Why a Full House Rewire is Important
Imagine living in a home where flickering lights, tripped circuits, and dodgy sockets are a daily occurrence. Besides being incredibly annoying, outdated electrical wiring can be downright dangerous. Electrical fires, electric shocks, and constant power failures aren’t just inconvenient; they pose serious risks to your family and property. This is why a full house rewire isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s an essential investment in your safety.
In the UK, thousands of homes built before the 1980s still operate on outdated wiring systems. With modern households now relying on more electrical devices than ever, the demand on these ageing systems has skyrocketed. Think about it: how many gadgets do you have charging right now? TVs, laptops, smartphones, smart fridges — the list goes on. Your old wiring wasn’t designed to handle this.
Understanding the costs and benefits of a full house rewire is crucial for homeowners in Stevenage and across Hertfordshire. Beyond safety, a rewired home can increase your property’s value, improve energy efficiency, and give you peace of mind for years to come. But before you dive in, it’s vital to understand what a full rewire entails, how much it might cost you, and how local factors — like hiring electricians in Stevenage — can influence your final bill.
This guide will break everything down in plain English, helping you make informed decisions whether you’re renovating, buying an older home, or just want to sleep better at night knowing your home is electrically sound.
What Does a Full House Rewire Involve?
A full house rewire is exactly what it sounds like. It’s replacing all the old electrical wiring and fittings throughout your property. This isn’t just about swapping out a few light fixtures or replacing a dodgy socket. It’s a full-blown renovation project that digs deep into your walls, floors, and ceilings to ensure every wire, circuit, and outlet meets modern safety standards.
During a rewire, electricians will typically:
- Replace all existing wiring
- Install new electrical circuits to meet current demand
- Upgrade the consumer unit (fuse box)
- Fit new sockets, switches, and lighting points
- Ensure all wiring complies with BS 7671 (UK wiring regulations)
This process often requires lifting carpets, cutting into plaster walls, and sometimes even removing sections of flooring or ceilings. Depending on the property’s layout and condition, it can be messy and disruptive, which is why many homeowners combine a full rewire with other renovation works.
For Stevenage homeowners, working with local electricians who know the building styles and common wiring issues in Hertfordshire properties can make a big difference. From Victorian terraces to 1970s semis, each era comes with its own set of wiring quirks that a local expert will be well-versed in.
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Types of Properties That Need a Rewire
Not every property will require a full rewire. However, you should consider one if:
- Your home was built before the 1980s and hasn’t been updated
- The wiring uses old rubber, fabric, or lead-insulated cables
- You see frequent blown fuses or tripped circuits
- Your sockets or switches feel warm to the touch
- Lights flicker or dim unpredictably
- There’s a noticeable burning smell from outlets or switches
In Stevenage, many properties built during the post-war housing boom are now reaching the point where rewiring becomes a necessity. As a local company, we often see older council-built properties or privately owned homes where the original wiring hasn’t been touched for decades.
Average Cost of Full House Rewire in the UK
The average cost for a full house rewire in the UK can vary widely based on location, property size, and the complexity of the job. As of 2025, here are the typical national averages:
| Property Type | Average Cost (UK Wide) |
|---|---|
| 1-Bed Flat | £3,000 – £5,000 |
| 2-Bed Flat | £4,500 – £6,500 |
| 3-Bed House | £5,500 – £8,000 |
| 4-Bed House | £7,000 – £10,000 |
| 5-Bed House | £9,000 – £15,000 |
These figures include materials, labour, and certification but don’t always factor in additional costs like plastering, decorating, or any unforeseen issues that might crop up once work begins.
Bear in mind that electrical work in the UK must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, and you’ll need a certified electrician to sign off on the work.
How Stevenage and Hertfordshire Prices Compare
In Stevenage and surrounding Hertfordshire areas, costs tend to sit comfortably in the mid-range of these national figures. Here’s why:
Labour costs in Stevenage are slightly more affordable than in London but higher than some rural parts of the country.
Material costs are consistent across the UK, but availability and supplier competition in Hertfordshire keep prices reasonable.
Many Stevenage homes have relatively standard layouts, which often makes rewiring projects more straightforward (and less costly) compared to complex London townhouses or historic properties.
For example, a full rewire for a typical 3-bed semi-detached home in Stevenage might cost between £5,500 to £7,500, depending on the exact scope, access issues, and the quality of fixtures you choose.
We’ll break this down even more as we move into the next section.
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Factors That Influence Full House Rewire Costs
Size of the Property
Unsurprisingly, bigger homes mean more work due to more sockets, more lighting points, longer cable runs, and bigger consumer units. A small one-bedroom flat might only have 4 or 5 circuits, whereas a large detached house could need 10 or more. The sheer scale of wiring a larger property directly influences both material costs and labour time.
Age and Condition of Existing Wiring
Older homes come with hidden surprises. If your home still has the original wiring, electricians may encounter:
Fragile plaster that crumbles during access
Narrow voids making cable routing difficult
Unexpected legacy installations (old alarms, phone lines, or unused circuits)
In Stevenage, 1960s and 1970s builds often contained aluminium wiring or out-of-date earthing systems, which need full replacement to comply with modern safety codes.
Complexity of the Project
The complexity can skyrocket if:
You want to add smart home features (automated lighting, smart thermostats, integrated speakers, etc.)
There are structural challenges (solid walls, limited access, multi-story layouts)
You require extensive bespoke lighting solutions or outdoor electrics
Labour and Material Costs in Stevenage
Local labour costs can fluctuate based on demand and competition. As a Stevenage-based company, we typically see daily rates for qualified electricians in the range of £200-£350 per day, depending on experience and complexity. Material prices have remained relatively stable despite some supply chain fluctuations in 2024.
Hiring local tradespeople can save you money in travel time and ensures quicker response if any post-installation tweaks are needed.
Full House Rewire Costs Breakdown
Materials Cost
Materials usually make up about 30%-40% of the total rewire cost. This includes:
Cables and wiring
Consumer unit (fuse box)
Sockets, switches, light fittings
Conduit, trunking, and fixings
For a standard 3-bedroom house in Stevenage, materials might total around £1,500 to £2,000 depending on the spec you choose.
Labour Cost
Labour forms the bulk of your rewire bill. For a straightforward rewire:
1-2 electricians may need 7 to 14 days depending on the property
Labour alone might cost £3,000 to £5,000 for a mid-sized property
Complex projects (smart home integration, high-end finishes) can push labour costs significantly higher.
Additional Costs to Consider
Plastering & Decorating: Chasing out walls leaves a mess. Budget £500-£1,500 for making good.
Inspection & Certification: Always included in a professional quote but can cost £150-£300 if charged separately.
Temporary Accommodation: You may need to vacate for part of the work, depending on scope.
Waste Disposal: Some electricians include this, but you may be charged an extra £100-£300.
The Rewiring Process
Rewiring a house may sound intimidating, but knowing the step-by-step process can take away a lot of the anxiety. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
Planning and Inspection
Before any work starts, a thorough assessment of your existing system is critical. A qualified electrician will:
Inspect your current wiring condition
Determine the number of circuits required
Identify specific client needs (e.g., number of sockets, location of lights, smart features)
In Stevenage, older properties sometimes reveal surprises like hidden junction boxes, old aluminium wiring, or incomplete upgrades done decades ago. A detailed inspection helps prevent costly surprises later.
Installation and Testing
Once the plan is approved, the rewiring begins:
First fix: This involves routing new cables throughout the property, cutting into walls, ceilings, and floors as needed.
Second fix: After the cables are installed, electricians fit sockets, switches, lighting fixtures, and connect the consumer unit.
Testing: Once everything’s installed, the entire system is tested to ensure full compliance with BS 7671 standards.
This phase typically takes 1-3 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your home.
Certification and Compliance
Upon completion, your electrician must issue:
An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
Part P Building Regulations compliance notification (required for your local council)
This paperwork isn’t just a formality — it’s your legal proof that the work was done safely and to current standards. When selling your property later, this certificate is often requested by buyers or solicitors.
As a local Stevenage-based company, we handle all certifications on your behalf, ensuring hassle-free compliance with Hertfordshire building authorities.
