From the team behind Hampstead Renovations · Est. 2009 · Learn more
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Comparison Guide

Full Rewiring vs Partial Rewiring

Should you fully rewire or partially rewire your London home? Compare costs, disruption levels, safety implications, and how to decide.

Full Rewiring

Advantages

  • +Brings entire electrical system up to current BS 7671 standards
  • +New consumer unit with RCD protection throughout
  • +Eliminates all ageing wiring — removes fire and shock risks
  • +Adds capacity for modern electrical demands
  • +Provides a fresh EICR certificate valid for 5 years

Disadvantages

  • −Significant disruption — walls and floors need to be chased and made good
  • −Higher cost — typically requires 1 to 2 weeks of work
  • −Rooms need decorating afterwards where cables are chased in
  • −Property may not be habitable during the work

Average cost

£4,500 – £9,000 (3-bed London house)

Best for

Properties with pre-1970s wiring, homes undergoing major renovation, or those that have failed an EICR.

Partial Rewiring

Advantages

  • +Lower cost — targets only the circuits that need attention
  • +Less disruption to daily life
  • +Can be completed in 2 to 4 days for most jobs
  • +Addresses immediate safety concerns without a full strip-out

Disadvantages

  • −Does not address ageing wiring in untouched circuits
  • −May need further work within 5 to 10 years
  • −Joining new wiring to old can create compatibility issues

Average cost

£1,500 – £4,000

Best for

Properties where only specific circuits have been flagged, or as an interim measure before a planned renovation.

Cost Comparison

Full RewiringPartial Rewiring
Average cost£4,500 – £9,000 (3-bed London house)£1,500 – £4,000
Key advantages5 noted4 noted
Key disadvantages4 noted3 noted
Best forProperties with pre-1970s wiring, homes undergoing major renovation, or those that have failed an EICR.Properties where only specific circuits have been flagged, or as an interim measure before a planned renovation.

Our Verdict

If your property has original pre-1970s wiring or has failed an EICR with multiple C2 (potentially dangerous) codes, a full rewire is the responsible choice. Partial rewiring makes sense when only one or two circuits are problematic and the rest of the installation is in good condition. For period properties in NW London undergoing renovation, combining a full rewire with the building works reduces overall disruption and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my house needs a full rewire?+
Key indicators include rubber or fabric-insulated cables, a fuse box without RCDs, frequent tripped circuits, and an EICR with C1 or C2 observations. Any property with wiring over 40 years old should have a professional inspection to assess whether full rewiring is needed.
Can I live in my house during a full rewire?+
It is possible but uncomfortable. Electricians need access to every room, floors and walls are chased, and power may be off for periods during the day. Many London homeowners choose to stay elsewhere for the main week of work and return for the making-good phase.
Does rewiring add value to a property?+
A new electrical installation with a valid EICR removes a significant concern for buyers and surveyors. While it does not add value in the way a new kitchen does, it prevents price reductions that buyers typically negotiate when outdated wiring is flagged in a survey.

Related services

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About Hampstead On Demand

Specialist renovation and maintenance service for NW London. Based in NW3. Conservation area experts. Fixed-price contracts as standard.

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