A rewire is one of those jobs nobody gets excited about. There's no new kitchen to show off at the end, just sockets in the right places and the quiet confidence that your electrics are safe. But if you've bought an older home in Edinburgh, or you're about to renovate one, it's often one of the most important jobs you'll do.

This guide explains how to tell whether you need a rewire, what's involved, and how to plan it so the disruption is manageable.

Signs your home may need a rewire

Not every old installation needs replacing. But these are common signs that it's worth having it checked:

Old fuse boxes with rewireable fuses rather than a modern consumer unit with circuit breakers and RCD protection
Rubber or fabric-covered cables, often found in homes that haven't been rewired for many decades
Round-pin sockets, or sockets and switches mounted on wooden blocks
Very few sockets, with extension leads and adaptors everywhere
Lights flickering, breakers tripping, or switches and sockets that feel warm
Scorch marks or a burning smell near sockets or switches
No earthing to light fittings or metal pipework
A previous inspection report recommending a rewire

If you're not sure, an electrical safety inspection (EICR) is the best starting point. It tells you the condition of the installation and whether a rewire, partial rewire or targeted repairs are the right answer.

Full or partial rewire?

Full rewire. All circuits replaced, usually with a new consumer unit. Typical for homes where the wiring is old throughout or where a major renovation is happening anyway.

Partial rewire. Some circuits replaced, others kept. This can make sense if part of the house was rewired in recent decades and is in good condition. An inspection will show whether that's realistic.

Edinburgh homes have their own challenges

Tenement flats. Thick stone walls, lath and plaster ceilings, timber floors over the flat below, and shared common areas. Cable routes need careful planning, often under floorboards or in the ceiling void. Work near common parts, like the main supply in the stair, may need coordination with neighbours or the factor.
Victorian and Georgian houses. Ornate cornices, original plasterwork and shutters are worth protecting. Experienced electricians will plan routes to avoid damaging period features where possible.
Listed buildings. Works that affect the character of a listed building, internally or externally, may need listed building consent. Cable routes and the position of new fittings in principal rooms can matter. Check before you start.
Bungalows and post-war houses. Usually more straightforward, with loft access for cable routes.

What happens during a rewire

A rewire is usually done in two stages:

First fix. Old wiring is disconnected and removed where practical. New cables are run to every socket, switch, light and fixed appliance position. This involves lifting floorboards, cutting channels in plaster (chasing) and drilling through joists. It's the messy stage.
Second fix. After plastering and making good, the sockets, switches, light fittings and consumer unit are connected, and the installation is tested.

Between those two stages, a plasterer usually makes good the walls and ceilings.

How disruptive is it?

Honestly? Quite. A full rewire in an occupied home means:

Dust, especially during chasing
Floorboards up in some rooms
Power off for periods during the day
Furniture moved

Many people schedule a rewire alongside other renovation work, or before moving in, to avoid living through it. If you must stay in the house, the work can be phased room by room, but it takes longer overall.

Planning the layout

A rewire is your chance to put things where you actually need them:

More sockets, including double sockets and USB sockets where useful
Sockets for TVs, desks and bedside tables in the right places
Outside sockets and lighting
Data and TV points
Provision for an EV charger, solar or battery in the future
Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms (Scotland has specific requirements for interlinked fire alarms in homes)

Think about how you use each room before the electrician starts. Moving a socket after plastering is a pain.

Certification

When the work is complete, it should be tested and you should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate. Keep it safe; you'll need it if you sell the house, and it's useful for insurance.

In Scotland, if the rewire is part of works that need a building warrant, building standards will want evidence the electrical work meets the standards, and that's often provided through certification. Your electrician can explain what applies to your job.

How long does it take?

It depends on the size of the property, whether it's occupied, the type of construction and how much making good is needed. We'll give you a realistic programme after a survey.

Cost

We don't publish fixed prices because every home is different. The main factors are property size, number of points, construction (stone walls and ceilings take longer), access, whether it's occupied, and the specification you choose.

FAQ

How do I know if my house needs rewiring?

Warning signs include old fuse boxes, old cable types, too few sockets, scorch marks and frequent tripping. An EICR is the best way to find out for sure.

Can I live in my house during a rewire?

Yes, many people do, but it's disruptive. Phasing the work room by room helps, though it takes longer overall.

Will a rewire damage my plaster?

Some chasing and lifting of boards is usually unavoidable. Making good is part of the plan. Experienced electricians minimise damage to period features.

Do I need a new consumer unit with a rewire?

Usually, yes. A full rewire normally includes a new consumer unit with modern protection.

Do landlords need to rewire?

Not necessarily, but private landlords in Scotland must have periodic electrical inspections. If the inspection identifies dangerous or unsatisfactory conditions, they must be put right.

Arrange a survey through the contact form, or read more about our house rewires.

Request a rewire survey

Rewiring a House or Flat in Edinburgh: Signs, Process and What to Expect