Rewire Cost Calculator
This tool provides a very basic estimate of rewiring costs based solely on the number of rooms. For an accurate quote, always consult qualified electricians.
Note: This is a simplified estimate. Actual costs vary widely based on location, property size/type, existing wiring, access, required work (sockets, lights, etc.), and chosen electrician.
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Understanding Rewiring Costs
Factors Affecting Rewire Cost
While this calculator uses room count for simplicity, many factors influence the actual cost of rewiring a property:
- Property Size & Type: Larger properties or complex layouts cost more. Flats may be cheaper than houses.
- Location: Costs vary significantly depending on regional labor rates.
- Accessibility: Easier access (e.g., floorboards vs. concrete floors, internal walls vs. external walls) reduces labor time and cost.
- Current Wiring Condition: Complete removal of old wiring adds complexity.
- Number of Outlets/Lights: More sockets, switches, and light fittings increase material and labor costs.
- Type of Work: Full rewiring vs. partial rewiring or adding circuits.
- Finishing: Making good plasterwork, painting, etc., after chasing walls for cables.
- Certification: Cost includes testing and certification by a qualified electrician.
Always get multiple detailed quotes from certified professionals for an accurate price.
Rewire Cost Examples (Simplified by Room Count)
These examples demonstrate the tool's output based *only* on the number of rooms, using an illustrative average cost per room (e.g., $1000/room) for demonstration. Actual costs WILL vary.
Example 1: Small Apartment
Scenario: Estimate the cost to rewire a 3-room apartment (Living, Bedroom, Bathroom/Kitchen).
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 3.
2. Calculation: 3 rooms * $1000/room = $3000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $3,000.
Conclusion: A very basic estimate for a small apartment is around $3,000, but get actual quotes.
Example 2: Typical 3-Bed House
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a standard 3-bedroom house with a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom.
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 3 bedrooms + living + dining + kitchen + bathroom = 7 rooms.
2. Calculation: 7 rooms * $1000/room = $7000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $7,000.
Conclusion: A rough estimate for a 7-room house is about $7,000. Consult electricians for precise costs.
Example 3: Studio Flat
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a studio flat (main room and separate bathroom).
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 2.
2. Calculation: 2 rooms * $1000/room = $2000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $2,000.
Conclusion: A simple studio flat might cost around $2,000 to rewire based on this basic model.
Example 4: Large 5-Bed House
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a large 5-bedroom house with multiple reception rooms, kitchen, utility, and bathrooms.
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = Assume 5 bedrooms + 3 reception + kitchen + utility + 2 bathrooms = 12 rooms.
2. Calculation: 12 rooms * $1000/room = $12000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $12,000.
Conclusion: A large 12-room property could have estimated rewire costs around $12,000 by this calculation method.
Example 5: Small Bungalow
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a small 2-bedroom bungalow with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 2 bedrooms + living + kitchen + bathroom = 5 rooms.
2. Calculation: 5 rooms * $1000/room = $5000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $5,000.
Conclusion: A 5-room bungalow might have estimated costs around $5,000 according to this basic tool.
Example 6: Single Room Extension
Scenario: Estimate the cost to wire a new single-room extension.
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 1.
2. Calculation: 1 room * $1000/room = $1000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $1,000.
Conclusion: Rewiring a single room extension might start from around $1,000 based on this estimate.
Example 7: 4-Bedroom House
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a 4-bedroom house with living room, kitchen/diner, and 2 bathrooms.
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 4 bedrooms + living + kitchen/diner (count as 1-2 depending on layout, let's say 1) + 2 bathrooms = 8 rooms.
2. Calculation: 8 rooms * $1000/room = $8000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $8,000.
Conclusion: A 8-room property might have a basic estimated rewire cost of around $8,000.
Example 8: Small Terraced House
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a small 2-up 2-down terraced house (2 bedrooms, 1 living room, 1 kitchen, 1 bathroom).
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 2 bedrooms + living + kitchen + bathroom = 5 rooms.
2. Calculation: 5 rooms * $1000/room = $5000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $5,000.
Conclusion: A small 5-room terraced house could have estimated rewire costs around $5,000 based on this calculation.
Example 9: Large Maisonette
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a large 3-bedroom maisonette over two floors with living room, kitchen, and 2 bathrooms.
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 3 bedrooms + living + kitchen + 2 bathrooms = 7 rooms.
2. Calculation: 7 rooms * $1000/room = $7000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $7,000.
Conclusion: A 7-room maisonette might cost around $7,000 to rewire according to this tool.
Example 10: Property with Outbuildings
Scenario: Estimate the cost for a 4-bedroom house (8 main rooms) plus a detached garage counted as 1 room for wiring.
1. Known Values: Number of Rooms = 8 (house) + 1 (garage) = 9 rooms.
2. Calculation: 9 rooms * $1000/room = $9000.
3. Result: Estimated Cost ≈ $9,000.
Conclusion: A property requiring wiring in 9 areas might have estimated costs around $9,000.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rewiring Costs
1. How is the rewiring cost estimated in this tool?
This tool uses a very simple model: it multiplies the number of rooms you enter by a pre-set average cost per room. It does not account for other significant factors.
2. Is the estimated cost accurate for my property?
No, this tool provides only a *rough estimate*. Actual costs depend heavily on many factors like location, house type, accessibility, number of electrical points, etc. Always get quotes from qualified electricians for an accurate price.
3. What is typically included in a full house rewire quote?
A full rewire usually includes replacing all old wiring (circuits for lights, sockets, cooker, etc.), a new consumer unit (fuse box), new back boxes for sockets/switches, necessary earthing, testing, and certification according to current regulations.
4. Why is rewiring so expensive?
Costs are high due to skilled labor required (electricians' time), materials (copper cable, consumer unit, sockets, switches), and the disruptive nature of the work (chasing walls, lifting floors), which often requires making good afterward.
5. How long does it take to rewire a house?
A full rewire typically takes 3 to 10 days, depending on the size of the property, the number of electricians on the job, and the complexity of the work.
6. Can I live in the house during a rewire?
It's often possible, but disruptive. Electricians may need to turn off power for periods, and there will be dust and disruption as floorboards are lifted and walls chased. Many people choose to move out temporarily.
7. What are signs that a house needs rewiring?
Common signs include old rubber or lead-sheathed cables, round pin sockets, twisted fabric flex cables, outdated fuse boxes, flickering lights, or sockets that feel hot or have burn marks.
8. Is partial rewiring an option?
Yes, sometimes only a specific circuit or area needs upgrading. However, mixing old and new wiring can sometimes be complex or not meet regulations. An electrician will advise if a partial rewire is safe and compliant.
9. Do I need building regulations approval for rewiring?
Yes, in many regions, major electrical work like a full rewire is notifiable under Building Regulations. A qualified electrician (often registered with a 'competent person scheme') can self-certify the work, or you'll need to apply to your local authority.
10. How do I find a qualified electrician for rewiring?
Look for electricians registered with recognized bodies (like NICEIC, ELECSA, Part P schemes in the UK, or equivalent in your region). Always check reviews and get multiple written quotes outlining the scope of work.
