What Really Happens During a Rewire?

The thought of a full house rewire can feel overwhelming. Most homeowners imagine walls being torn apart, weeks of mess, and endless disruption. But when handled properly, a rewire is a smooth, methodical process that protects your home for decades to come. If you’re based in Cuffley and thinking about a rewire, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect — from the first visit to the final sign-off.

Why You Might Need a Rewire

Before diving into the process, it’s worth understanding when a rewire is needed. Common reasons include:

• Your home’s wiring is over 25–30 years old
• You’re planning a major renovation or extension
• Your property has failed an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• You’re experiencing issues like frequent tripping, buzzing sockets, or flickering lights
• Visible signs of outdated wiring (e.g., black rubber cabling)

Modern homes demand far more from their electrical systems — think EV chargers, smart homes, and high-powered appliances — and old wiring simply can’t keep up safely.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Professional Rewire

At JJB Electrical, we believe the key to a stress-free rewire is careful planning, clear communication, and tidy workmanship.
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Step 1: Initial Survey and Quotation

Before anything else, we carry out a full survey of your property. We check:

• The age and condition of existing wiring
• The consumer unit (fuse board)
• The number of circuits needed
• Specific needs (e.g., EV charging, home office circuits, garden electrics)

You’ll receive a detailed, transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included — no guesswork, no hidden costs.

Step 2: Planning the New Installation

Good rewiring isn’t just about replacing old cables — it’s about designing a system that suits how you live. We’ll work with you to plan:

• How many sockets and where they’re positioned
• Light switch locations and styles
• Special circuits (for kitchen appliances, underfloor heating, electric showers)
• Future-proofing for things like solar panels or EV chargers

By the time work starts, you’ll have a clear plan you’re happy with.

Step 3: First Fix (The Core Wiring)

The first fix stage involves:

• Removing old wiring and fittings
• Chasing walls or lifting floorboards as needed
• Running new cabling for all sockets, switches, and lights
• Installing new back boxes for sockets and switches

At this stage, things may look messy — but it’s all controlled and methodical. We protect your floors, furniture, and belongings with dust sheets, and we clear up as we go.

Step 4: Installation of the New Consumer Unit

We’ll replace your old fuse board with a modern consumer unit, fitted with:

• MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers)
• RCDs (Residual Current Devices)
• Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
• RCBOs where needed (combining overcurrent and earth leakage protection)

This is the heart of your new system, offering instant protection if faults occur.

Step 5: Second Fix (Fittings and Finishes)

Once plastering or decorating is complete (if needed), we return for the second fix, which includes:

• Fitting new sockets, switches, and lighting
• Connecting up your appliances and circuits
• Ensuring everything is neatly finished and working correctly

This is when your new system really starts to come to life.

Step 6: Testing and Certification

Before we hand the system over, we carry out full testing on every circuit:

• Earth continuity tests
• Insulation resistance checks
• RCD tripping tests
• Circuit identification and labelling

We don’t sign off until everything passes to BS7671 standards.

You’ll then receive:

An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) and we'll notify building control on your behalf. This paperwork proves your home is safe, compliant, and future-proof.

How Long Does a Rewire Take?

A full rewire typically takes:

5 to 10 working days for an average 3-bedroom houseLonger if the property is large, has special requirements, or is occupied during works We’ll always agree a schedule with you before starting, so you know exactly what to expect.

Living at Home During a Rewire: Is It Possible?

It depends. Rewiring is disruptive by nature, involving power being switched off, lifting carpets, and chasing walls. Many customers in Cuffley choose to:

• Move out temporarily (family, friends, short-term rental)
• Phase the work to keep some areas powered while work progresses

We’ll advise you on the best option based on your home, timeline, and comfort preferences.

Key Benefits of a Professional Rewire

Upgrading your home’s wiring isn’t just about "passing inspections." It offers real, lasting benefits:

• Safety: Reduced risk of electrical fires or shocks
• Compliance: Meets current British Standards (BS7671)
• Reliability: Fewer faults, trips, or power cuts
• Future-Proofing: Supports modern technology and higher electrical loads
• Property Value: Buyers expect modern, compliant electrics

Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind for decades to come.

Why Cuffley Homeowners Trust JJB Electrical

Choosing the right electrician for your rewire is crucial. At JJB Electrical, we pride ourselves on:

• Full NAPIT accreditation and insurance
• Detailed surveys and clear quotations
• Tidy, respectful workmanship
• Full testing, certification, and building control notification
• Friendly, professional service throughout

We don’t just complete the work — we make the whole experience easier and less stressful for you.

Customer Experiences in Cuffley

"We were dreading the rewire but JJB Electrical made it completely manageable. Great communication, tidy team, and fantastic results. Couldn’t recommend them highly enough." — Mark and Lisa T, Cuffley

"From the first visit to the final sign-off, everything was handled so professionally. The team were a pleasure to have around, and we feel much safer now." — Adam P, Cuffley

Thinking About a Rewire?

If you’re considering a rewire in Cuffley, we’re here to guide you through it — clearly, professionally, and with as little disruption as possible. Call JJB Electrical today on 01992 276087 Or visit www.jjb-electrical.co.uk.

Protect your home’s future with a rewire you can trust.