How Long Does a Rewire Really Take? A Clear and Honest Guide for Stevenage Homeowners

For many families in Stevenage, it’s not the idea of upgrading the electrics that’s worrying — it’s the fear of being without power, surrounded by tradespeople for weeks, or needing to move out entirely.

At JJB Electrical, we know those concerns are real. And we want to take the guesswork (and fear) out of it for you. So here’s a clear, honest breakdown of how long a rewire takes, what really happens each day, and how we help you stay in control throughout the job.

First, Why Might You Need a Rewire in Stevenage?

Stevenage was developed heavily during the post-war period, and thousands of homes in areas like Shephall, Chells, Bedwell, and Broadwater were built between the 1950s and 1970s.

While these homes were built to last, the electrical systems inside them weren’t designed for today’s demands. Common signs you might need a rewire include:

• No RCD protection on your fuseboard
• Outdated wiring (rubber or fabric sheathing)
• Flickering lights or frequent tripping
• Not enough sockets for modern appliances
• DIY additions or strange electrical behaviour

So, How Long Does a Full Rewire Take?

Let’s break it down with real numbers:

2–3 Bedroom House (Standard Size – Stevenage Average)

• Estimated time: 5–7 working days

This includes:

• Full rewiring of sockets, switches, lights
• Fuseboard upgrade (if needed)
• Testing, certification, and clean-up

4+ Bedroom House or Homes with Extensions

• Estimated time: 7–10 working days
• Larger or more complex properties (e.g. those in Old Town or extended homes in Symonds Green) may need extra time — especially if there are multiple kitchens, bathrooms, or outbuildings.

Bungalows or Flats

• Estimated time: 3–5 working days
• With everything on one level and easier access, these rewires are typically quicker to complete.

What Can Affect the Duration?

Every home is different, but here are a few factors that can affect timing:

• Occupied or empty property – Working around furniture or family life adds time (but we’ll work with you)
• Access and cable routes – Solid concrete floors or limited ceiling space can slow things down
• Decor and finishes – We take extra care in freshly decorated homes, which can require a gentler pace
• Plastering – If you’d like us to handle plaster patching as well, we’ll include that in the timeline

We’ll always explain these factors at the quoting stage, so there are no surprises once work begins.

Can You Live in the Property During a Rewire?

In most Stevenage homes — yes, you can. We’ll help you stay as comfortable as possible:

• Phased approach – We work on one floor or section at a time
• Temporary lighting and power – We set up temporary socket points for essentials
• Clear daily schedules – You’ll always know which rooms we’re working in and when
• Polite, respectful team – Our DBS-checked electricians are friendly, tidy, and easy to have around

Many of our Stevenage clients continue working from home or looking after children during the job — we make it work around you.

What If I Work from Home?

That’s one of the most common questions we get these days. And the answer is: you still can.

We’ll:

• Prioritise rewiring your home office early in the job
• Provide extension leads for your desk setup
• Schedule any power-downs around your meetings
• Always give advance notice before switching anything off

You’ll never be left in the dark — literally or figuratively.

A Real Example: 3-Bed Rewire in Chells

We recently rewired a family home in Chells, where both parents worked remotely and had two school-age children.

Here’s how we approached it:

• Worked upstairs first so they had a working kitchen and lounge for the first few days
• Installed temporary sockets in the kids' bedrooms for charging devices
• Used dust containment sheeting and kept a fully clean downstairs every night
• Finished in six days, with minimal disruption to the family routine

Their feedback?

"We were expecting total chaos — but it was really well organised. It was so much smoother than we imagined."

Our Step-by-Step Rewire Timeline

Here’s what a typical 5-day rewire looks like:

Day 1:

• Protect carpets and floors
• Isolate supply and remove old wiring
• Begin chasing walls and pulling cables

Day 2–3:

• Complete cable runs to all sockets, lights, and switches
• Begin fitting back boxes and faceplates
• Start on new consumer unit (fuseboard)

Day 4:

• Final fix of accessories
• Testing and certification begins
• Temporary power reinstated throughout

Day 5:

• Final testing, EIC issued
• Clean-up and snag check
• Walkthrough and demonstration with the customer

Some larger homes or requests for extras (like downlight upgrades or garden supplies) may extend this — but we always keep you updated.

We Keep You in Control

We believe in clear, upfront communication — from your first call to the final handover. You’ll always receive:

• A clear quote with timelines included
• A daily update during the job
• One point of contact from start to finish
• Optional extras quoted and explained — not sprung on you

And most importantly, you’ll feel in control, not in the dark.

Final Word: Don’t Let Fear Delay Safety

If you’ve been putting off a rewire in your Stevenage home because of how long it might take — let us put your mind at ease. With the right team, a clear schedule, and a bit of planning, it’s far less stressful than you might think.

Call JJB Electrical on 01992 276087
Or visit jjb-electrical.co.uk to request your rewire quote

Let’s bring your home’s electrics up to standard — safely, smoothly, and with complete peace of mind.