5 Factors That Affect The Cost Of Rewiring A House

Rewiring a house isn’t something most homeowners’ budget for until the lights start flickering or the fuse box trips one too many times. It’s one of those essential upgrades that often comes with a few surprises. Whether you’ve just moved into an older property or are planning a major renovation, understanding what drives the cost of rewiring can save you both stress and money.

After all, no one likes unexpected expenses—especially when they involve ripping up floors or chasing through walls. The key is knowing what to expect before the first wire is touched. In this blog post, we’ll break down the five main factors that influence the cost of a house rewire.

Thinking about rewiring your home in Glasgow or nearby? Trust Inspire Electrics, a team of professional electrical contractors that delivers honest quotes, expert workmanship, and a 5-star customer experience.

Contact us today on 07377 519 529 or email us at info@inspireelectrics.com for your free, no-obligation quote!

5 Factors That Influence The Cost Of House Rewiring

Understanding the cost factors of house rewiring is essential to upgrading your home’s electrical system. The cost to rewire a home isn’t one-size-fits-all—several key elements influence it. Let’s explore each of these in detail:

1. Property Size And Number Of Rooms

One of the most significant factors affecting rewiring cost is the property size. A one-bedroom flat will require significantly less wiring and fewer accessories than a five-bedroom detached home. The more rooms and electrical points required, the more labour and materials are involved.

• Small property (1 bed): £2,000–£3,000
• Medium-sized (3 bed): £3,500–£4,500
• Large home (5+ bed): £5,000+

House rewiring costs are typically proportional to your square footage and complexity.

2. Accessibility And Condition Of Existing Wiring

Accessibility plays a crucial role in rewiring prices. If walls are easy to chase and floors easy to lift, labour is more efficient—and cheaper. However, if your home has hard-to-access areas, decorative finishes that need preserving, or awkward construction, expect costs to rise.

The state of your current wiring also matters. If there’s outdated or hazardous wiring, or if it’s been altered incorrectly by past homeowners, electricians will need to do more remedial work before rewiring begins.

3. Whether The Property Is Occupied

Rewiring an unoccupied property is far simpler and faster than working around occupants, furniture, or pets. If you’re living in your home during the project, your electrician will need to work in stages, minimise disruption, and possibly schedule out-of-hours work—all of which impact cost.

Occupied homes often require more time, protection materials, and careful planning, which adds to your overall rewiring expenses.

Also Read: Fix Common Electrical Issues

4. Specification Of Materials And Accessories

Your choice of wiring materials, switches, sockets, and the new fuseboard (consumer unit) will influence your budget. Standard white plastic fittings cost less, while decorative or smart accessories increase the final bill.

Materials that meet modern regulations and energy efficiency standards are essential but may also cost more initially—though they often lead to long-term savings and enhanced safety.

5. Additional Services And Compliance Requirements

Some homes require extra services during a rewire, such as:

• Smoke alarm installations (now required under Scottish law)
• EV charging station cabling
• Future-proofing for solar panels or smart home systems

So, these are the factors that add to your house’s electrical wiring cost, along with the essential electrical testing and inspections that ensure your system complies with current regulations. All rewires should conclude with an Electrical Installation Certificate from a qualified professional.

Also Read: Rewiring Safety Tips

Trust Inspire Electrics For House Rewiring

At Inspire Electrics, we specialise in house rewiring across Glasgow and Scotland, delivering safe, code-compliant, and future-ready solutions. Whether it’s a small flat or a sprawling family home, we provide:

• Free, no-obligation quotes within 24 hours
• Transparent, competitive pricing
• NICEIC-approved workmanship
• Professional service from start to finish

We’re not just electricians but your partners in safe, smart home upgrades.

So, don’t wait until a small fault becomes a serious risk. Get in touch with Inspire Electrics today by calling on 07377 519 529 or emailing us at info@inspireelectrics.com for an expert consultation and clear advice on your house rewiring project.

FAQs

1. How often should a house be rewired in Scotland?

A full house rewire is typically recommended every 25 to 30 years, especially if the home electrical systems show signs of wear. Regular electrical testing and inspections can help identify when rewiring is needed to meet current safety regulations.

2. Is it cheaper to rewire an empty or occupied house?

Yes, it’s generally cheaper to rewire an unoccupied property. Electricians can work more efficiently without needing to move furniture or move around residents, lowering labour costs and shortening project timelines.

3. Can I live in my home during the rewiring process?

You can, but it may not be comfortable or practical—especially during major work. Discuss a phased plan with your electrical contractors to minimise disruption if you must stay. This may affect the cost of rewiring your home due to added complexity.

4. Will rewiring increase my home’s value?

Absolutely. Updating your electrical wiring enhances safety and boosts market appeal—especially in older properties. Buyers value homes with up-to-date electrical systems that comply with modern standards.

5. Does house rewiring include a new fuse box (consumer unit)?

Yes, a complete house rewiring typically includes replacing the old fuse box with a modern consumer unit equipped with RCD protection. This ensures better safety, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance.