Rewiring

How Long Does a Full House Rewire Take? A Realistic Guide

A full house rewire is one of the bigger electrical projects a homeowner undertakes — but it's far less disruptive than most people expect, especially if you plan ahead. Here's a realistic, honest guide to timescales, disruption and what happens each day.

How long does a rewire take?

For most homes in Kent, the timescale depends primarily on property size:

• 2-bed terraced or flat: 3–5 days
• 3-bed semi-detached: 4–6 days
• 4-bed detached: 6–10 days
• Large or older property: 10–15 days+

These are working days on site. Properties with loft conversions, extensions, multiple outbuildings or very old wiring (pre-1960s) take longer.

Do I need to move out?

Not necessarily — but it's strongly recommended for at least the main period of work. During a rewire, electricians will need to chase walls, lift floorboards and work in every room. Power will be off for significant portions of the day. Most homeowners choose to stay with family or in short-term accommodation during the first-fix phase, then return while final fixings and testing are completed.

What does a rewire actually involve?

First fix: New cables are run throughout the property — through walls, floors and ceilings. Old wiring is removed. A new consumer unit position is agreed and the cable run to it is prepared.

Second fix: Sockets, switches, light fittings and the new consumer unit are fitted and connected. The installation is then fully tested and an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) is issued.

Signs your home may need a rewire

• Wiring is original from the 1960s or earlier (rubber or fabric-insulated cables)
• Sockets are round-pin rather than rectangular
• Your EICR records C2 observations across multiple circuits
• Persistent tripping, flickering lights or burning smells
• You're buying an older property and don't know the wiring history
• You're planning a significant extension or renovation — it's usually more cost-effective to rewire at the same time

Does a rewire need to be certified?

Yes — a full rewire is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Your electrician must issue an Electrical Installation Certificate and notify building control (or self-certify if registered with a competent person scheme). You should receive both the EIC and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate at completion — keep these safe, as you'll need them when you sell.