How Long Does a House Rewire Take?
One of the most common questions about rewiring. Here is a realistic guide to timescales by property size, and what affects how long the job takes.
A full house rewire is one of the most significant electrical projects you can undertake. One of the most common questions we are asked is: how long will it take? The honest answer is that it depends — but here is a realistic guide.
Typical timescales by property size
As a general guide:
- ⚡1–2 bedroom flat or terraced house: 2–3 days
- ⚡3 bedroom semi-detached: 3–5 days
- ⚡4 bedroom detached: 5–7 days
- ⚡Larger properties: 7–10 days or more
These are working days for the electrical work itself. The overall project timeline will be longer if plastering and redecoration are required after the first fix.
What affects the timescale?
Several factors can extend or shorten the time required:
- ⚡The size and layout of the property
- ⚡The number of circuits and sockets required
- ⚡The type of construction — solid walls take longer to chase than stud walls
- ⚡Access to floor voids and loft spaces
- ⚡Whether the property is occupied during the work
- ⚡The condition of the existing installation
The two stages of a rewire
A rewire is carried out in two stages. The first fix involves running all the new cables through the structure before plastering — this is the most disruptive stage. The second fix, which takes place after plastering is complete, involves fitting sockets, switches, light fittings and the new consumer unit. The second fix is much quicker and less disruptive than the first fix.
Do I need to move out?
For a full rewire, it is usually more practical to vacate during the first fix stage, particularly in smaller properties. In larger properties it is sometimes possible to work room by room, but this extends the overall timescale. We will discuss the best approach during the initial survey.
What about plastering and redecoration?
The first fix will require chasing channels in walls and lifting floorboards. Once the cables are in place and the channels are made good, a plasterer will need to skim the walls before the second fix can begin. The overall project — from first fix to final redecoration — typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on the size of the property and the availability of trades.
Brad Neil Electrical carries out full and partial rewires across Surrey. Call 07415 834215 to arrange a free survey and detailed quote.
Brad Neil
NICEIC Registered Domestic Installer · Brad Neil Electrical · Surrey
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NICEIC registered Domestic Installer covering Woking, Kingston, Walton, Esher, Cobham, Surbiton and across Surrey. Call 07415 834215 for a free, no-obligation quote.