Thinking about rewiring your home? Whether you’re renovating, dealing with recurring electrical issues, or just want peace of mind — rewiring can be a big but important job. And in 2025, with new building standards and growing energy demands, it’s more relevant than ever.
At EPM, we regularly help homeowners in Exeter and the surrounding areas decide whether it’s time to rewire, what it actually involves, and how to budget for it. So here’s everything you need to know — no fluff, no jargon.
What Does “Rewiring” Actually Mean?
A full rewire involves replacing all the electrical wiring, sockets, switches, light fittings, and the consumer unit (fuse box) in your home. It brings your system up to current UK safety regulations and ensures everything is properly protected.
In most homes, rewiring also includes:
Adding or relocating sockets and switches
Installing modern lighting (including downlights or LED options)
Upgrading the earthing and bonding systems
Preparing circuits for future electrical upgrades (EV charging, smart tech, etc.)
Signs You Might Need a Rewire
You may not see your home’s wiring — but the signs it needs replacing are often right in front of you. Look out for:
Old-style fuse boxes with wire fuses
Sockets with scorch marks or loose fittings
Frequent tripping or blown fuses
Switches that feel warm to the touch
No RCD protection on your consumer unit
Fabric or rubber-insulated wiring (common in homes built pre-1970s)
Not sure? We can carry out an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) to assess the state of your wiring and give you a clear answer.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in 2025?
Here’s what you can expect for a full rewire in 2025:
| Property Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1–2 Bed Flat | £3,000 – £4,500 |
| 3 Bed Semi-Detached | £4,500 – £6,500 |
| 4 Bed Detached | £6,500 – £8,500+ |
These prices are for standard properties and include:
Labour & materials
New consumer unit
Sockets, switches, light fittings
Testing & certification (EIC)
Plaster patchwork (not full redecorating)
Every job is a bit different — so we always provide a detailed estimate after an on-site assessment.
How Long Does a Rewire Take?
Most rewires take 5 to 10 working days, depending on:
The size of your home
Whether the property is empty or lived in
Complexity (e.g. lighting design, smart systems)
Yes — you can stay in the property during a rewire, but it’s messy and disruptive. We often work in phases to make it easier if you’re living at home.
Can You Just Rewire Part of the House?
Absolutely. If only certain areas are outdated — say the kitchen extension or upstairs circuits — we can often rewire just those sections.
However, this depends on the condition of the rest of the installation. We’ll advise honestly either way. We’ve seen homes where half the house has been modernised, but the other half still has dangerous wiring from the 1960s.
Rewiring Isn’t a DIY Job
This kind of work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. It involves working inside walls, complying with BS 7671 regulations, and notifying building control.
At EPM, we’re Napit-registered, fully insured, and experienced in working with both modern and period homes.
We’ve also seen the results of botched DIY attempts — and trust us, they’re not worth the risk.
What About the Mess?
We get it — rewiring is disruptive. But we take steps to minimise the chaos:
We use dust sheets and protective floor coverings
We chase walls cleanly and patch neatly
We tidy as we go and respect your home
We’ll always be honest about what’s involved — and when it makes sense to combine the job with other renovations.
Final Thoughts from EPM
Rewiring isn’t the kind of job you want to put off if it’s genuinely needed. Yes, it’s a bigger investment — but it’s one that protects your business, home, your appliances, and your family.
Whether you’re unsure about your current wiring or already planning a major upgrade, we’re happy to visit, take a look, and give you straightforward advice — no pressure, no fluff.
📞 Ready to chat it through? Give us a call or request a callback here.
Other articles you might find useful:
- How Much Does a House Rewire Cost in the UK in 2025?
- Do I Need an EICR? What Exeter Homeowners Should Know
- How to Spot Unsafe Wiring in an Older Home
