If you notice electrical problems like flickering or dim lights, circuit breakers that trip often, a burning smell, or other issues or potential hazards spotted in an electrical inspection, you may need your house rewired. Getting a house rewired is a big job that usually requires professional help, but it’s necessary for homes with old or unsafe electrical systems. Many homeowners wonder, “can I rewire my house while I live there?”
The short answer is yes, but you need to understand the challenges and disruptions and how to manage the process to make it as smooth as possible. This guide will walk you through what to expect when replacing electrical wiring, the steps involved, and how to make it as hassle-free as possible.
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What to Expect During a Rewire
Rewiring a house is not a quiet or mess-free process. While your registered electrician will work with you to cause minimal disruption, it can still be a messy job. Here’s what you can expect during the rewiring job:
Disruption
Depending on the electrical issues, and several factors like whether you need the whole house rewired, rewiring involves cutting into walls and ceilings, lifting floorboards, and removing old wiring systems. You can expect:
- Noise: Drilling, hammering and other construction sounds during the rewire process.
- Dust and debris: Plaster and sawdust will spread in areas where walls or floors are being worked on.
- Limited access to areas: Some parts of your home will be restricted while you get the house rewired.
If you suspect you may need new wiring, get an electrical installation condition report done to determine you need your house rewired. A house rewire is done in two stages, the first fix and the second fix stage. During the first fix of a complete rewire, internal wiring, new circuits, junction boxes, a new electrical panel, new cables, and other electrical installations are completed. During the second fix, new sockets and light switches are fitted, and a new consumer unit (fuse box or fuse board) and fuse wire are installed, making the repairs “live.”
Walls will need to be replastered and floorboards lifted during the repairs will need to be replaced. You’ll also need to ensure electrical safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are up-to-date. It won’t be the most peaceful time but electricians will take precautions to minimise the mess and keep the disruptions as limited as possible.
Power Availability
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have is whether the power will be on during the house rewire process. The answer is yes, but not everywhere at all times.
The licensed electrician will shut off power in the area they are working on so other parts of the home can still be used. For example, if work is being done in the living room your kitchen may still have power. You may also be able to use an extension lead. A good electrician will communicate when wiring will be carried out in each room and will be mindful of when you need different elements in the house throughout the day, like an electric shower or stove.
Messiness
Getting your house rewired can be messy but professional electricians will take steps to minimise the impact. Dust sheets, protective coverings and careful equipment placement will help keep the dust under control.
Internet Access
Losing internet connectivity is a concern if you work from home. Electricians can ensure you stay connected by safeguarding certain circuits or scheduling downtime at times that suit you.
Furniture Movement
Furniture in work zones will need to be moved. Some electricians may help with this as part of the service or you may need to move the furniture yourself. Discuss this with your electrician beforehand to plan accordingly.
How to Make it EasierPhased Approach
To reduce disruption many electricians work in a phased approach. They work on one room or section of the house at a time. This way you’ll always have access to essential living areas like your kitchen or bedroom.
- How long will it take? For an average entire house with 3 bedrooms, a full rewire will take 7-10 days. This will depend on the size of your home and the complexity of the job.
- When to rewire your home? Rewiring is best done when you’re already renovating your current house or moving into an old house that needs upgrading.
Communication is Key
Good communication with your electrician is vital for a smooth process:
- Set expectations early: Discuss which areas need to remain functional (e.g. a home office or kids’ bedrooms).
- Plan ahead: Spend time going over the schedule with your electrician to make sure it aligns with your family’s routine.
- Be specific about your needs: Whether it’s internet access, noise levels or specific deadlines share them with your electrician.
Why Choose The Electrician Cardiff for Your Rewire?
At The Electrician Cardiff rewiring is what we do. We know how inconvenient the process can be, and we will make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Here’s why we’re your best choice when you need your house rewired:
Fast Appointments
We will book a qualified electrician with you within 24 hours of your call. Some of our team are available 24/7 so we can get to you quickly even in an emergency.
Experienced Professionals
Our Cardiff electricians are trained, certified and dedicated to delivering top-quality service to get your home’s electrical system safe and compliant.
Customer Service
We take pride in our customer service. Every job is done to the highest standard and we guarantee customer satisfaction.
Prices
We offer free quotes for all electrical work. For rewiring projects here’s a rough guide:
- 1 bedroom house: £3,900
- 2 bedroom house: £4,500
- 3 bedroom house: £5,250
- 4 bedroom house: £6,750
- 5 bedroom house: £8,945
Prices will vary depending on your specific home.
Safety and Compliance
We follow all Cardiff local regulations and safety protocols, so you and your family can have peace of mind.
By choosing The Electrician Cardiff you’re choosing efficiency, reliability and a guarantee of your satisfaction.
Is Rewiring for You?
If your home has outdated wiring—circuit breakers tripping, lights flickering or outlets not working—it’s time to rewire. Living in a house during rewiring can be inconvenient but working with a professional team like The Electrician Cardiff will make all the difference.
Call Us Today
Get in touch to chat about your project or to find out more about preparing your home for rewiring. We’ll give you a free, no-obligation quote and discuss the next steps.
Lois Lane is a professional blogger and a seasoned Content writer for wellhousekeeping.com. With a passion for simplifying complex Home Decor topics, he provides valuable insights to a diverse online audience. With four years of experience, Lois has polished his skills as a professional blogger.
