Once you have decided a rewire is the right move, the practical questions usually follow quickly: how long will it actually take, and do you need to move out. Both depend heavily on the size of the property and how it is laid out, so here is a realistic picture of what to expect.
Typical Timelines by Property Size
- One or two-bedroom flat: often completed within two to three days
- Three-bedroom semi-detached house: typically around a week
- Four or five-bedroom property: a week or more, depending on the number of circuits and how accessible the floor and ceiling voids are
Properties with suspended timber floors and open loft access tend to move faster than those with solid concrete floors, where cables have to be chased into walls rather than run underneath floorboards.
How the Work Is Structured
A rewire is generally split into two stages. First-fix work involves running new cabling through walls, floors and ceilings before any plastering or redecoration, and installing the back boxes for sockets, switches and fittings. Second-fix work happens later, once any plastering has been completed, and involves connecting and fitting the actual sockets, switches, light fittings and the new consumer unit, followed by full testing and certification.
On larger jobs, there is sometimes a gap between first-fix and second-fix to allow plastering to dry properly, which can extend the overall calendar time even though the electrical work itself is not ongoing throughout.
Can You Stay in the Property?
In most cases, yes. We work through a property methodically, room by room, so you are not without power to the whole house for the full duration. As each area is completed, power is restored to it while work continues elsewhere. There will be periods without power in specific rooms while first-fix and testing work is carried out in that area, and it is sensible to plan around this for things like working from home or cooking.
For larger properties or particularly extensive rewires, there may be a need for a short full power-down at certain points, for example when connecting the new consumer unit. If this applies to your job, it will be discussed with you well in advance so you can plan around it, whether that means a short stay elsewhere or simply timing it for a quiet day.
What to Expect Day to Day
Expect some noise and dust while cables are chased into walls, and expect rooms to be partially inaccessible while work is underway in them. Furniture near affected walls, sockets or the consumer unit should ideally be moved clear beforehand. Once first-fix work in a room is finished, that area is generally left tidy until second-fix and finishing work resumes.
What Happens at the End
Once all circuits are wired, connected and tested, you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the work meets BS 7671, the current UK wiring regulations. This document matters for insurance purposes, for any future sale of the property, and as your own record of the work carried out.
Planning Ahead
If you are weighing up whether your property needs a full rewire in the first place, our guide to 7 signs your Tunbridge Wells home needs rewiring covers the common warning signs, and full rewire versus partial rewire explains how to decide on scope. For a cost breakdown by property size, see house rewiring cost in Kent.
Getting a Timeline for Your Property
Every property is different, so the most reliable way to get an accurate timeline is a free site survey, where we assess the layout, access and scope of work needed. Our house rewiring service covers Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and the wider Kent area. Get in touch to arrange a visit and get a clear plan for your project.