How Much Does it Cost to Rewire a Home?
If you live in an older home with outdated or faulty wiring, it's crucial to consider rewiring to ensure the safety of your household and comply with current electrical regulations. Failing to address wiring issues can lead to serious risks like electric shocks, appliance damage, and even house fires. But before undertaking such a significant project, homeowners naturally want to know: how much does it cost to rewire a house in the UK?
On average, the cost to fully rewire a typical 3-bedroom property in the UK ranges from £4,000 to £6,000 plus VAT. However, total costs will depend on several factors, including the size of your home, age and condition of the existing wiring, number of bedrooms, geographical location, and any additional electrical features or upgrades required.
Cost Breakdown by Bedrooms
The size of your property is one of the most significant determinants of total rewiring costs. Larger homes require more extensive wiring, materials, and labor, resulting in higher overall prices. Here's a breakdown of average costs by bedrooms.
| Bedrooms | Rewiring Cost | Time to complete |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Bed flat | £3,900-£4,800 | 4-7 days |
| 2 Bed House | £4,800-£5,000 | 5-7 days |
| 3 Bed House | £4,450 - £8,000 | 6-10 days |
| 4 Bed House | £6,080 - £9,380 | 10-14 days |
| 5 Bed House | £7,500 - £12,500 | 10-15 days |
As you can see, the cost to rewire a house increases incrementally with the number of bedrooms and overall square footage. For example, rewiring a smaller 2-bedroom flat typically ranges from £3,900 - £4,800 and takes about 4-7 days. In contrast, a larger 5-bedroom house will cost between £7,500 - £12,500 and require 10-15 days of work.
As you can see, the cost to rewire a house increases incrementally with the number of bedrooms and overall square footage. For example, rewiring a smaller 2-bedroom flat typically ranges from £3,900 - £4,800 and takes about 4-7 days. In contrast, a larger 5-bedroom house will cost between £7,500 - £12,500 and require 10-15 days of work. You may also be able to get a government grant for home rewiring to help towards the costs.
Factors That Impact Rewiring Costs
Beyond the size of your home, several other elements can affect the total price of your rewiring project:
- Age and condition of existing wiring: Older properties with severely outdated or damaged wiring may require more extensive work, leading to higher costs.
- Accessibility: If your home's wiring is difficult to access (e.g., in cramped crawl spaces or behind complex architectural features), it will take more time and effort, increasing labor costs.
- Quality of fixtures and fittings: Opting for higher-end, specialty, or smart home fixtures will increase material costs compared to standard options.
- Occupancy: Rewiring an occupied home is more labor-intensive, as electricians must work around your belongings and schedule. It's generally cheaper to rewire an empty property.
- Location: Labor and material costs vary across the UK, with prices typically higher in London, the South East and Essex, compared to other regions.
- Additional upgrades: Any electrical upgrades beyond basic rewiring (e.g., adding extra sockets, installing smart home features) will increase overall project costs.
| Room Type | Average Cost (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | £1,000 - £1,800 |
| Bathroom | £800 - £1,500 |
| Garage | £500 - £1,000 |
| Living Room | £900 - £1,600 |
| Bedroom | £800 - £1,400 |
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and actual prices may be higher or lower based on your specific requirements and the factors mentioned above. It's alwayS worth checking
if your insurance covers you for rewiring.
How long does rewiring a 2-bedroom house take?
On average, rewiring a 2-bedroom house takes 5-7 days. However, the exact duration will depend on factors like the age and condition of the existing wiring, accessibility, and any additional upgrades required.
How long does rewiring a 3-bedroom house take?
Rewiring a standard 3-bedroom house typically takes between 6-10 days. This assumes a straightforward project with no major complications or additional work beyond the basic rewiring. If the property is older or requires more extensive upgrades, the timeline may be longer.
How long does rewiring a 4-bedroom house take?
For a 4-bedroom house, expect the rewiring process to take approximately 1-2 weeks from start to finish. This allows time for the electrician to remove old wiring, install new cabling, fit new fixtures and accessories, and thoroughly test the system. Keep in mind that this is just a general estimate, and the actual duration may vary based on the specific details of your project.
How long does rewiring a 5-bedroom house take?
Rewiring a larger 5-bedroom house is a more significant undertaking and usually requires 2-3 weeks to complete. This extended timeline accounts for the increased size and complexity of the property, as well as the additional labor and materials needed. If the home is occupied during the project or there are any unforeseen issues, the process may take even longer.
How long does rewiring a 1-bedroom flat take?
A smaller 1-bedroom flat can usually be rewired in 3-5 days, depending on the layout and condition of the property. However, if the flat is part of a larger building or there are access issues, the project may take slightly longer.
Remember, these are just ballpark estimates based on the typical experiences of UK electricians. The best way to get an accurate timeline for your specific rewiring project is to consult with a qualified professional who can assess your home's unique needs and provide a customized quote and schedule.