Rewiring Your Victorian Terraced House
Victorian terraced houses present unique rewiring challenges that require specialist knowledge. The combination of solid walls, decorative plasterwork, and original features means a one-size-fits-all approach won't work. Our electricians have extensive experience rewiring period terraces throughout North London.
Understanding Victorian Terraced Houses
🏠Common Features
- •Solid brick walls (no cavity)
- •Original sash windows
- •Decorative cornicing and ceiling roses
- •Original fireplaces
- •Bay windows
📅Property Age & Notes
Typical age: 1850-1901
- •Party walls shared with neighbours
- •Often extended at rear over time
- •Solid walls prone to damp if not ventilated
⚠️ Key Challenges
- 1
Original rubber-insulated wiring that is both dangerous and deteriorating
- 2
Solid brick walls making cable routing more complex than modern properties
- 3
Preserving decorative cornicing, ceiling roses, and original features
- 4
Dealing with previous partial rewires using incompatible systems
- 5
Limited socket outlets compared to modern requirements
- 6
Consumer units in awkward locations (under stairs, in cupboards)
✓ Our Approach
- ✓
Comprehensive survey identifying existing wiring condition and routes
- ✓
Planning cable routes to minimize disruption to original features
- ✓
Using period-appropriate switches and sockets where desired
- ✓
Lifting floorboards rather than chasing walls where possible
- ✓
Installing modern consumer units with RCBOs for comprehensive protection
- ✓
Full testing and certification to BS 7671 18th Edition
What's Included in the Work
Remove all existing wiring and consumer unit
Install new 18th Edition compliant consumer unit
Run new circuit cables throughout property
Install new socket outlets, light switches, and light fittings
Fit smoke and heat detectors (hardwired)
Connect existing appliances (cooker, hob, etc.)
Full testing and EICR certification
💡 Important Considerations
- •Decoration will be needed after rewiring - factor into budget
- •Some floor lifting may be required - we replace boards carefully
- •Party wall access may be needed - we liaise with neighbours
- •Meter upgrade may be required for modern capacity
Pricing Guide
Typical price range for victorian terraced houses:
£4,500 - £8,000
Typical duration: 5-7 days for standard 3-bed terrace
Price depends on:
- • Property size (2-bed vs 4-bed)
- • Number of circuits required
- • Condition of existing installation
- • Decoration scope included
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you damage the original cornicing?▼
We take great care to preserve period features. We route cables under floors where possible and use existing routes. If ceiling access is needed, we work with specialist plasterers for any necessary repairs.
Can we stay in the house during rewiring?▼
Yes, though there will be periods without power. We can usually maintain power to part of the house while working on other areas. We'll agree a schedule that minimizes disruption.
Do you offer period-style switches and sockets?▼
Yes! We can fit reproduction brass, chrome, or black switches and sockets that complement Victorian properties while meeting modern safety standards.
Other Services for Victorian Terraced Houses
Rewiring for Other Property Types
Ready to Get Started?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for rewiring in your victorian terraced house. Our specialists understand the unique requirements of period and modern properties.