Table of Contents
Rewiring a house can cost you both time and money, but the returns that you get are well worth the investment.
In 2019, there were several cases of adults and children getting electrocuted at home in the UK. On investigating these incidents, it was revealed that the injuries, and in some cases deaths, were caused by faulty wiring and general carelessness.
You may think nothing of it, but a simple electrical fix or the avoidance of one can be the difference between life and death in most homes.
Faulty wiring can be a serious hazard leading to injury, electrocution, and yes, even death. It is one of the most common causes of electrical fires erupting in both domestic and commercial properties.
According to wiring regulations BS 7671, all properties must undergo a maintenance check every few years to ensure all the electrical installations are working as they should.
If your wiring is obsolete or faulty, your property may need to be rewired, which requires quite a bit of disruption with possibly all the cables, switches, fittings, sockets and the consumer unit needing to be replaced.
It can be a little overwhelming if you are not acquainted with what to expect and how to prepare for it.
Complete rewiring is divided into two phases; first fix and second fix.
In this basic introductory guide, we will discuss in detail what first fix electrics installation is, how to prepare for it, and the time and money you’re expected to invest in it.
Simply put, first fix electrics installation is when the cables, wiring, and circuits are replaced. It is done before any plastering work and in conjunction with any central heating or plumbing work.
Rewiring can be messy, especially the first fix phase which requires lifting the floorboards and drilling holes in the walls and ceilings to ensure all the wiring is hidden.
In addition to installing new wiring and cables, it involves fitting new circuits and back boxes for sockets and switches, as well as for:
Once the first fix is complete, the plastering is done to fix any holes and channels made in the walls and the electrician moves on to the second fix phase which is when the fittings and switches are installed to prepare the system to go live.
During the first fix when the cables and wiring are installed, you can expect it to be messy with the plaster on the walls, carpets, floorboards, furniture, and equipment being removed, wiring going through walls and across ceilings, and quite a lot of work with tools such as hammers, drilling machines, and the works.
Due to the disruptive nature of the work involved, it is very important to plan out everything in advance.
This includes determining your requirements and setting a budget for the job.
It is best to communicate all your requirements about what goes where with the electrical contractor before starting the first fix installations because making additions in the middle can be time-consuming and costly.
A great way to start is by drawing a complete plan of your property with all the rooms and the position of the furniture and equipment. Once you have that, you can easily determine where wires, lights, switches, and sockets are required. These tasks are very easy to implement if planned from the start. As discussed above, they can be costly to undertake later.
Rewiring allows you to change the fixtures and general lighting style of your property, which is why you should plan all of that ahead of time as well.
Make sure you include all the security systems in the wiring plan, such as burglar and fire alarms, CCTV, access control, and external lighting that need a power supply to work uninterruptedly.
Also, if your property uses ethernet cable for internet, your electrical installation must be done in a way to support the feature.
For rooms with multiple access points, it is sensible to plan for two-way or even three-way switching. Other features may include automated lighting, speaker cabling, and other modern technology.
During a full rewire, the property owners may move out for a couple of days, after the planning and discussion phase, giving the electrical contractor complete freedom and access to finish the job without any disruptions.
Having people move around here and there can unnecessarily prolong the rewiring process since the electrician might have to accommodate them by pausing work.
If moving out isn’t an option, the property owners must do their best to try and stay out of the electrician’s way and cover all furniture and valuable items with a heavy cloth to protect them from dust, and move all electrical equipment into a separate room.
If the first fix involves moving the main connection and meter to lay out the wiring, you will have to contact the electricity utility company to do it.
It will have to be done before beginning the first fix phase since the process might take several weeks. Also, the power company might charge you for their service.
A complete rewire for a 3-bedroom semi can take up to 5-10 days, with half the days required for the first fix installation and the remaining ones for the second fix.
The duration depends on several factors such as the size and type of the property, the level of planning and preparedness on the property owner’s part, the nature of the requirements, and the number of contractors working on the job.
Naturally, any hindrances and additions to the original plan would prolong the duration.
Rewiring your property not only brings the electrical installations up-to-date with the wiring regulations but also gives you the chance to upgrade it with modern styles and fixtures.
Quite obviously, it comes at a price, but one that’s well worth it.
The average cost of rewiring a house, including both the first fix and second fix, ranges somewhere between £2,500 and £4,500.
The figures are calculated according to the number of fittings and switches, and how long the work is expected to take which depends on many factors such as:
To give you a general idea, you can expect to pay a minimum of £2,000 to £3,000 for a 2-bedroom semi, £3,000 to £4,000 for a 3-bedroom semi, £4,000 to £5,000 for a 4-bedroom semi, and £4,500 to £6,000 for a 5-bedroom semi.
Similarly, the age of the house will determine if rewiring is needed in the first place, and if it is, how much work will go into it.
If the house is very old, it’s most likely that the wiring system is out of date and obsolete which is one of the reasons why you might experience a power surge whenever you plug in your high-powered appliances.
The older the house, the more outdated the current wiring is, and the more work required to bring it at par with current wiring regulations.
The general structure of the property and the material of the walls is also a huge contributing factor to the total cost. Hollow walls make the rewiring process easier and quicker since it is easier to break into them as compared to a solid brick or block wall.
The number of light fittings will also determine how much wiring is needed and the amount of work required to install the fittings. More light fittings equal to more light switches, and vice versa.
The quality of the fittings and the type and style of the material you choose will also greatly influence the cost. If you opt for simple plastic switches and plain light fixtures, your overall cost would naturally go down as opposed to using premium quality materials and designs.
Earth bonding, also known as cross bonding, is a crucial safety requirement carried out to make electrical installations safe from the risk of electrocution in case a fault occurs.
Even if there is no rewiring involved, you must always make sure that the installations are earth bonded, especially in the kitchen and bathroom where there is a high chance of electric shocks due to the use of water.
Earth bonding is very easy to miss since the lack of it doesn’t affect the electrical wiring on the property. However, since it is to prevent the users from getting electrocuted, it must always be included in any installation job.
Also, if proper earthing is not in place and the testing doesn’t comply with the laws laid out in BS 7671, the rewiring and installations will be considered non-compliant and will not be given the go-ahead to go live.
As a general rule of thumb, if your property’s wiring is really old and outdated, say 25 years or over, it is best to get it inspected and rewired to bring it up to current standards.
Before carrying out a full rewire though, it is recommended to have your electrical installations checked to determine the need for one. Who knows, you might need just an upgrade, a partial rewire, or no rewiring at all.
The best way to do so is through a professional electrical contractor who will be able to identify any potential or developing problems and fix them before they become an issue.
It is recommended for private homeowners to get their electrical installations checked every 5-10 years or if they are selling the property, for landlords to get it done every 5 years or whenever there is a change in occupancy, and for businesses to get done every 3-5 years to make sure that it is safe for use by the employees and the public.
According to the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), two kinds of checks must be carried out; a visual inspection that generates a Visual Inspection Report (VIR) and a more detailed electrical inspection that generates the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
A Visual Inspection Report (VIR) provides a general summary of the electrical installation’s health by recording all the observations and recommendations.
The electrician is likely to check the fuse board, sockets, lights, plugs, switches, cables and leads, earthing and bonding, visible signs of wear and tear, and burning, as well as the kitchen and bathroom safety.
An EICR is more detailed than a VIR and allows the electrical contractor to identify issues that couldn’t be found in the latter.
It identifies any damage, defect, or deterioration that may turn into a potential hazard, along with recording several observations in line with BS 7671 and providing recommendations for improving the installation.
A full rewire needs to meet the appropriate safety standards set by the wiring regulations, which is why the local building control department needs to be notified.
You must make sure all the rewiring work complies with Part P of the building regulations and that certification will be handed out to you after the task is completed.
A simple way to make sure you are complying with the law is by using an NICEIC registered professional contractor.
At Calder Electrical, we will take the hassle away from you and notify all the relevant departments on your behalf in addition to ensuring all the regulations are met.
At Calder Electrical, we understand how overwhelming rewiring can be which is why our experts do all that they can to help you feel at ease with the entire process.
We are experts in our field and can help you with our professional services. All our work is fully insured and we work to meet the standards set to us by the NICEIC to make sure all your electrical installations meet the current regulations.
We have been undertaking electrical work since 1976 and have plenty of experience and are specialists in all aspects of electrical work.
Our installation services include:
If you are looking to undertake a refurb of a kitchen or bathroom, or build an extension or a new build property, we can help design, install, and commission it. We will also notify any work to the relevant authorities and departments to make sure you are fully covered in meeting the wiring regulations.
A full rewire can be avoided if the existing wiring is up to the mark and is able to carry additional load. Our experts can upgrade it by adding a modern consumer unit in addition to upgrading the earthing and bonding.
We can also survey any existing installation and advise on the best way to increase the safety by either upgrading the consumer unit/distribution board or the protective devices inside them.
We can help in all aspects of commercial electrical installation and offer a wide range of skills to help achieve whatever your business or premises may need whether it is a full rewire, a partial rewire, or just adding in extra data and socket points.
Under the new 18th edition wiring regulations BS7671 its now recommended that surge protection is incorporated into domestic dwellings, as before it was only commonplace in commercial and industrial installations.
It is a device that is installed in line with a circuit or installation to protect electronic equipment sensitive to surges such as an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS), laptops and computers, TVs, consoles, phones etc, saving hundreds or thousands in damages in homes and businesses.
Contact us right away for all your electrical installation needs. Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you!
Rewiring a house can cost you both time and money, but the returns that you get are well worth the investment.
In 2019, there were several cases of adults and children getting electrocuted at home in the UK. On investigating these incidents, it was revealed that the injuries, and in some cases deaths, were caused by faulty wiring and general carelessness.
You may think nothing of it, but a simple electrical fix or the avoidance of one can be the difference between life and death in most homes.
Faulty wiring can be a serious hazard leading to injury, electrocution, and yes, even death. It is one of the most common causes of electrical fires erupting in both domestic and commercial properties.
According to wiring regulations BS 7671, all properties must undergo a maintenance check every few years to ensure all the electrical installations are working as they should.
If your wiring is obsolete or faulty, your property may need to be rewired, which requires quite a bit of disruption with possibly all the cables, switches, fittings, sockets and the consumer unit needing to be replaced.
It can be a little overwhelming if you are not acquainted with what to expect and how to prepare for it.
Complete rewiring is divided into two phases; first fix and second fix.
In this basic introductory guide, we will discuss in detail what first fix electrics installation is, how to prepare for it, and the time and money you’re expected to invest in it.
Simply put, first fix electrics installation is when the cables, wiring, and circuits are replaced. It is done before any plastering work and in conjunction with any central heating or plumbing work.
Rewiring can be messy, especially the first fix phase which requires lifting the floorboards and drilling holes in the walls and ceilings to ensure all the wiring is hidden.
In addition to installing new wiring and cables, it involves fitting new circuits and back boxes for sockets and switches, as well as for:
Once the first fix is complete, the plastering is done to fix any holes and channels made in the walls and the electrician moves on to the second fix phase which is when the fittings and switches are installed to prepare the system to go live.
During the first fix when the cables and wiring are installed, you can expect it to be messy with the plaster on the walls, carpets, floorboards, furniture, and equipment being removed, wiring going through walls and across ceilings, and quite a lot of work with tools such as hammers, drilling machines, and the works.
Due to the disruptive nature of the work involved, it is very important to plan out everything in advance.
This includes determining your requirements and setting a budget for the job.
It is best to communicate all your requirements about what goes where with the electrical contractor before starting the first fix installations because making additions in the middle can be time-consuming and costly.
A great way to start is by drawing a complete plan of your property with all the rooms and the position of the furniture and equipment. Once you have that, you can easily determine where wires, lights, switches, and sockets are required. These tasks are very easy to implement if planned from the start. As discussed above, they can be costly to undertake later.
Rewiring allows you to change the fixtures and general lighting style of your property, which is why you should plan all of that ahead of time as well.
Make sure you include all the security systems in the wiring plan, such as burglar and fire alarms, CCTV, access control, and external lighting that need a power supply to work uninterruptedly.
Also, if your property uses ethernet cable for internet, your electrical installation must be done in a way to support the feature.
For rooms with multiple access points, it is sensible to plan for two-way or even three-way switching. Other features may include automated lighting, speaker cabling, and other modern technology.
During a full rewire, the property owners may move out for a couple of days, after the planning and discussion phase, giving the electrical contractor complete freedom and access to finish the job without any disruptions.
Having people move around here and there can unnecessarily prolong the rewiring process since the electrician might have to accommodate them by pausing work.
If moving out isn’t an option, the property owners must do their best to try and stay out of the electrician’s way and cover all furniture and valuable items with a heavy cloth to protect them from dust, and move all electrical equipment into a separate room.
If the first fix involves moving the main connection and meter to lay out the wiring, you will have to contact the electricity utility company to do it.
It will have to be done before beginning the first fix phase since the process might take several weeks. Also, the power company might charge you for their service.
A complete rewire for a 3-bedroom semi can take up to 5-10 days, with half the days required for the first fix installation and the remaining ones for the second fix.
The duration depends on several factors such as the size and type of the property, the level of planning and preparedness on the property owner’s part, the nature of the requirements, and the number of contractors working on the job.
Naturally, any hindrances and additions to the original plan would prolong the duration.
Rewiring your property not only brings the electrical installations up-to-date with the wiring regulations but also gives you the chance to upgrade it with modern styles and fixtures.
Quite obviously, it comes at a price, but one that’s well worth it.
The average cost of rewiring a house, including both the first fix and second fix, ranges somewhere between £2,500 and £4,500.
The figures are calculated according to the number of fittings and switches, and how long the work is expected to take which depends on many factors such as:
To give you a general idea, you can expect to pay a minimum of £2,000 to £3,000 for a 2-bedroom semi, £3,000 to £4,000 for a 3-bedroom semi, £4,000 to £5,000 for a 4-bedroom semi, and £4,500 to £6,000 for a 5-bedroom semi.
Similarly, the age of the house will determine if rewiring is needed in the first place, and if it is, how much work will go into it.
If the house is very old, it’s most likely that the wiring system is out of date and obsolete which is one of the reasons why you might experience a power surge whenever you plug in your high-powered appliances.
The older the house, the more outdated the current wiring is, and the more work required to bring it at par with current wiring regulations.
The general structure of the property and the material of the walls is also a huge contributing factor to the total cost. Hollow walls make the rewiring process easier and quicker since it is easier to break into them as compared to a solid brick or block wall.
The number of light fittings will also determine how much wiring is needed and the amount of work required to install the fittings. More light fittings equal to more light switches, and vice versa.
The quality of the fittings and the type and style of the material you choose will also greatly influence the cost. If you opt for simple plastic switches and plain light fixtures, your overall cost would naturally go down as opposed to using premium quality materials and designs.
Earth bonding, also known as cross bonding, is a crucial safety requirement carried out to make electrical installations safe from the risk of electrocution in case a fault occurs.
Even if there is no rewiring involved, you must always make sure that the installations are earth bonded, especially in the kitchen and bathroom where there is a high chance of electric shocks due to the use of water.
Earth bonding is very easy to miss since the lack of it doesn’t affect the electrical wiring on the property. However, since it is to prevent the users from getting electrocuted, it must always be included in any installation job.
Also, if proper earthing is not in place and the testing doesn’t comply with the laws laid out in BS 7671, the rewiring and installations will be considered non-compliant and will not be given the go-ahead to go live.
As a general rule of thumb, if your property’s wiring is really old and outdated, say 25 years or over, it is best to get it inspected and rewired to bring it up to current standards.
Before carrying out a full rewire though, it is recommended to have your electrical installations checked to determine the need for one. Who knows, you might need just an upgrade, a partial rewire, or no rewiring at all.
The best way to do so is through a professional electrical contractor who will be able to identify any potential or developing problems and fix them before they become an issue.
It is recommended for private homeowners to get their electrical installations checked every 5-10 years or if they are selling the property, for landlords to get it done every 5 years or whenever there is a change in occupancy, and for businesses to get done every 3-5 years to make sure that it is safe for use by the employees and the public.
According to the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC), two kinds of checks must be carried out; a visual inspection that generates a Visual Inspection Report (VIR) and a more detailed electrical inspection that generates the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
A Visual Inspection Report (VIR) provides a general summary of the electrical installation’s health by recording all the observations and recommendations.
The electrician is likely to check the fuse board, sockets, lights, plugs, switches, cables and leads, earthing and bonding, visible signs of wear and tear, and burning, as well as the kitchen and bathroom safety.
An EICR is more detailed than a VIR and allows the electrical contractor to identify issues that couldn’t be found in the latter.
It identifies any damage, defect, or deterioration that may turn into a potential hazard, along with recording several observations in line with BS 7671 and providing recommendations for improving the installation.
A full rewire needs to meet the appropriate safety standards set by the wiring regulations, which is why the local building control department needs to be notified.
You must make sure all the rewiring work complies with Part P of the building regulations and that certification will be handed out to you after the task is completed.
A simple way to make sure you are complying with the law is by using an NICEIC registered professional contractor.
At Calder Electrical, we will take the hassle away from you and notify all the relevant departments on your behalf in addition to ensuring all the regulations are met.
At Calder Electrical, we understand how overwhelming rewiring can be which is why our experts do all that they can to help you feel at ease with the entire process.
We are experts in our field and can help you with our professional services. All our work is fully insured and we work to meet the standards set to us by the NICEIC to make sure all your electrical installations meet the current regulations.
We have been undertaking electrical work since 1976 and have plenty of experience and are specialists in all aspects of electrical work.
Our installation services include:
If you are looking to undertake a refurb of a kitchen or bathroom, or build an extension or a new build property, we can help design, install, and commission it. We will also notify any work to the relevant authorities and departments to make sure you are fully covered in meeting the wiring regulations.
A full rewire can be avoided if the existing wiring is up to the mark and is able to carry additional load. Our experts can upgrade it by adding a modern consumer unit in addition to upgrading the earthing and bonding.
We can also survey any existing installation and advise on the best way to increase the safety by either upgrading the consumer unit/distribution board or the protective devices inside them.
We can help in all aspects of commercial electrical installation and offer a wide range of skills to help achieve whatever your business or premises may need whether it is a full rewire, a partial rewire, or just adding in extra data and socket points.
Under the new 18th edition wiring regulations BS7671 its now recommended that surge protection is incorporated into domestic dwellings, as before it was only commonplace in commercial and industrial installations.
It is a device that is installed in line with a circuit or installation to protect electronic equipment sensitive to surges such as an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS), laptops and computers, TVs, consoles, phones etc, saving hundreds or thousands in damages in homes and businesses.
Contact us right away for all your electrical installation needs. Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you!
