When was the last time you thought about the wiring in your home? For most UK homeowners, it’s out of sight, out of mind. But over time, even the best electrical systems wear out. And if your home hasn’t had a rewire in decades, it might be time to take a closer look.
A full or partial rewire isn’t just about safety, it’s also about making sure your home can keep up with modern life. More appliances, more chargers, more smart tech. Your old system might not be ready for it.
How Often Should a House Be Rewired in the UK?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a solid rule of thumb: homes should have their wiring inspected every 10 years for homeowners and every 5 years for landlords. If your property was last rewired more than 25 to 30 years ago, there’s a strong chance it’s time for a full or partial upgrade.
But age alone isn’t the only factor. There are real-world signs that can help you spot trouble before it turns serious.
Signs That Your Home May Need Rewiring
1. Old-Style Fuse Boxes
If your consumer unit still uses traditional fuses with wire instead of modern trip switches (RCDs or RCBOs), it’s a sign your system hasn’t been upgraded in a long time. Modern fuse boxes not only trip more accurately but are built to protect against electric shock and fire hazards.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker, dim randomly, or buzz when turned on can signal overloaded or damaged wiring. While sometimes it’s a bulb or fitting issue, if it’s happening throughout the home, the wiring could be to blame.
3. Burning Smells or Discoloured Sockets
Any burning smell coming from outlets or switches should never be ignored. Discolouration around sockets or light switches can also indicate overheating or arcing behind the scenes. These are fire risks and need immediate attention.
4. Frequent Tripping
If your circuit breakers are tripping regularly, it might be your system struggling to handle the demand of modern devices. Homes today use far more electricity than they did even 10 years ago. Too much load on old wiring leads to constant interruptions and potential danger.
5. No Earth in Lighting Circuits
Some older homes have lighting circuits with no earth wire, especially if the property hasn’t been updated since the 1960s or 70s. That may not have been an issue decades ago, but today’s fittings require earthing for safety.
6. Outdated Plug Sockets and Switches
Cracked, loose or outdated fittings are often just the tip of the iceberg. If the visible elements are old or worn, the cabling behind them may be even older.
7. Cable Condition and Colouring
A qualified electrician will check the type and condition of the cable insulation. Modern PVC-insulated cables are typically grey or white. If your wiring is black rubber, fabric, or lead-coated, it’s definitely due for replacement. These materials degrade over time and are no longer considered safe.
Why Rewiring Matters More Than Ever
Rewiring isn’t just about preventing tripped circuits. It’s about protecting your family and your home from serious risks like electric shocks, appliance damage, and electrical fires.
It’s also about preparing for the future. Many homeowners are now adding electric vehicle chargers, solar panels, and smart home tech. These systems put extra demand on your electrical infrastructure. Without a solid foundation, you’re building on outdated wiring that wasn’t designed for today’s loads.
Upgrading your wiring makes your home safer and more efficient—and it can even add value if you’re thinking about selling in the future.
What to Expect During a Rewire
A full rewire is a major project, but when done properly, it’s a long-term investment in your home. Depending on the size of your property, it can take from several days to a couple of weeks. Walls and floors may need to be lifted or chased, which is why many people choose to rewire during renovations or when moving into a new property.
At JJB Electrical, we offer clear quotes, clean work, and full certification when the job’s done. We also offer partial rewires if only certain areas need upgrading.
What About the Cost?
Rewiring costs depend on the size and condition of your home, how many sockets and lights are involved, and whether any additional upgrades are needed at the same time.
For a standard three-bedroom house, the starting price for a full rewire is around £5,500 plus VAT. This includes labour, materials, safety certification and professional installation by fully qualified electricians.
Get Peace of Mind
If you’ve spotted any of these signs or just want to be sure your electrics are up to standard, don’t wait for something to go wrong.
We’re local, NICEIC-approved, and trusted across Broxbourne, Cheshunt and the wider Hertfordshire area. Whether you need a full rewire, a consumer unit upgrade, or just some friendly advice, we’re here to help.
Call us on 01992 276087 or use our contact form to book your electrical safety check today.
