ Note: This stage is the most disruptive, as walls and floors are accessed.

1. Second Fix (after plastering/decoration prep)

• Socket and switch fronts are fitted. • Light fittings are installed. • The consumer unit is connected and labelled. • All circuits are tested and certified.

⸻

How Long Does a Rewire Take? • A typical 3-bedroom house: around 5–10 days, depending on the complexity. • Larger or bespoke properties: may take longer. • If occupied, extra time may be needed to keep part of the property usable during works.

⸻

How to Prepare for a Rewire

A rewire is disruptive, but good preparation makes it much smoother: 1. Clear Rooms Where Possible • Move furniture, valuables, and personal belongings. • Cover anything left behind with dust sheets (rewires create dust!). 2. Expect Dust and Noise • Chasing walls, drilling, and lifting floors are unavoidable. • Plastering and decorating will usually be needed afterwards. 3. Plan Ahead • Think about socket locations, lighting points, and any future-proofing (EV chargers, garden power, smart home tech). • Once cables are in, changing layouts later is disruptive and costly. 4. Temporary Power • In occupied properties, your electrician can sometimes provide temporary supplies to essentials (fridge, lights in key rooms). • If possible, consider staying elsewhere during the messiest first fix stage. 5. Budget for Extras • Factor in the cost of plastering, redecoration, and flooring repairs after the rewire.

⸻

Common Questions

Do I need to move out during a rewire? Not always — but it’s often more comfortable, especially during the first fix. For families with young children or elderly occupants, temporary accommodation is strongly recommended.

Will everything be left safe at the end of each day? Yes — a professional electrician will always ensure circuits are made safe before leaving site.

Do I get certification? Yes — a full rewire is classed as notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. You’ll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and Building Control notification once complete.

⸻

Final Thoughts

A full rewire may feel daunting, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in your property. With the right planning and a trusted contractor, you’ll gain a safe, efficient, and future-proofed electrical system that will last for decades.

⸻

Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd are specialists in full rewires across Newcastle and the North East. From careful planning to certification, we handle every stage with professionalism and care — so you can enjoy peace of mind and a modern, compliant installation.

📞 0191 9052723 📱 WhatsApp: 07388 439427 ✉️ switchtoday@mail.com

Frequently Asked Questions (North East UK)

When should I upgrade my consumer unit (fuse box)? If your current fuse board has wooden backing, cast iron switches, or lacks RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, it is severely outdated and non-compliant with modern BS 7671 safety standards. Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services highly recommends upgrading to a modern, metal-clad RCBO consumer unit to dramatically improve the safety of your home in Newcastle.

Do I need a full house rewire? If your home has old rubber-coated wiring, fabric cables, or if you regularly experience blown fuses, flickering lights, and inadequate sockets, it may be time for a rewire. Properties in the North East built before 1990 often require partial or full rewires to safely handle modern electrical loads. Contact us for a full diagnostic inspection.

Are EV chargers legally required to have Open PEN fault protection? Yes. For safety reasons, especially for properties with PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) supplies common in the UK, EV chargers installed outside must have Open PEN fault protection. Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services only installs premium, fully compliant EV charge points for homeowners across the North East.