The warning signs to look out for — and when to call in a specialist.
Most homes need rewiring every 25–40 years. If your property has never been rewired, or if you're buying an older property, it's worth having the electrics inspected. Here are the most common warning signs.
If your property has rubber-insulated or fabric-covered cables (common in pre-1960s properties), these should be replaced as a matter of urgency. The insulation degrades over time and becomes a fire risk.
A fuse box with old rewireable fuses (where fuse wire is wrapped around ceramic carriers) is a clear sign the installation needs updating. Older plastic fuse boxes can also pose a fire risk. Modern consumer units with individual RCBOs (Residual Current Breakers with Overcurrent protection) provide far superior protection.
Persistent flickering can indicate loose connections or failing wiring. If it's happening throughout the house rather than just one fitting, it may point to a deeper wiring issue.
If your circuits trip frequently without obvious cause, or if you're constantly replacing fuses, this can indicate overloaded or failing wiring.
Any scorching, burning smells, or sockets that feel warm to the touch should be investigated immediately. These can be signs of dangerous loose connections or overloaded circuits.
If you're relying heavily on extension leads and adaptors throughout the house, a rewire is a good opportunity to install sufficient sockets for modern needs.
There's no fixed rule, but wiring over 25–30 years old should be inspected by a qualified electrician. Pre-1970s wiring should be considered for replacement regardless of condition.
Yes — an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will assess the condition of your existing wiring and identify any faults or areas of concern. We can arrange this before quoting for a full rewire.
Old wiring isn't necessarily dangerous if it's in good condition, but degraded insulation, overloaded circuits, and outdated fuse boards all carry real risks. It's always worth having it inspected by a qualified electrician.
There's no legal requirement, but old wiring can put buyers off and affect your sale price. A rewire before sale can be a good investment and removes a potential sticking point for buyers' mortgage lenders.
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