Full Rewire vs Partial Rewire
Make an informed decision about Full House Rewire vs Partial Rewire for your North London home.
Full House Rewire
Complete replacement of all electrical wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and light fittings. Brings the entire electrical system up to current regulations.
✓ Advantages
- ✓Complete peace of mind
- ✓All wiring to current standards
- ✓New consumer unit with RCDs
- ✓Opportunity to add circuits
- ✓Full electrical certificate
- ✓Lasts 25-40 years
✗ Disadvantages
- ✗Higher cost
- ✗Significant disruption (1-2 weeks)
- ✗Redecoration needed after
- ✗May need to move out temporarily
- ✗Floorboards lifted throughout
Best for: Properties with pre-1970s wiring, Houses with fabric/rubber cables, Properties failing electrical tests, Major renovations, Properties with no RCD protection
Price range: £4,000 - £8,000 (3-bed house)
Partial Rewire
Targeted replacement of specific circuits or areas - for example, upgrading kitchen electrics, or replacing a single problematic circuit while keeping sound existing wiring.
✓ Advantages
- ✓Lower cost
- ✓Less disruption
- ✓Faster completion
- ✓Only affects specific areas
- ✓Can be done in stages
- ✓Good for mixed-age wiring
✗ Disadvantages
- ✗May miss hidden problems
- ✗Mixed old/new wiring ages
- ✗Might need full rewire later
- ✗Testing existing wiring essential
- ✗Not suitable if wiring is generally poor
Best for: Properties with mostly good wiring, Specific problem circuits, Kitchen/bathroom upgrades, Adding circuits only, Budget constraints
Price range: £1,000 - £3,000 (varies by scope)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Full House Rewire | Partial Rewire |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (3-bed house) | £4,000 - £8,000 | £1,000 - £3,000 |
| Disruption | 1-2 weeks | 2-5 days |
| Completeness | Everything new | Targeted areas |
| Future Proofing | Excellent | Varies |
| Certificate | Full EICR | Partial certificate |
| Suitable For | Old wiring | Mixed condition |
| Decoration Impact | Significant | Limited |
| Add-on Costs | Decoration £2-4k | Minimal |
Our Expert Verdict
Properties built before 1970 usually need a full rewire for safety. 1970s-1990s properties may benefit from partial rewiring if the main circuits are sound. We always recommend an EICR test to assess your actual needs.
Choose Full House Rewire if:
- →Your property was built before 1970
- →You have rubber or fabric-insulated cables
- →Your consumer unit has rewirable fuses
- →EICR shows multiple "Code 1" or "Code 2" issues
- →You're doing a major renovation anyway
Choose Partial Rewire if:
- →Most wiring passed recent EICR
- →Only specific circuits are problematic
- →You're upgrading kitchen/bathroom only
- →Budget is very limited
- →Property was rewired within 30 years
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a full rewire?▼
Warning signs: old round-pin sockets, black rubber cables, fuse box with rewirable fuses, lack of RCD protection, frequently tripping electrics. An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is the definitive test - we offer these for £195.
Can I live in the house during a full rewire?▼
Yes, but it's uncomfortable. Each room is worked on in turn. Power is off for periods during the day. Dust is significant. Many clients move out or stay elsewhere for the most disruptive week.
Will I need to redecorate after rewiring?▼
Yes, budget for redecoration. Cables are run by lifting floorboards (can be refixed) and chasing into walls (needs filling and painting). Budget £2,000-£4,000 for decoration after a full rewire.
How long does rewiring last?▼
A full rewire with quality materials lasts 25-40 years. Consumer units may need upgrading after 15-20 years as regulations evolve. Regular EICR testing (every 10 years) catches any issues.
Need Expert Advice?
Our experienced team can help you decide which option is best for your home. Get personalized advice and a free, no-obligation quote.