If you are thinking about getting your house rewired, one of the first questions you will probably have is how long the whole thing is going to take. The honest answer is that it depends on a few things, but here is a straightforward breakdown so you know what to expect.
Typical Timeframes by Property Size
As a rough guide, here is how long a full rewire typically takes in Cornwall:
- 1 or 2 bedroom flat or cottage, usually 2 to 3 days
- 3 bedroom house, typically 3 to 5 days
- 4 or 5 bedroom house, usually 5 to 7 days, sometimes longer
- Larger or more complex properties, 7 days or more depending on the layout
These are guidelines rather than guarantees. Every property is different, and things like the age of the building, how accessible the floors and walls are, and whether any other work is happening at the same time can all affect the timeframe.
What Affects How Long It Takes?
The size of the property
Straightforward enough, more rooms means more circuits, more sockets and more cable to run. A large five-bedroom house will naturally take longer than a two-bedroom flat.
The age and construction of the building
Older properties with solid walls take longer to rewire than modern homes with stud walls. Running cables through solid stone or brick walls, which is common in older Cornish cottages, involves more chasing and more time to finish neatly.
Whether it is a full or partial rewire
A partial rewire, replacing just the upstairs circuits, for example, or updating specific rooms, will obviously take less time than doing the whole house. Ryan will assess exactly what needs doing and be clear about what is and is not included in the quote.
Whether other trades are involved
If your rewire is happening alongside building work, plastering or decorating, the electrical work may need to happen in stages. Ryan is used to coordinating with other trades and will work around the wider project schedule.
Ryan's tip: Get Ryan involved early if you are planning a renovation. Sorting the first fix electrical work before plastering is done saves time, money and holes in your walls later.
Do You Need to Move Out?
Most people stay in their home during a rewire. Ryan works room by room so there is always somewhere to be, and he will plan the work schedule around you to minimise the disruption to daily life.
There will be times during the job when the power is off to certain areas of the house, but Ryan will always let you know in advance so you can plan around it. Full power outages are usually short and scheduled for times that cause the least inconvenience.
How Much Mess is There?
A rewire does involve chasing cables into walls and lifting floorboards, which creates dust and debris. Ryan takes care to keep this to a minimum and always tidies up at the end of each day.
Some areas of plasterwork may need to be made good after the cables are chased in. Ryan will be honest about what will and will not need attention afterwards so you can factor it into your decorating plans.
What Happens at the End?
Once the rewire is complete, Ryan will carry out a full test and inspection of all the new wiring. As a NAPIT registered contractor he will issue you with an Electrical Installation Certificate on the day the job is signed off. This is the official certificate for the work and you will need it if you ever sell the property.
How to Get a Rewire Quote in Cornwall
The best way to get an accurate price and timeframe is to have Ryan come out and take a look. He offers free no-obligation surveys across Cornwall and will give you a clear fixed price with no hidden extras.
Give him a call on 07454 384308 or use the contact form here.
Need a Rewire Quote in Cornwall?
Ryan covers the whole of Cornwall. Free survey, clear quote, no pressure.