As a homeowner, it is essential to ensure that every aspect of your house is functioning optimally. Electrical wiring is no exception to this rule. Over time, your house wiring can develop faults, leading to damaged appliances or even electrical fires. Rewiring your home is a proactive step towards ensuring your property’s safety and efficiency. However, many homeowners are unsure of the average cost of house rewiring.
In this article, we discuss the factors that affect the cost of house rewiring and provide a breakdown of the estimated cost of rewiring a house. We also explore different types of house wiring, the size and age of the house, the type of rewiring material used, the number of electrical points, the location, and the permits and inspections required.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of House Rewiring
There are various factors that contribute to the overall cost of house rewiring. As a homeowner, it is crucial to understand these factors and prepare accordingly. The following are some of the key factors that determine the cost of house rewiring.
Type Of House Wiring
Various types of wiring systems can be used in a home. The most commonly used house wiring types are pvc/pvc cables, pvc/vir cables, and lead-sheathed cables. Pvc/pvc cables are the most affordable and durable and are suitable for most homes. Pvc/vir cables are also popular because they can withstand higher temperatures and are ideal for a home with a higher electrical load.
Lead-sheathed cables are often used in older homes. They are typically more expensive than pvc cables and may require additional work to remove an old lead-based system.
The Size Of The House
The size of your house is a significant determinant of the cost of electrical rewiring. For instance, a larger house will require more wiring, which translates to higher expenses. Moreover, the number of rooms and floors in your home can impact the cost of rewiring. If your home has several floors, you will need more wiring, which can increase the cost of the project.
Age Of The House
The age of your home can significantly impact the cost of rewiring. Older homes may require more rewiring due to outdated systems or materials. Moreover, older homes may need rewiring to make them compliant with modern electrical codes and regulations. As such, rewiring an older home may cost more than a newer one.
Type Of Rewiring Material
The type of rewiring material you choose can impact the cost of house rewiring. Generally, copper is the preferred material for house rewiring as it is durable and long-lasting. However, it is more costly than other materials like aluminum or steel. Electromagnetic compatibility (emc) cables are also pricier than other types of wiring materials but are ideal for homes with a lot of electrical appliances.
Number Of Electrical Points
The number of electrical points in your home can affect the overall cost of rewiring. More points mean more wiring, which can increase the rewiring costs. Homes with many electrical appliances and devices may require additional rewiring, leading to higher costs.
Location
The location of your home can influence the cost of house rewiring. In general, rewiring a property in rural areas is usually more expensive than urban areas. This is due to the difficulty in accessing materials and labor in rural areas.
Permits And Inspections
The cost of obtaining permits and undergoing inspections can be an additional expense when rewiring your home. Depending on where you live, you may be required to obtain permits before you can undertake a rewiring project. Similarly, after rewiring, you should schedule an electrical inspection to ensure that your home is safe and meets local regulations.
Recommended Budget And Cost Breakdown
The cost of rewiring a house can vary based on the factors outlined above. As such, an accurate estimate of the cost of house rewiring is challenging. However, the average cost of rewiring a home in the uk is around £2,500 – £4,000. This cost includes labor and materials and assumes a standard home with a typical electrical load.
Below is a breakdown of the average costs of house rewiring based on the factors discussed above.
Type Of House Wiring
The use of pvc cable can cost between £1,000 to £2,000 for a typical home, while pvc/vir cables can cost between £1,200 to £2,500. On the other hand, rewiring with lead-sheathed cables can cost between £1,500 to £3,000.
The Size Of The House
The size of your home can impact the cost of rewiring. For instance, wiring a one-bedroom house can cost between £1,500 to £2,500, whereas wiring a three-bedroom house can cost between £3,000 to £4,500.
Age Of The House
The age of your home can significantly impact the cost of rewiring. Rewiring an older home can cost between £2,500 to £6,000, while rewiring a newer home can cost between £1,500 to £3,500.
Type Of Rewiring Material
Copper-based wiring materials can cost between £1,500 to £3,000 for a typical house. In contrast, emc cables can cost up to £6,000 for a three-bedroom home with a lot of electrical appliances.
Number Of Electrical Points
The number of electrical points in your home can impact the cost of rewiring. Wiring a home with 10 to 15 points can cost between £1,500 to £2,500, while wiring a home with 25 to 30 points can cost between £3,500 to £5,500.
Location
Location plays a significant role in the cost of house rewiring. Rewiring a property in london can cost between £2,500 to £5,000, while rewiring a rural home in the scottish highlands can cost between £5,000 to £8,000.
Permits And Inspections
The cost of permits and inspections can be an additional expense for home rewiring. On average, permits can cost between £50 to £200, while inspections can cost between £100 to £500.
Rewiring your home is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and consideration. The cost of rewiring your home can vary based on several factors, including the type of wiring, the size of your home, and the material used. It is essential to understand these factors to create an accurate budget for your project.
We recommend that you get multiple quotes from reputable electricians to compare prices and determine the best fit for your budget. Additionally, ensure that all electricians you work with are certified and licensed to offer electrical services in your area. With proper planning and budgeting, homeowners can successfully rewire their homes and ensure their safety and efficiency.