Rewires

Undertaking a full or partial rewire in a property is a big job, but it does also give you peace of mind that your electrics are safe, and provide the opportunity to put the outlets in your home exactly where you want them. Also upgrade to the latest regulations for your electrical consumer unit and smoke alarm.

For wiring systems more than 25 years old we would always recommend having the electrical system checked out at regular intervals through an electrical installation condition report (EICR). This is because over time all electrical wiring and their components will deteriorate.

The EICR certificate will allow us to identify any faults or defects which could require improvement. Which will provide you a good idea of the amount work possibly required, and the prospective cost if you are considering rewiring or upgrading the electrical installation to add new circuits.

A rewire normally takes place when undergoing any substantial building work like an extension. Other occasions when a rewire might be necessary include;

-After flood or fire damage
-If electrical installation has become unsafe
-Installation of several new circuits

-Upgrade of building/property

Steps of a rewire

Carrying out a full rewire will cause disruption to each room of your property. It is probable that all wiring, fittings, switches, sockets and the consumer unit will be replaced. It will involve two stages of working; first fix and second fix.

First fix

All first fix work will take place prior to any plastering to ensure all cables are hidden. This will involve chasing channels in the walls, and possibly in any ceilings that are inaccessible from above. It will include lifting the floorboards and maybe the skirting boards.

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Additionally, the first fix stage will involve fitting new back boxes for all sockets and switches. it is also a good time to rewire for central heating controls, alarms, smoke detectors and doorbells, to add outdoor lighting and sockets, and to rewire the telephones and television aerial sockets. It is also worth redesigning the wiring plan for sockets and switches to make sure it meets your needs and those of modern homes.

Think about specifying two-way or even three-way switching for hallways and landings and other rooms with more than one main access. For a high-value property, consider adding a separate circuit with separate switching for table and standard lamps in the main living rooms and principal bedrooms. It may also be worth considering adding automated lighting, home network cablings, speaker cabling and other modern technology.

Second fix

Once the first fix stage and plastering has been completed, and the flooring replaced. The second fix can then begin by installing sockets and switches, light fittings, the consumer unit and wiring any electric fans, cookers, extractor hoods, showers and heaters etc.

Upon completion of the second fix, all circuits will be electrical and functional tested, and Electrical Installation Report issued, along with the circuit schedule.

What does a rewire mean?

A full rewire will bring the electrical installation in your home compliant with the latest wiring regulations. It will also give you the opportunity to make your home electrics safer with a new consumer unit containing residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers, whilst installing new sockets and lighting to suit your requirements, and having the most up to date, modern wiring available. 

Partial rewires

It is possible to only have a partial rewires as long as the existing cabling is found to be in good working condition, and able to carry any additional loads. It also may be possible to upgrade it by installing a compliant fuse board and upgrading the earthing and bonding to your home.

This could make a huge saving and minimise disruption whilst bring your home up to current wiring regulations and enhancing electrical safety.