HomeRewire FAQ
Rewiring & Electrical Services FAQ
Will rewiring a concrete flat affect the structure of the property?
While working on a concrete flat involves drilling and routing cables, our electricians take great care to protect the structure and aesthetics of your property. We use techniques designed to minimise damage and restore any affected areas to their original condition.
Our team is trained to handle the unique challenges posed by concrete flats, ensuring a seamless and professional rewire.
Is it more expensive to rewire an occupied flat?
Rewiring an occupied flat can be slightly more expensive due to the extra time and care needed to work around residents and their belongings. However, we always strive to minimise disruption and complete the job efficiently, no matter your unique requirements. Our goal is to provide excellent service while ensuring the cost remains competitive.
What are common warning signs of outdated wiring in my flat?
Signs of poor wiring or faulty connections include frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, discoloured or warm outlets, and a burning smell. Exposed or frayed wiring and a buzzing noise can also indicate the need for an upgrade.
If you notice these issues, it’s important to have your wiring inspected by a qualified electrician. We will conduct a full electrical survey to determine exactly what your flat requires.
Are there additional costs for furniture removal and waste disposal?
Furniture removal and cleanups are included in our services, so there are no extra costs. This ensures that your space is left tidy and free of debris after the rewiring is complete. We will vacuum, clear debris, and wipe down all surfaces, so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
However, we do offer a further professional builders’ clean after rewiring a flat. While this is usually not necessary, some customers choose this option to avoid any cleaning of their own.
How disruptive is rewiring a flat?
Our rewiring service is designed to minimise disruption to your daily routine. Many customers are anxious about potential interruptions, but our skilled team can complete a full flat rewire in just 1-2 days.
We can also handle smaller tasks like installing electrical sockets and light switches in just a few hours.
Do I need public liability insurance for rewiring work in a flat?
Yes, having public liability insurance is essential for any electrical work, including rewiring a flat. It provides protection in case of accidental damage or injury to clients or third parties resulting from the work performed.
How can I be sure that the new wiring complies with building regulations?
We provide certification for all rewiring work, confirming that it complies with the relevant regulations. Additionally, our electricians are certified and trained to meet the highest safety standards. Once our local electricians have completed the job, we will provide you with a final EIC (Electrical Installation Certificate). This certification not only ensures compliance with current regulations but also offers peace of mind that your property is safe and up to code.
Do I need to comply with building regulations when rewiring my flat?
Yes, any rewiring work must comply with current building regulations. These regulations ensure that each electrical installation is safe and meets national standards. Our professional electricians will ensure that your rewiring project adheres to all necessary regulations. We will also provide you with an electrical installation certificate for added peace of mind.
Will rewiring my flat increase its value?
Rewiring with additional safety equipment can increase the value of your flat by ensuring it meets current safety standards and modern electrical needs. While upgrading electrical systems and rewiring will pose additional costs in the beginning, it can make the property more attractive to potential buyers later.
Can I carry out my own flat rewiring to save on the rewiring cost?
Working on existing wiring and electrical components can pose many dangers for unqualified hands, so this is not recommended. Faulty wiring and old wiring can lead to electrical fires, shocks, and other hazards. Additionally, any DIY house rewiring job must comply with the Government Competent Person Scheme, a requirement that only NICEIC-qualified specialists can fulfil.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Our quotes are transparent, with no hidden costs. We will discuss all potential expenses with you upfront so you know exactly what to expect. In general, our average cost to rewire is competitively priced and extremely reasonable. We strive to offer the best value for high-quality work, ensuring your flat is safely and efficiently rewired without breaking the bank.
How long does it take to rewire a flat?
The duration of a rewiring project depends on the size of the flat and the complexity of the job. On average, our team can get your rewiring completed in just 1-2 days, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine. We also prioritise efficiency without compromising quality, so you can expect a thorough and professional job completed within the estimated timeframe.
Can I install a new light fitting myself, or should I hire an electrician?
It is much safer to hire a qualified electrician, despite the fact that you can install a new light fitting if you have basic electrical knowledge. This ensures the fitting is installed correctly and complies with important electrical safety regulations.
Can old wiring cause smoke detectors to malfunction?
Yes, old or faulty wiring can affect the performance of a hardwired smoke detector. This can potentially cause false alarms or prevent them from functioning correctly during a fire. It’s important to have your wiring inspected and maintained regularly by a qualified electrician to ensure safety.
How do I know if my fuse box needs upgrading?
Electrical problems associated with a faulty fuse box include frequent blown fuses, outdated wiring, or lack of Residual Current Devices (RCDs). Upgrading ensures your electrical system meets current safety standards.
When should I replace my consumer unit?
Consider replacing consumer units if they still use rewireable fuses or lack Residual Current Devices (RCDs). Upgrading to a modern consumer unit enhances electrical safety and meets current regulations.
Can rewiring a house increase its value?
Yes, rewiring your home can increase its value by ensuring the electrical system is safe, reliable, and compliant with modern standards. When you rewire a house, especially an older property, you ensure that it’s more appealing to potential buyers.
How do I know if I need a partial rewiring job or a full rewire?
If your home has outdated wiring, frequent electrical issues, or is over 40 years old, you may need a full rewire. For modern homes, a partial rewire might be enough, focusing on specific areas during the first fix stage. If you’re uncertain, consult a qualified electrician for a thorough assessment.
How can I future-proof my home’s electrical system?
To future-proof your home’s electrics, consider hiring a competent person with electrical qualifications to install a modern consumer unit and new cabling. Also, ensure you are using energy-efficient light fittings and power points.
How does aged wiring affect my home’s electrical performance?
Aged wiring can lead to an electric shock, a higher risk of tiny fires, circuit breakers tripping, and damage to your electrical appliance. While tempting to avoid re-cabling, hiring a registered electrician to upgrade your wiring can enhance performance and reduce potentially dangerous risks.
What should I know about electrical codes and building regulations?
Electrical codes and building regulations ensure that all electrical installations are safe and meet current standards. Compliance with IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) wiring regulations is mandatory, and work should be carried out by a qualified electrician. Instead of carrying out DIY electrical work, a professional electrical inspection is always a safer idea.
Do you have a guarantee on your electrical work?
Yes, all of our installations come with a standard 6-year NICEIC guarantee. This includes the installation of other electrical components like heating controls and burglar alarms, and inspecting exposed parts.
All of our electricians are fully certified and hold a NICEIC Certification to ensure electrical work carried out is safe and effective.
Do you come across asbestos when rewiring?
Yes, particularly within Artex wall coverings. We are trained to identify asbestos and can arrange a test and removal if required.
Can I get chrome sockets?
Yes, you can specify your rewiring any way you like and we can advise on additional extras such as decorative sockets. With our home rewiring in Glasgow, we ensure your electrical system is tailored to your preferences and meets all your functional and aesthetic needs.
Will I need to decorate after the new wiring is installed?
Yes, we can arrange a free quote for decoration works if required.
Will I need to plaster?
Yes, we provide a plasterer with all of our projects unless you decide not to use this service. The amount of plastering required varies from different properties.
Can I add extra sockets during rewiring & how many sockets?
Yes, when you rewire your home, you can completely resign the electrical layout. This includes adding extra plug sockets and TV aerial sockets to meet your needs. The number of sockets you can add depends on your specific requirements and the capacity of your electrical system.
When is the best time to rewire?
It’s always a good idea if you can rewire when you move into a house or when you opt to decorate. However, it’s not always possible to use these windows of opportunity. Reach out to us and we’ll assist with tailored advice.
What is an RCD?
An RCD (Residual Current Device) is a device we will install during rewiring which can potentially save your life in the event of electric shock. In layman’s terms, it’s a sensitive device that detects faults and dangerous wiring issues.
I’m a landlord. What’s my responsibility on electrics?
As a landlord, your property must pass a satisfactory electrical installation condition report (EICR) to allow you to rent it out. A house will not pass an EICR unless the wiring is up to date.
How should I choose an electrician?
You should check their qualifications, accreditations and online reputation. HomeRewire is NICEIC-certified and ensures that all work undertaken by our team meets all required safety standards.
What makes HomeRewire so fast?
Our teams are specifically trained in rewiring with many years of experience in rewiring homes.
Can any electrician rewire a house?
Yes. While any qualified electrician should have the knowledge to rewire a house, having the practical know-how to rewire homes fast takes years and years of experience. Fortunately, our house rewiring electricians are highly experienced and NICIEC-certified.
Are old cables dangerous?
If really well maintained, they can be safe, but our experience shows that aged wiring disintegrates. Old wiring can be very dangerous, posing significant risks such as electrical shocks, short circuits, and even fire hazards. It’s crucial to have a professional assessment to ensure the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.
Does my insurance cover rewiring?
Insurers treat rewiring as an essential maintenance task, so they would not cover these works as maintenance. If an accident such as a fire occurred due to faulty electrics, then they may cover the damages.
Are there any grants available for rewiring?
We have heard of this in the past, but have never actually come across anyone who successfully got a grant to rewire their home.
Are my electrics connected to my neighbour?
Some homes have a shared supply, but it’s nothing to worry about. It just means the mains goes into one house and then feeds into another. It’s pretty common, and you do not share the actual electrical usage as this is metered individually in each home.
Do I need to tell my neighbours?
It’s worthwhile letting your neighbours know you are getting rewired, as it can be noisy work.
Are rewiring flats more difficult?
Top flats are easiest, bottom flats are more difficult, and middle flats are the most difficult type of rewire job. This is because there is no easy access above or below.
How long does the wiring in a house last?
Modern wiring, if maintained well, is expected to last up to 30 years.
Can a qualified electrician condemn a house?
Yes, but it takes a VERY serious issue, like an immediate risk to the occupant. This would include violating building regulations and wiring regulations, resulting in exposed live wires, outdated wiring, or significant fire hazards.
Can you rewire one room at a time?
This can be done, but it will take a lot of time and cost a lot of money. We do not recommend this method.
Is an old fuse box illegal?
No, there is no legal requirement to replace your old fuse boxes. However, it’s in the interests of safety that the wiring be replaced. The fusebox may be non-compliant with the current building regulations, but it is not illegal.
Does a 1950s house need rewiring?
Unless the wiring is modern PVC, then a house rewire is likely to be necessary. If you see any old rubber-insulated cabling, fabric-insulated cabling or lead-insulated cabling, then it needs replacing ASAP.
How do I prepare my house for rewiring?
We go into detail on this if you accept a quote. However, as a rule of thumb, you want to create a meter permitter space around the outside of every room, pack small belongings away, and then dust sheet up every room. We have a full guide on how to prepare for a rewire on our blog.
Does rewiring a house save energy?
Modern wiring is much more efficient than older systems, meaning energy bills are likely to reduce over time. We also install energy-efficient lamps and other methods to reduce energy consumption.
Can you find out when a house was rewired?
There may be a date listed on the original consumer unit. If not, then it’s impossible to tell an exact date. We can usually give a good indication of which decade it was rewired by carefully assessing the installation.
Can I partially rewire my house?
You can partially rewire a house, but it can be difficult. It’s not always clear where cables run and how they are connected to other circuit breakers. We generally only get involved in partial rewires if the original electrical installations are well-presented and organised.
Why get your home rewired?
The obvious answer is safety. However, there are many other benefits. Rewiring your home allows you to completely redesign your electrical system from scratch and add new outlets and accessories.
Will I need to lift my flooring for rewiring?
Generally, on the second level upstairs, we will need to lift any floor coverings. This depends on the access we have throughout the property. If there is crawl space under the ground floor, we may not need to lift any flooring.
What furniture do I need to move for my rewiring?
Generally, you will need to pack away all the small loose items, and we can help with any heavy items if necessary. This must be done before electricians arrive at your home. We send out help documents that show how to prepare for rewiring.
How do I find out what kind of wiring I have?
We can generally advise on which wiring installation is necessary from a few images. You can send us a few pictures to our email or our fusebox finder app to find out more about your installation. We offer free visual inspections should you have concerns about your electrical system.
What does rewiring a house involve?
Rewiring involves an experienced electrician, or team of electricians, removing all of the electrical wiring in each room of your home or flat and replacing it with brand-new wiring. This makes the installation safer.
Check out our page for “the process of rewiring” to get a glimpse of the step-by-step guide.
How do I know if my house needs to be rewired?
The signs that you may need to rewire your home or install new electrical components include:
- Fuses blowing
- Shocks from switches and outlets
- Frequently flickering or dimming lights
- Damaged or exposed wires
- Cables and poor test results
Can I stay in my house while it is being rewired?
We do not recommend being inside the property during rewiring. It is a fast-paced building site environment. For health and safety reasons, it’s best that the home’s occupants stay elsewhere.
Will I lose power during the rewiring my home?
Yes, usually overnight if required, but the main power will be off for the duration of the rewiring works. However, we do install temporary supplies on request for things like fridges and fish tanks.
Do you clean after the rewiring project?
Yes, with all rewiring projects, we offer a thorough cleaning of the property. We also offer a professional cleaning service should clients require additional post-work cleanup.
Will you leave me with rubbish from the rewire?
We offer a service to take away all your rubbish for your rewire at a cost; simply request this upon enquiry.
Do I need to remove my pets for the rewire?
Yes, it’s a good idea to remove all pets when rewiring your home.
Will I need to clear my loft for the rewire?
Yes. Your rewire electrician will need to work in the loft.
What furniture do I need to move for a rewire?
Most furniture will need moving at some point during the rewire, especially for significant alterations. If new wires are required, our team is more than happy to assist. Speak to the registered electrician to find out when and how.
Is a full or partial rewire a messy job?
Yes, an electrical rewire is a very messy and disruptive job. Depending on the type of house construction, there can be a lot of dust and mess generated when rewiring. Good electrical contractors will have suitable dust extraction equipment and methods to help minimise the dust.
How can I reduce the cost of electrical rewires?
We discourage clients from doing any work themselves in a bid to save costs. You can make things much easier for us by lifting the carpets, ensuring the furniture is clear, showing us any hidden cabling, and removing cover plates from light switches.
How often should a home be rewired?
We recommend rewiring your house every 25 years. If you notice signs of electrical issues, it might be necessary to rewire sooner. Routine evaluations by a qualified electrician can detect any potential issues early on and determine if a full electrical rewiring job is needed before the 25-year mark.
Can I do my own house rewire?
Yes, however, you are not qualified to sign it off. We have seen electrical installations attempted as DIY projects, and they almost always end in disaster. With HomeRewire, you can be assured that our qualified electricians will handle the job professionally and safely. We adhere to all building regulations and provide the necessary certification. This ensures your rewiring meets legal standards and keeps your home safe.
Will the full rewire reduce my homeowner’s insurance?
This is unlikely, however, most insurers now insist on an up-to-date safety certificate for your electrics. It is becoming a necessity to have safe electrics to ensure you get an insurance policy, which is why we provide an electrical installation certificate to address these concerns.
Will the house rewire increase the value and saleability of my house?
Rewiring your home doesn’t necessarily add value to your home, but it does make it more attractive to buy for any potential owners. Updating your home’s wiring will definitely make it more sellable. Many of our clients rewire before selling to ease the sale by installing new light fittings, like security lights.
They may also add an updated electricity meter and brand-new cabling throughout the property. Knowing the home’s electrical system is up to date provides peace of mind to the buyer that they don’t need to conduct costly and disruptive electrical work further down the line.
Will the power to the house be shut off during the house rewire?
Yes, usually overnight if required. However, we do install temporary rewired electrical supplies on request.
Will the complete house rewire require walls to be broken?
Yes, we usually route all electrical cables through your wall. We offer a plastering home rewiring service to put this all back together for you.
How long will home rewiring take?
Most of our full-house rewiring projects take 1-2 days to complete, while normal electricians may advertise a full rewire of your house to take 4-10 days. We can do this much faster by using more means and having experience in rewiring over 6000 homes. When it comes to house rewiring, we are fairly confident we are the quickest team.
How do you know what kind of wiring you have?
We do so many house rewires we can often tell the age of the installation simply by a text image of your consumer unit. If your consumer unit trips frequently, it might be a good idea to consider installing a new consumer unit.
Simply give us a call. We will consult with you and discuss your rewiring project, or you can even send us an image of the wiring needing to be replaced.
Is deteriorating wiring really a problem?
Yes, over time, wiring can deteriorate and become a serious fire hazard. Aluminium cables, for example, are more vulnerable to fire risks. Damage to these cables can cause arcing and result in electrical fires. Old wiring is not designed to deal with today’s house electrical demands.
When does a house need to be rewired?
Your full electrical wiring should be replaced every 25 years to ensure electrical safety. Regular electrical inspections by a qualified electrician will determine when a rewiring job is necessary to ensure the safety of your home’s electrical system.
Check our “Are Your Electrics Safe?” page about signs for when it’s time.
What is a house rewire?
A house rewire involves replacing all the home’s wiring and upgrading the equipment. The electrical wiring system throughout your home powers all your appliances, equipment, and lighting. Over time, outdated wiring systems and existing wiring need to be replaced, which is where our services for electrical rewiring in Glasgow come in.
How much does rewiring cost?
Our rewiring projects start from £1995 +Vat. We feel we are very competitive on our costs and consider the value offered to our client to be exceptional. We often offer a price match promise to any comparable quotes, subject to terms. Check out our rewire cost calculator for more information.

Calculate a rewire cost estimate
Five-Star Service.
Trusted by Thousands.
Get your free quote