How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House

Rewiring a house is one of the most significant electrical projects a homeowner can undertake. It ensures your home meets modern safety standards, supports today’s electrical demands, and provides peace of mind that your wiring is up to date. One of the first questions most people ask when planning this work is how long it will take. The answer depends on several factors, including the property’s size, age, condition, and whether it is occupied during the work. Understanding these factors helps you plan effectively, minimise disruption, and ensure the project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Why Rewiring Is Necessary

Electrical systems have a limited lifespan. Wiring typically lasts around 25 to 30 years before it begins to degrade or fall behind current standards. Older properties, especially those built before the 1990s, may still have wiring that lacks proper earthing or uses materials that have since been phased out, such as rubber or aluminium. A rewire is also necessary if you plan major renovations or additions, as new circuits are often required to meet current demand safely.

A full rewire not only replaces cables but also includes new sockets, switches, lighting circuits, and an updated consumer unit fitted with RCD protection. The process is extensive, so understanding the timeframe is important for scheduling other work, managing expectations, and ensuring you hire a qualified electrician who can deliver within realistic deadlines.

Average Timescale for a Full House Rewire

The duration of a full rewire varies depending on the size and layout of the property. For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house, the work usually takes between five and ten days. Smaller flats may take three to five days, while larger properties with more rooms or complex layouts can take up to two weeks or longer.

If the property is empty, the work can progress much faster. Electricians can access all areas without having to move furniture or work around occupants. However, if you are living in the property during the rewire, the process will take longer due to the need to maintain some level of functionality and safety during the works. Occupied rewires often take around 30 to 40 per cent longer to complete.

The Stages of a Rewire

Rewiring a house takes place in two main stages known as the first fix and second fix. The first fix involves removing old wiring, chasing out walls, drilling holes, and running new cables throughout the property. This stage also includes installing new back boxes for sockets, switches, and light fittings. It is the most disruptive phase, as it involves access to walls, ceilings, and sometimes floors.

Once plastering and any necessary repairs are complete, the second fix begins. This stage includes fitting the sockets, switches, light fixtures, and connecting the system to the new consumer unit. Final testing and certification take place at this point to ensure every circuit meets BS7671 standards. The electrician will issue an Electrical Installation Certificate upon completion, confirming that the work complies with the latest safety regulations.

Factors That Influence the Duration

Several key factors affect how long a rewire takes. The size of the property is the most obvious. A large detached home with multiple floors, outbuildings, and complex lighting arrangements will take longer than a small flat. The condition of the existing wiring and the accessibility of spaces also play major roles. Older homes with lath-and-plaster walls or limited crawl space under floors can be more challenging to work in.

The level of finish expected can also extend the timeframe. Homeowners who want minimal damage to plasterwork or plan to keep decorative mouldings intact may need more time for careful routing and repair. The inclusion of additional features such as smart lighting, integrated alarm systems, or data cabling also increases the scope of the work and therefore the time required.

Occupied vs Unoccupied Properties

One of the biggest time-related considerations is whether the property is empty. Rewiring an occupied home requires extra care to maintain safety and minimise disruption. Electricians may need to isolate certain circuits while keeping others operational for basic living needs. Furniture must be moved and covered, and the work may be completed one room at a time. This method adds several days to the schedule but makes it possible to remain in the home during the upgrade.

For vacant homes, electricians can work continuously throughout the property. They can complete first-fix wiring across all rooms simultaneously and move efficiently into the second fix without interruptions. For this reason, many homeowners choose to have their property rewired before moving in or during major refurbishments when walls are already being opened for other work.

How to Prepare Your Home for Rewiring

Proper preparation can save time and reduce stress during a rewire. Before work begins, remove as much furniture and personal items as possible, particularly from walls and floors that electricians will need to access. Cover any remaining furniture with dust sheets, as rewiring generates a lot of debris and fine dust. It is also helpful to discuss the layout with your electrician in advance. Plan where you would like additional sockets, lighting points, or switches installed so that decisions are made before work starts.

If you are staying in the property, set up a temporary living area in one or two rooms that can remain functional while others are being worked on. Your electrician may be able to arrange for temporary lighting or power supplies, but it is important to be realistic about the level of disruption. Planning ahead helps both you and the electrician manage expectations and avoid delays.

Costs and Efficiency Considerations

While time is an important factor, efficiency should never come at the expense of safety or quality. A professional rewire requires careful testing, inspection, and certification. Electricians following BS7671 and Part P regulations will not rush through these essential checks. The cost of a rewire in the UK varies depending on property size and complexity, but it typically ranges from £3,000 for a small flat to over £8,000 for a large detached house.

If speed is a priority, hiring a team of electricians rather than a single tradesperson can reduce the overall duration, though it may increase the cost slightly. Always ensure the contractor is NICEIC or NAPIT registered, as certification guarantees that the work meets national standards and ensures compliance documentation will be issued at the end of the job.

How Rewiring Fits into Larger Renovations

If your rewire is part of a larger renovation or extension project, the timing becomes even more critical. Electrical work should be one of the first tasks completed after structural work but before plastering and decorating. This ensures that cables are safely hidden and reduces the risk of having to redo finished surfaces later. A well-planned rewire can also accommodate future upgrades such as solar PV systems, electric vehicle charging, or smart home automation.

For homeowners modernising older properties, rewiring provides an opportunity to rethink lighting layouts and socket placement. Additional circuits for underfloor heating, home offices, or outdoor power can be integrated at this stage. Discuss these requirements early with your electrician so the design aligns with your overall renovation schedule.

Certification and Testing

At the end of the rewire, your electrician will carry out a full series of safety tests, including continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, and earth loop impedance. These tests ensure the system is safe and compliant with current wiring regulations. Once completed, you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. These documents are vital for insurance purposes and if you ever decide to sell the property.

Never skip this stage, as untested wiring can pose serious fire risks. The certification also provides reassurance that all circuits have been properly designed and installed according to UK safety requirements.

Living Through a Rewire: What to Expect

Living in a home during a rewire is never easy, but understanding the process can help you prepare. Expect some level of noise and dust, as electricians will need to chase into walls and lift floorboards. Water and heating systems may need to be isolated temporarily, depending on where cables are being installed. Communication with your electrician is key. They can plan the work in sections so that essential areas such as the kitchen or bathroom remain functional for as long as possible.

You can also take advantage of this time to make improvements that are easier when the walls are open. For example, you could install additional lighting circuits, USB sockets, or data points for improved connectivity. Taking a long-term view ensures the disruption is worthwhile and that your home is ready for modern living.

Tips for a Smooth and Efficient Rewire

The key to a smooth rewire is planning. Book an Electrical Installation Condition Report before starting so your electrician can assess the current wiring and plan accordingly. Get at least two quotes from qualified professionals and confirm what is included in the price, such as plaster repairs or waste disposal. It is also a good idea to schedule the work for a time when you can either stay elsewhere or have reduced household activity.

If you are combining the rewire with other renovations, coordinate trades carefully. Electricians should work before plasterers, decorators, and flooring installers to prevent unnecessary rework. The more organised the project, the faster and smoother the process will be.

Conclusion

The time it takes to rewire a house depends largely on the property’s size, condition, and whether it is occupied during the work. While a small flat can be completed in as little as three days, a large or lived-in home may take up to two weeks or more. Regardless of the duration, rewiring is a crucial investment in safety, compliance, and long-term functionality.

If you are considering rewiring your property, arrange an inspection with a qualified electrician to determine the current state of your wiring and get a realistic estimate of the work involved. Taking the time to plan properly ensures a smooth process, a compliant installation, and a safer, more efficient home for years to come.