You’ve just bought an older house, or your inspection flagged outdated wiring—now you’re asking: how long does a full house rewire take in the UK? It’s a common question among homeowners, and for good reason. The answer depends on factors such as size, complexity, the age of the home, and others.
We’ve helped hundreds of UK homeowners through full house rewires, so at Inspire Electrics, we understand the factors that impact the timeline, typical durations, and how to plan the process for a smooth outcome.
If you’d like to talk about your own property, call us on 07377 519 529 or email info@inspireelectrics.com.
Our experts at Inspire Electrics understand every home is different—and so is its wiring. Knowing exactly how long a full house rewire takes in the UK gives you confidence, planability, and peace of mind.
What Is A Full House Rewire?
Before diving into timeframes, it helps to be clear what a “full house rewire” means.
- Replacement of all wiring throughout the home (power circuits, lighting, sockets, etc.).
- Installation or upgrade of the consumer unit (also known as a fuse box).
- Replace switches, sockets, and lighting fittings.
- Inspection and compliance with UK safety regulations (currently BS 7671, etc.).
We cover full rewires in our “What to Expect When You Book a Full Rewire: Day-by-Day Breakdown” post.
Typical Timeframes For UK Homes
Here are rough estimates of the time required for a full house rewire in the UK, by property type. These are averages; your home may vary.
| Property Type | Approx Duration* |
| Small terraced house (2–3 beds) | 5–7 days |
| Medium semi-detached (3–4 beds) | 7–10 days |
| Larger detached or period home | 10–14 days (or more, depending on access, walls, additional features) |
| Flats/apartments | 4–6 days (often faster if access is easier) |
*These estimates assume standard access, no major structural issues, and that the property is occupied. Unoccupied homes may be faster.
Factors That Affect Rewire Duration
Several variables can affect the duration of a rewire. Knowing these helps you plan and avoid surprises.
1. Size & Layout Of Property
More rooms, more circuits, more fittings = more time.
2. Age & Condition
Older homes often feature plastered walls, which can make access behind them more challenging, uneven floors, and other issues. More structural work (chasing walls, lifting floors) slows things down.
3. Occupancy & Renovation Stage
If the house is occupied, there may be delays (working around furniture, protecting belongings). If you’re renovating anyway, more access helps speed things up.
4. Additional Upgrades
Adding smart home tech, extra sockets, data points, security wiring, or lighting upgrades can add days.
5. Regulatory / Inspection Requirements
Testing, inspections by third parties, and meeting standards add time (but are essential for safety).
6. Availability Of Specialists / Materials
Consumer units, specific sockets or switches, or the correct cables may need to be ordered.
Step-By-Step Rewiring Timeline You Can Expect
Here is a breakdown of stages you’ll generally go through, and how long each tends to take for a medium UK home (3-4 beds semi-detached):
Day 1-2: Preparation & First Fix
- Electrical inspection, risk assessment.
- Isolate power, remove old wiring/sockets.
- Chasing walls or lifting floorboards where needed.
Day 3-5: Installation Of New Wiring & Back Boxes
- Running new cables through walls and ceilings.
- Installing back-boxes for sockets/switches/lighting.
- Fitting any upgraded components (consumer unit, etc.).
Day 6: Inspection & Testing
- Electrical tests.
- Inspection by a certified professional.
- Ensure compliance with BS 7671 and local standards.
Day 7-8: Second Fix + Accessory Fitting
- Fitting switches, sockets, and lighting fixtures.
- Connection of circuits.
Day 9: Making Good & Final Handover
- Plastering, patching up walls/floors.
- Final clean up.
- Final tests, handing over certification, and explaining to the homeowner.
If your home is larger, has many extra features, or has difficult access, you might expect 2–3 additional days on top of that.
How Disruption Looks And How To Mitigate It
Understanding disruption helps you plan better.
- Some rooms may be without power during parts of the work.
- Noise, dust from chasing walls/flooring.
- Furniture/flooring may need to be moved or covered.
- Access routes for electricians (such as wall chases and floorboards) can be disruptive.
Tips to reduce disruption:
- Move furniture and valuables in advance.
- Work on sections in phases.
- Choose times when you can live elsewhere or alternate parts of your home.
- Make sure the electrician protects the floors and uses dust sheets.
How Long Does A Full House Rewire Take In The UK: Real-World Examples
From our experience:
- A 3-bed end-terrace in Glasgow often takes 7 days with minimal added upgrades.
- A detached period property with many original walls and decorative features might take 12-14 days.
- Flats with easy access often finish within 4-6 days.
These match our estimates from “House Rewire Cost in Scotland: A Comprehensive Guide”, where 5-10 days is shown for typical homes.
Planning Ahead: What You Should Ask Your Electrician
Before work begins, good questions to ask include:
- “What permits / inspections are included in the timeline?”
- “Are plastering and making good included, or do I need a separate contractor?”
- “How many electricians will be on site?”
- “What days of the week will work happen, and what time windows?”
- “Do you provide a certification once complete?”
At Inspire Electrics, we aim to give full rewiring timelines in our initial assessment.
CONTACT INSPIRE ELECTRICS
Conclusion
Rewiring your home is a major project—but one that improves safety, compliance, and long-term value. When asking how long does a full house rewire takes in the UK, expect 5–10 days for a standard home, possibly longer for larger or more complex properties.
If you’d like a precise estimate for your own property, we at Inspire Electrics can help. Get in touch today—call 07377 519 529 or email info@inspireelectrics.com for a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s ensure your home is safe, modern, and equipped for the future.
FAQs
1. How soon should I begin a full house rewire after noticing warning signs?
Begin as soon as possible—especially if lights flicker, sockets are loose, or the fuse box trips frequently. These can be safety risks; the assessment typically takes 1–2 days.
2. Can I stay in my house while rewiring happens?
Yes—but expect disruption. Some rooms will be unusable, there’ll be noise and dust. Phased rewires or part-occupancy help.
3. Does a full house rewire always include a new consumer unit?
Almost always. Modern rewires include upgrading the consumer unit to meet current safety regulations (RCD protection, etc.).
4. What happens if my home has older walls/period features?
Older walls or decorative features may slow the process: chasing, plaster reinstatement, and careful access add time and care.
