Lumiel Blog

How to Plan a House Rewire in London: Process, Timelines, and Costs Explained

Lumiel London
May 27, 2025

Why Rewiring Your Home Is a Smart Investment

Rewiring isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a long-term investment in the safety, efficiency, and future-proofing of your home. Many London properties still rely on outdated wiring systems installed decades ago. Over time, those systems can become overloaded by modern-day electrical demands, leading to frequent trips, safety risks, and even fire hazards.

Whether you're renovating, expanding, or simply ensuring your home is compliant and safe, rewiring is a crucial step that shouldn't be overlooked.

Signs Your London Home Needs Rewiring

It’s not always easy to tell when your home needs a rewire, especially if there’s no visible damage. However, there are a few tell-tale signs:

  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Frequent tripping of your circuit breaker or fuse board
  • Burning smells near sockets or switches
  • Outlets that spark when you plug something in
  • Lack of grounding (only two-pronged outlets)
  • Outdated fuse boards (especially with a wooden back or no RCD protection)

If your property is over 25 years old and hasn’t been rewired, it’s likely time to have it inspected.

Step-by-Step: The House Rewiring Process in London

At Lumiel, we take a thorough and minimally disruptive approach to rewiring. Here’s what our process typically looks like:

  1. Initial Assessment
    We begin with a property visit to assess the current electrical system, check compliance with the latest regulations (18th Edition Wiring Regulations), and discuss your needs.
  2. Project Planning
    We create a custom rewiring layout that includes socket placement, lighting circuits, data points, and smart home integration if needed. We’ll also outline how to protect the property during the process.
  3. First Fix (Wiring Infrastructure)
    Our electricians chase walls and floors where necessary to lay new cables. We keep dust and disruption to a minimum using floor protection and sealing where needed.
  4. Second Fix (Fixtures and Fittings)
    Once the cabling is complete, we install sockets, switches, lighting fixtures, and any smart home features.
  5. Testing & Certification
    Before sign-off, we run a full set of tests to confirm compliance and safety. You’ll receive an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC), which is essential for insurance and resale.

How Long Does a House Rewire Take?

Timelines vary depending on the size and accessibility of the property:

  • 1–2 Bedroom Flat: 3–5 working days
  • 3–4 Bedroom House: 5–10 working days
  • Occupied Homes: May require phased rewiring over multiple visits to avoid disruption

If the house is vacant, the process is typically faster and cleaner. We also recommend timing a rewire during major refurbishments or when flooring/walls are already exposed.

Why Choose Lumiel for Your House Rewire?

  • NICEIC Approved Contractor
  • Fully insured and certified
  • Expert in minimal disruption during live-in rewires
  • Clean, tidy, and respectful of your property
  • Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
  • All work guaranteed and certified

Bonus: Future-Proof Your Property

If you're rewiring, it's the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home for the future:

  • Add USB sockets and smart switches
  • Prepare for solar panels or EV charger installation
  • Run ethernet cables for home offices or entertainment systems
  • Install energy-efficient LED lighting
  • Improve the overall property value

Why Rewiring Your Home Is a Smart Investment
Lumiel Team