Old wiring systems degrade over time and may not be able to safely handle the electrical demands of 21st century living. For homes over 30 years old, rewiring is often recommended. Here are signs that yours may need replacing:
Fuses blow frequently
There is lost power in certain circuits or rooms
Wires are warm to the touch
Visible cracking or damage to sheathing on wires
Getting the Right Approvals
Before starting any work, contact your local building authority to make sure you have the required permits. Don’t forget to check with your planning department, which may have additional requirements. It is vital to obtain the correct paperwork as it is a legal requirement if you want to sell, insure, or need warranty work on your piece of Real Estate.
Hiring a Qualified Electrician
If any work isn’t done to the latest certified national and local guidelines, it could lead to insurance policies being rendered invalid on the property since your electrical installation may not be deemed “safe.” Ensure that your electrician is City and Guilds Assured,or ELECSA approved and don’t be afraid to ask them to provide references from past rewire jobs. It’s also a good idea to get three or more estimates in writing.
Prepare Your House for a Rewire: A Comprehensive Guide
Rewiring a home is a big, messy job that doesn’t come without risk. A complete rewire involves removing as much of the old wiring as possible and installing new wiring, electrical outlets and switch boxes. It’s a big job, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready for it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare your house for a rewire:
Clear the Area
You will need to prepare for the arrival of the electrician and their team. They will need access to all the points where wiring will be replaced or newly installed. So clear all these areas of any furniture or decorations that might get in their way.
Protective Measures
Make sure your furniture and flooring are protected from the dust and debris that will be generated during a rewire. It is wise to cover your belongings with plastic sheets or dust covers.
Access to Electrical Points
Make sure the electrician has complete access to all the electrical points in your home — sockets, switches, fuse boxes, etc. They can’t get to these points if there is a large piece of furniture or a huge entertainment center in front of them. So if your furniture (or something else) is blocking these points, then you will need to move it.
Make a Plan
Finally, go over the plans for the new wiring with the electrician. With a complete rewire, this will be extensive — you’ll be adding a number of outlets and electrical boxes through out the home and completely rerouting the wiring, so it’s worth talking through the plan in detail. You’ll also need to come up with a game plan for the work — all of which should be detailed in a comprehensive timeline.
For Those Living In The House
Make sure that if you’re living in the house while all of this is going on to have whatever power solutions you need. You should also make sure that your children and pets can’t get near the dangerous wiring tools.
Inform Your Neighbours If Needed
Depending on the scale of the project you’re looking at, you might want to inform your neighbours of the fact that you’re going to be getting rewiring work done. It’s noisy work even if things go smoothly, and that’s before it starts to potentially mean a lot of extra vehicles parked out in the street for a time.
Do You Need Alternative Accommodation?
For a larger property, you might have to think seriously about getting alternative accommodation so that the rewiring can get done more quickly, and in a safer and more practical way.
Documentation
We’d recommend photographing every room before the work starts and detailing the condition of every part of the property, so you’ve got some kind of proof about the previous state of the place if there is any argument about damage afterwards.
Prepare Your House for the Work
Remember that the preparation for the work should be included in the overall amount of time necessary for the project. It’s important that it is done correctly so that the project goes off without a hitch.
Routing your cables
Routing cables is the most labor-intensive part of rewiring a house. It can also be the messiest as it frequently involves cutting grooves in walls. However, it’s the part that you’ll see the least when you’re done.General Guidelines
Plan your routing carefully before you start.
Remember the Building Regulations (Part P) and follow them for electrical safety.
Use suitable cable types and sizes for the intended load.
Protect cables from physical damage and moisture.
Make sure cables are tidily secured; use cable clips or trunking.
Routing Cables in Walls
Chasing
Cut grooves in the wall with a chasing tool, insert cables, and cover with plaster. Warning: Chasing can substantially weaken walls.Drilling Holes
Drill holes through studs or joists to pass cables through. Fit suitable grommets to protect cables from the sharp edges of the holes.Cavity Walls
Lay cables in the cavity from the hole in one wall, using a cavity wall rod (“fishing”) from either side. Isolate any access points around the cables over with sealant.Routing Cables in Ceilings
Above the Ceiling
Suspend cables from ceiling joists using cable trays, or cable from perforated tape. Always ensure cables are still accessible and can be inspected for wear or damage, and that they run clear of all other services.Through the Ceiling
Drill holes through the joists to pass the cables through. Use cable clips to retain cables within the ceiling voids.Routing Cables in Floors
Underfloor Void
Lay cables in the underfloor space, assuming there’s ample access. Use cable trays or clips to make sure cables stay organised.
In Skirting Boards
If there is no underfloor void, cables can be carefully routed inside in skirting boards.
Using Surface Trunking
Use surface trunking for runs that are particularly exposed to hide and protect cables.
Specific Considerations
Bathroom and Kitchen
Use moisture-resistant cables e.g. MICC and make sure they’re adequately sealed around access points
Outside Walls
Use insulated cable or gland seals to protect from cold and moisture
High-Current Circuits
Use thicker cables (e.g. 10mm²) for circuits with high current demands, e.g. immersion heaters
Cable Junctions
Use junction boxes to connect cables in a safe and secure manner
Labelling
Label cables clearly at both ends for easy identification during future maintenance
Plastering the walls and ceilings
What you will need in order to plaster
Plaster of paris powder
Water
Mixing bucket
Trowel
Hawk
Sponge
Sanding black
Respirator and goggles
Steps
- Prepare the Walls
Remove any dust or debris from the chased areas.
Dampen the wall in the vicinity of the chased area to prevent it from drying out when in contact with the plaster.
- Mix the Plaster
In a mixing bucket, add about 2 parts Plaster of Paris powder to 1 part water.
Mix thoroughly until the mixture is a smooth, creamy consistency. The plaster should not be too thin or too thick.Apply the Plaster
Scoop up a small amount of plaster with a trowel, and then place the plaster on the hawk.
Then, apply a very thin coat of plaster over the chased area with a smooth, sweeping motion.
Continue to apply the plaster in layers until the filled area is even with the surrounding wall.Level and Smooth
Use a trowel at a very shallow angle to gently level and smooth the surface of the plaster.
If necessary, use a damp sponge to remove excess plaster along the edges and to smooth the surface.Allow to Dry
Let the plaster dry completely. Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the patch and the temperature and humidity.
Do not touch or move the plaster during the drying process.Sand and Finish
Once the patch is dry, use a sanding block to sand the area.
Use fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a professional finish that is smooth and even.
Prime and paint the area to match the rest of the wall.
Wear a respirator and goggles when mixing and applying plaster.
Add a small amount of water and mix in completely if you’re working with plaster and it begins to harden before you’re finished.
Do not try to apply a really thick layer of plaster all in one go. Build up the patch gradually in thin layers.
Allow the plaster to dry completely before you sand or paint it. Your plaster should be totally dry before you begin any decorating. As a rule of thumb 3 to 5 days is generally about right; some jobs could require up to 4 weeks. When the plaster is fully dry, it will have a light pink color and any earlier brown spots will be gone.
If the patch is deep, or large, you might want to use a bonding agent to improve adhesion.
Once your plaster work is complete and totally dry you can apply it a mist coat.
Traditionally, a mist coat involves mixing a standard emulsion paint with water, which acts as a base coat. The extra moisture allows the wall to soak up the paint, thereby ensuring that the topcoat will stick properly. However, you can skip the hassle of making a mist coat by using a water-based primer. Our roster of primers are all water-based and provide a brilliant, consistent base for your topcoat.
For a mist coat, combine three parts emulsion with one part water. Always check the instructions on your paint can as your required ratios might be different.
Your mist coat doesn’t need to be the same paint as the final topcoat, but choosing a similar colour will help you achieve an even finish.
You’ll know you’ve mixed your mist coat correctly when the water isn’t separating or sitting on top of the emulsion.
Once your mist coat is dry you can get cracking with your top coat or wallpaper – and enjoy a fresh new look for your room.
Cost of Full Rewire
The cost of full rewire in UK will depend on the size and layout of property. For a three bedroom house you would be looking at between £4500 to £6500 and should take between 4 to 7 days.
