3 Bedroom House Full Rewire Cost: A Comprehensive Guide

When considering a full rewire for a 3-bedroom house, understanding the associated costs is crucial for effective budgeting and planning. A complete rewiring project involves replacing all electrical wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and often upgrading the system to meet modern safety standards. This is not a minor undertaking, but it is essential for the safety, functionality, and value of your home. The cost for such a project can vary widely based on numerous factors, but this guide will provide a detailed breakdown to help you estimate the investment required for your 3-bedroom property.

The average cost for a full rewire of a 3-bedroom house in the UK typically ranges from £3,500 to £5,500. However, this is a broad estimate, and the final figure can fall outside this range depending on your specific circumstances. For a more precise understanding, let’s explore the key elements that influence the overall expense.

1. Size and Layout of the Property: A larger 3-bedroom house with multiple floors, complex layouts, or high ceilings will require more materials and labour, increasing the cost compared to a smaller, simpler layout.
2. Extent of the Work: A ‘full rewire’ means replacing the entire electrical system from the meter to every light fitting and socket. This includes the consumer unit (fuse box), wiring for lighting circuits, power circuits, and any dedicated circuits for appliances like cookers or showers.
3. Quality of Materials: The choice between standard and high-specification materials (e.g., metal-clad wiring vs. PVC, branded consumer units) will impact the price. Investing in higher-quality materials can enhance safety and longevity.
4. Labour Costs: This is often the most significant portion of the cost. Electrician rates vary by region, experience, and the complexity of the job. London and the South East generally command higher rates than other parts of the country.
5. Age and Condition of the Property: Older properties, such as those with solid walls or listed building status, present more challenges. Chasing walls to hide new cables, dealing with outdated infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with historical building regulations can add considerable time and cost.
6. Additional Works: Often, a rewire uncovers other issues or presents opportunities for upgrades. You might need new light fittings, additional sockets, data cabling for internet networks, or even a upgrade to the electrical supply coming into your house.
7. Testing and Certification: Upon completion, the work must be tested by a qualified electrician and you must be provided with a Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC). This is a legal requirement and a cost that must be factored in.
8. Location: As mentioned, geographic location plays a role. Urban areas tend to have higher labour costs than rural ones, though travel costs for electricians in remote locations might also add to the bill.

To give you a clearer picture, here is a more detailed potential cost breakdown for a standard 3-bedroom semi-detached house. Please remember these are estimates and you should always get multiple quotes.

• Consumer Unit Upgrade: £500 – £800. A new, modern consumer unit with RCBO protection is now a regulatory requirement for any significant work.
• Wiring and Cabling: £1,500 – £2,500. This covers the cost of all new cables for lighting, power, and any dedicated appliance circuits throughout the house.
• Sockets, Switches, and Backboxes: £400 – £800. The number of new points you want will greatly affect this. Adding more double sockets than were previously installed will increase the cost.
• Labour: £1,200 – £2,500. This is typically charged as a daily rate (£200 – £400 per day per electrician) or as a fixed price for the project. A full rewire usually takes a team of two electricians 5-7 days to complete.
• Making Good: £300 – £1,000+. After cables are installed, the channels cut into the walls (chasing) need to be filled and plastered. Some electricians include a basic making-good service, but for a perfect finish, you may need to hire a plasterer separately.

The process itself is invasive and requires careful planning. The electricians will need to lift floorboards, channel walls, and remove fixtures to access the old wiring. Furniture will need to be moved, and there will be dust and disruption. It’s advisable to plan the project for a time when you can potentially vacate the property or live around the significant inconvenience. A typical project timeline involves a initial survey and quote, several days of First Fix work (running all the cables), followed by the Second Fix (installing faceplates, switches, and the consumer unit), and finally testing and certification.

While it is illegal and extremely dangerous to attempt a full rewire yourself, there are ways to manage the cost. The most important step is to obtain at least three detailed written quotes from fully qualified and registered electricians. Ensure they are certified by a competent body like NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. This guarantees their work will be to the national standard (BS 7671) and properly certified. Be clear about your requirements—how many sockets do you want in each room? Do you want outdoor lighting or power? Do you need USB sockets? Detailed planning prevents costly changes mid-project. Finally, be prepared for the disruption and factor in the cost of any redecorating or plastering that will be needed afterwards.

In conclusion, the cost to fully rewire a 3-bedroom house is a significant investment, typically falling between £3,500 and £5,500. This price is influenced by the property’s size, location, the materials used, and the scope of additional work. Despite the expense and disruption, a full rewire is one of the most important improvements you can make to your home. It ensures the safety of your family and possessions by eliminating the fire risk posed by old, faulty wiring. It modernizes your living space, allowing you to use contemporary appliances without worry. Ultimately, it future-proofs your property, adding tangible value and providing peace of mind for years to come. Always prioritize hiring qualified professionals and view this not as an expense, but as a critical investment in your home’s safety and functionality.