Rewiring is one of those jobs most homeowners only face once or twice — so it's hard to know what a fair price looks like. This guide covers typical UK rewiring costs in 2026, what's actually included, the difference between a full and partial rewire, and how to tell whether your home needs one at all.
Typical house rewire costs in the UK (2026)
Every property is different, but as a rough guide for a full rewire including a new consumer unit, testing and certification:
| Property size | Typical cost range | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £2,500 – £4,000 | 3–5 days |
| 2-bed house | £3,500 – £5,500 | 5–7 days |
| 3-bed house | £4,500 – £7,500 | 6–10 days |
| 4-bed house | £6,000 – £9,500 | 10–14 days |
| 5-bed house | £8,000 – £12,500+ | 2–3 weeks |
Ranges are indicative for 2026 and vary by region, property condition and specification. The only way to get an accurate figure is a survey and fixed quote.
What affects the cost of rewiring?
- Occupied vs vacant — working around furniture, carpets and a family living in the house takes longer than an empty property mid-renovation.
- Access and construction — solid floors, high ceilings and older lath-and-plaster walls all add labour.
- Specification — number of sockets and lighting points, smart controls, outdoor circuits, EV charger provision, or data cabling.
- Making good — quotes usually include chasing and first-fix plastering, but full redecoration is normally separate. Always check.
- Consumer unit and protection — a modern board with RCBO protection and surge protection is now standard for a quality rewire.
Full vs partial rewire
You don't always need the whole house done. A partial rewire — replacing the oldest circuits, upgrading the consumer unit, or wiring a new kitchen or extension — can be the right call where parts of the installation are already in good condition. An inspection will tell you which route makes sense; we'll never recommend a full rewire where a partial one will do.
Signs your house may need rewiring
- Frequent tripping, blown fuses or flickering lights
- An old fuse box with rewirable fuses or no RCD protection
- Scorch marks, buzzing sockets or a burning smell
- Rubber, fabric or lead-sheathed cables (common pre-1970s)
- Too few sockets and extension leads everywhere
- No earth on lighting circuits
The definitive answer comes from an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — from £200 + VAT — which grades the condition of your wiring and tells you exactly what (if anything) needs doing.
Certification and Building Regulations
Rewiring is notifiable work under Building Regulations Part P. Using a registered electrician means the work is self-certified, tested to BS 7671, and you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate — documents you'll need when you sell the property and for your insurance. All our work is carried out by NAPIT-registered electricians.
Rewiring in Devon? Get a fixed quote
All Powered Up carries out full and partial rewires across Exeter, Exmouth, Crediton, Sidmouth, Honiton and the wider Devon area — tidy workmanship, clear fixed pricing and full certification. If you're upgrading anyway, we're also MCS-certified for solar and battery installation at the same time.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation rewiring quote or call 01409 221769.
