Cost calculator
House rewire cost calculator
A rewire price depends on how many circuits and accessories are involved and how much damage the cabling route causes. The electrical work is the predictable part; plastering and redecoration afterwards is what surprises people.
Count habitable rooms plus kitchen, bathroom and hallway.
Broad trade availability keeps day rates near the national average.
Estimated range, ex VAT
£5,900 – £11,000
- Labour (typical)
- £5,450
- Materials (typical)
- £2,950
Guidance only. A real quotation depends on site conditions, specification and access — which is exactly what an independent review of your own quote will tell you.
What affects the cost
Property age and construction
Solid walls need chasing and making good; timber-framed and stud walls are far quicker to run cable through.
Occupied or empty
Working around furniture and residents can add 20–30% to the labour time.
Number of circuits and accessories
Every extra socket, downlight and switch is priced individually. Modern specs use far more accessories than a 1970s house had.
Consumer unit and earthing
A new metal consumer unit with RCBOs, plus main bonding to gas and water, is standard on a rewire.
Extras
EV charger supply, networking, outside lights and smart controls are usually priced as separate items.
Regional pricing differences
Materials cost roughly the same everywhere in the UK; labour does not. Use the region selector above to apply a local index — London and the South East typically run 15–30% above the national average, while the North East, Northern Ireland and Yorkshire sit below it.
Labour vs materials
Roughly 65% of this type of work is labour and 35% materials. Rewiring is overwhelmingly labour. Cable, accessories and a new consumer unit are a modest share of the total.
Common hidden costs
- Plastering and redecoration after chasing — frequently excluded and often £1,500–£4,000 on a whole house.
- Lifting and relaying floor coverings, especially engineered wood and tiles.
- Asbestos in older consumer unit backing boards and Artex ceilings.
- Additional remedial work if the incoming supply or earthing arrangement is unsuitable.
How to save money
- Rewire while the house is empty or during another major project — the saving is significant.
- Agree the socket and light positions in writing before first fix; changes afterwards cost real money.
- Do your own decorating after making good if you are comfortable with it.
- Ask whether the quote includes the EIC certificate and Part P building control notification — it must.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rewire a 3 bed house?
Typically £5,500–£9,500 ex VAT in 2026, plus plastering and decoration.
How long does a rewire take?
Five to ten working days for a three-bed house, split between first fix and second fix with plastering in between.
Do I need a full rewire?
Not always. If the consumer unit, earthing and cabling are sound, a partial rewire and upgrade may be enough. Ask for an EICR first.
Should the electrician be registered?
Yes — NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA registration lets them self-certify Part P work. Otherwise you must notify building control separately.
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