A house rewire replaces the cables, accessories and usually the consumer unit throughout a property, bringing the installation up to current BS 7671 standards. A partial rewire does the same for part of the home, such as a kitchen, an extension or a single floor. Rewiring is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations, so it must be carried out by a registered competent person. Polarity Electrics is an NICEIC Approved Contractor offering free surveys and fixed written quotes for rewiring in London.
Does your home need rewiring?
Wiring does not come with an expiry date, but age, past alterations and wear all take their toll. Common signs include:
- Rubber, lead or fabric-insulated cables, found in many homes that have not been rewired for decades
- An old fuse box with rewireable fuses, or no earthing to lighting circuits
- Round-pin sockets, sockets on skirting boards or very few sockets with heavy use of extension leads
- Scorch marks, flickering lights, warm accessories or a burning smell
- An EICR recording multiple C2 observations or advising that the wiring has reached the end of its useful life
- Major renovation plans, where it makes sense to rewire while floors and walls are open
Our article on the signs your house needs rewiring goes into more detail. An EICR is often the best first step because it tells you whether a full rewire is necessary or whether targeted repairs will do.
Full and partial rewires
Full rewire
A full rewire replaces all fixed wiring from the consumer unit outwards: socket and lighting circuits, cooker and shower circuits, and any fixed appliances. It is the right choice when the existing wiring is old or unsafe throughout, or when a property is being completely renovated.
Partial rewire
A partial rewire targets specific circuits or areas. Typical examples include a new kitchen, a loft conversion, an extension, or replacing a handful of circuits flagged on an EICR where the rest of the installation is in good condition. We will only recommend a full rewire where it is genuinely needed.
What's included
- A free survey to understand the property, your plans and the condition of the existing installation
- A written specification covering socket, lighting and switch positions
- New cabling to current standards, run neatly and protected where it is concealed in walls
- A new metal consumer unit with RCD or RCBO protection
- Earthing and main protective bonding brought up to standard
- Mains-wired, interlinked smoke and heat alarms where required or requested
- Full testing, an Electrical Installation Certificate and building control notification
Rewiring is also a good time to plan for the future. That could mean a dedicated circuit for an EV charger, data cabling, outdoor sockets or provision for a home battery. BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 introduces a new chapter covering stationary secondary batteries, and we design installations with current requirements in mind.
Rewiring pricing
Every rewire is different, so we give a fixed written quote after the free survey. For budgeting, the figures below are typical London market ranges for a full rewire, not published prices:
| Property | Typical London market range |
|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | £3,000 – £4,500 |
| 2-bed flat or house | £4,000 – £6,000 |
| 3-bed house | £5,000 – £8,000 |
| 4-bed house or larger | £7,000 – £10,000+ |
Cost is affected by the number of circuits and accessories, the type of construction, whether the home is occupied during the work, the finish you choose for sockets and switches, and whether plastering and decorating are included. Partial rewires are priced on the circuits and rooms involved.
How the process works
- Free survey – we visit, assess the existing wiring and talk through your plans.
- Fixed written quote – including a clear scope of work and timescale.
- First fix – floorboards are lifted where needed, cables are run and back boxes fitted. Power can usually be kept on to part of the home overnight.
- Making good – walls are patched ready for plastering, by your plasterer or arranged as part of the job if agreed.
- Second fix – sockets, switches, lights and the consumer unit are connected.
- Testing and certification – every circuit is tested, the Electrical Installation Certificate is issued and building control is notified.
A full rewire of an occupied house typically takes from several days to a couple of weeks depending on size. We confirm the timescale in writing and coordinate with builders, kitchen fitters and plasterers where needed.
Why choose Polarity Electrics
- NICEIC Approved Contractor (Enrolment No. 602034000) and Part P registered
- 8+ NICEIC-certified engineers and more than 5,000 jobs completed
- Free survey and honest advice on whether a full rewire is actually needed
- Fixed written quote with no call-out charge
- Dust sheets, daily tidy-ups and clear communication throughout
- 12-month workmanship guarantee and £10M public liability insurance
Landlords can schedule rewiring between tenancies so the property is ready, with a new certificate, before the next tenant moves in. See our guide to landlord electrical safety regulations.
Areas covered
We rewire homes across London and the surrounding counties, including Haringey, Islington, Hackney, Lambeth, Brent, Redbridge, Harrow and Hertfordshire. View all areas covered.
Related services
- EICR London – find out if you need a rewire before committing
- Consumer unit replacement – if the wiring is sound but the board is not
- Fire and smoke alarm installation – ideal to fit during a rewire
- EV charger installation – plan the circuit in now
To arrange your free rewire survey, call 0203 908 4790, email info@polarityelectrics.com or book online.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a house rewire take in London?
Most full rewires take from several days to around two weeks depending on the size of the property and whether it is occupied. We confirm the timescale in writing after the free survey.
Can I stay in my home during a rewire?
Often yes, although there will be dust, noise and periods without power. We plan the work to keep some circuits live overnight where possible.
How much does it cost to rewire a house in London?
Typical London market ranges for a full rewire run from around £3,000 for a 1-bed flat to £10,000 or more for larger houses. We give a fixed written quote after a free survey.
Do I need a full rewire or a partial rewire?
It depends on the condition of the existing wiring. An EICR or our free survey will show whether targeted work on a few circuits is enough or whether a full rewire is the safer option.
Is rewiring notifiable under Part P?
Yes. Rewires are notifiable work, and as an NICEIC registered contractor we self-certify and notify building control on your behalf.
Does a rewire include plastering?
Rewiring involves chasing walls and lifting floors. We make good ready for plastering, and full plastering and decorating can be included in the quote if you would like.