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A Step-by-Step Guide to Rewiring Your Home 

Electrical systems don’t last forever. If you live in an older property—or you’ve recently bought a home built before 1990—it may be time to ask the question: when does a house need rewiring? Rewiring might not be the most exciting home improvement, but it’s one of the most important for safety, compliance, and modern living. 

Many homeowners don’t realise how outdated wiring can increase fire risks or limit the use of today’s tech. Whether it’s a full or partial rewire, knowing what to look out for and what to expect can make the process far less daunting. 


How Do You Know If Your House Needs Rewiring? 

So, when does a house need rewiring? There are several telltale signs that could suggest your wiring is no longer up to standard. If any of the following apply to your home, it’s worth booking a professional assessment: 

  • Old-Style Fuse Box: If your home still uses a fuse board with rewireable fuses, it’s likely time for an upgrade. 
  • Frequent Tripping or Blown Fuses: This could indicate overloaded circuits or deteriorating wiring. 
  • Flickering or Dimming Lights: A sign that the current electrical system isn’t coping. 
  • Discoloured Sockets or Switches: These can signal heat damage, pointing to underlying wiring faults. 
  • Lack of Sockets in Rooms: Older homes often lack the number of sockets needed for modern use. 
  • Surface-Mounted Cables or Sockets on Skirting Boards: This outdated setup is common in older domestic electrical installations. 

Wondering how often should a house be rewired? As a general rule, properties should be checked every 10 years for landlords and every 25 years for homeowners. But if your property hasn’t been looked at in decades, now’s the time. 

What Are the Risks of Old or Faulty Wiring? 

It’s important to ensure you have safe home electrics, as ignoring outdated wiring doesn’t just mean inconvenience—it can be dangerous. Old or deteriorating wiring poses serious risks to both your property and your personal safety. 

One of the most concerning dangers is the potential for electrical fires. Many older systems lack proper insulation and modern circuit protection, making them far more susceptible to overheating and ignition. 

Exposed or faulty wires also increase the likelihood of electric shocks, which can be harmful or even life-threatening. For landlords, outdated wiring can lead to failed safety inspections—potentially preventing you from renting out your property and incurring penalties. 

There are also financial implications. Leaving outdated wiring in place can lead to higher repair costs over time as problems escalate. Worse still, some insurance policies may refuse to cover fire damage if it’s linked to wiring that wasn’t properly maintained or replaced. 

So, while you must consider the house rewiring cost, UK customers should bear in mind that it’s a smart and necessary investment. It safeguards your property, reduces long-term expenses, and ensures full compliance with UK safety standards


Our Home Rewiring Process – Step by Step 

At Mission Road Electrical, our electrical services cover domestic rewiring across Dorset and the South Coast with a clear, professional approach. We’ll explain full vs partial rewire, suggest which is right for you and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience thanks to our 5-step process: 

1. Initial Inspection 

We start by assessing your current electrical system. This includes checking the fuse board, sockets, lighting, and wiring condition. We’ll also look at the property layout to understand your needs and suggest potential upgrades. 

2. Quotation and Timeline 

Once the inspection’s done, we provide a clear quote with a detailed scope of work. You’ll know exactly what’s included—from the cost of rewiring your house to any optional extras like USB outlets or energy-efficient LED lighting. 

3. Scheduling and Preparation 

We’ll agree on a start date that suits you and guide you through the prep. For larger jobs, we may need access to wall cavities or underfloor spaces, so a bit of furniture shifting may be required. Don’t worry—we keep disruption to a minimum. 

4. The Rewire 

Our NICEIC qualified and MCS-certified electricians carry out the work safely and efficiently. Whether you need a full or partial rewire, we use high-quality, regulation-compliant materials throughout. If you’re interested, we can also add extra sockets, install smart tech points, or future-proof your home for solar PV systems. 

5. Testing and Certification 

Once the wiring is complete, we thoroughly test everything and issue a certificate of compliance. This documentation confirms your system meets the latest UK regulations and is safe for everyday use.


Why Choose Mission Road Electrical? 

Homeowners and landlords across Dorset and the South Coast choose us for reliable, high-quality domestic electrical installation. Established in 2020, we’re a highly accredited contractor, so you know your home is in expert hands. 

We offer competitive pricing, clear communication, and a 100% guarantee on all parts and labour. Our team handles full or partial rewires with minimal disruption, even in lived-in homes. We also help modernise your property by advising on smart technology, energy-saving upgrades, and future-ready features like EV charging or solar integration. 

So, when you spot the signs you need to rewire your house or commercial property, we’re the company to choose. Safe, efficient, and future-focused—that’s how we work. 


Ready to Rewire? Get in Touch 

If you’ve Googled ‘when does a house need rewiring?’, remember that any property built before 1990, showing signs of wear and tear, likely could do with a professional inspection. Old wiring isn’t just inefficient—it can be unsafe. 

At Mission Road Electrical, we make rewiring simple, safe, and smart. From first-time buyers to experienced landlords, we’ve helped hundreds of domestic customers across Dorset future-proof their homes. Use our online contact form to request a free inspection or give our highly accredited team a call on 01202 283643

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