how-to
Get a Quote for a Full House Rewire: 2026 Guide
Table of Contents
- Why Getting a Proper Quote for a Full House Rewire Matters
- What Is Included in a House Rewire Quote?
- Your House Rewire Quote Checklist
- How Long Does a House Rewire Take?
- How to Compare House Rewire Quotes
- What to Expect During Your Rewire: Process and Disruption
- Conclusion: Get Your Quote for a Full House Rewire
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 13, 2026
Why Getting a Proper Quote for a Full House Rewire Matters
If you want to get a quote for a full house rewire, the quality of that quote determines everything that follows: the final bill, the disruption, and whether the work actually complies with current safety standards. A vague figure given over the phone is not a quote. It is a guess, and it usually costs the homeowner more in the end. We have spent over a decade quoting domestic rewires, and the difference between a thorough survey and a rushed estimate is stark.
Older properties are the main reason this matters. A house built before the 1970s may still carry rubber-insulated cables that were never designed for modern electrical loads. Many homeowners only discover the true condition of their wiring when a surveyor opens up a few sockets and finds crumbling insulation behind the plaster. A proper quote accounts for that reality before work begins, not after.
Below, we break down exactly what belongs in a quote, how to compare them, and how long the job should take.
What Is Included in a House Rewire Quote?
A full house rewire quote should cover the complete replacement of all fixed wiring, sockets, switches, and the consumer unit, plus testing and certification. If a quote omits any of these, treat it as incomplete.
The core elements are:
- Consumer unit replacement with modern residual current devices and circuit breakers
- Full cable replacement for lighting, power, and any fixed appliances
- New sockets, switches, and light fittings throughout the property
- Earthing and bonding to gas, water, and structural metalwork
- Testing and certification on completion
- Making good after cables are run
The electrical safety standards guidance from the UK Government sets out the framework that any competent contractor must follow, so ask directly how a quote addresses compliance.
Making Good and Plastering
This is where quotes diverge most. Chasing cables into walls leaves channels that need filling and repainting. Some contractors include this; others leave it to you. A quote that excludes making good is not necessarily bad, but you need to know before you sign. Budget separately for a plasterer if the quote does not cover it.
Your House Rewire Quote Checklist
Use this house rewire quote checklist to compare providers on equal terms. A quote that fails more than two of these points deserves scrutiny.
- Full property survey carried out in person, not over the phone
- Consumer unit specification and RCD protection stated
- Number of sockets, switches, and circuits listed room by room
- Earthing and bonding included
- Making good and plastering clearly marked as included or excluded
- Testing and certification named
- Timescale with a start and finish date
- Guarantee terms in writing
- Payment schedule tied to milestones, not upfront
How Long Does a House Rewire Take?
A typical three-bedroom house rewire takes one to three weeks, depending on the property's age, size, and how much making good is required. Larger or older properties with solid stone walls often take longer because chasing channels is slower work.
Expect the timeline to break down roughly like this:
Phase | Typical Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
First fix | 1-2days | Cables run, back boxes fitted |
Second fix | 1 day | Sockets, switches, and fittings installed |
Testing and certification | 1 day | Circuits verified and documents issued |
Making good | 1-2 days | Plastering and painting after chasing |
Phases will run concurrent with each other
How to Compare House Rewire Quotes
Comparing quotes means comparing scope, not just totals. Two figures that look similar on paper can cover very different amounts of work.
Look at three things side by side:
- Scope. Does each quote cover the same number of circuits, sockets, and fittings?
- Certification. Is testing and a certificate included, and with which body is the contractor registered?
- Guarantee. What is covered, and for how long?
A NAPIT-approved contractor, for example, is registered with a government-recognised competent person scheme, which means their work is checked against national standards. That registration is a meaningful signal when you are weighing up similar quotes.
What to Expect During Your Rewire: Process and Disruption
Disruption is real, but it is manageable with planning. Most homeowners stay in the property during a rewire, though you should expect some days without power in specific rooms.
A typical day looks like this: the team isolates circuits, runs new cable, and restores power to unaffected areas by evening. You will lose power to the whole house for short periods during testing. Plan for that.
Practical steps before work starts:
- Clear lofts, cupboards, and rooms where cables will run
- Move furniture away from walls
- Arrange alternative power for a fridge or freezer if needed
- Expect dust, and cover items you cannot move
Conclusion: Get Your Quote for a Full House Rewire
A full rewire is a significant investment, and the quote is where you protect it. Insist on a survey, a written scope, and named certification before you commit to anyone.
Project Rewire is a NAPIT-approved contractor with over a decade of experience in domestic rewiring. We back every job with a 10-year guarantee and provide clear, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you are paying for. Get in touch to arrange your survey and receive a quote for a full house rewire you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a quote for a full house rewire?
Contact a NAPIT-approved electrician like Project Rewire. They will arrange a site visit to assess your property's wiring, age, and any specific requirements. After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed written quote outlining the scope of work, materials, and timescales. Provide as much information as possible upfront, such as the number of rooms and any known issues, to help speed up the process.
What information does an electrician need to quote for a house rewire?
An electrician will need to know the property's age, size, number of rooms, and current wiring condition. They'll also ask about your power usage, plans for extensions or EV chargers, and whether you need additional sockets or lighting. Access details, such as whether floorboards can be lifted, matter too. A site visit is essential for an accurate quote, as hidden issues can affect the final price.
Does a house rewire quote include plastering and making good?
Most rewire quotes include making good after cable runs, but full plastering is often excluded. Clarify this with your electrician. Some providers offer a complete service that includes plastering, while others leave it to you to arrange. Always check the quote for details on wall chases, ceiling holes, and whether decorative finishes are included.
How long does a full house rewire take?
A typical three-bedroom house takes one to two weeks for the electrical work, but larger properties can take three to four weeks. The timeline depends on the number of circuits, access, and whether you're living in the property. After the rewire, testing and certification add a few days.