House rewiring in the Cotswolds

What a rewire involves

A full rewire has two stages. In the first fix, the electrician runs new cables and fits back boxes. Floors come up and walls get channels, called chases. In the second fix, after the plasterer, the electrician fits the sockets, switches, lights and consumer unit.

A partial rewire replaces only some circuits. An EICR shows which circuits are safe to keep.

Most rewires of an occupied home take one to two weeks. Plan for dust and for days without power in some rooms. Many people move out for the first fix.

Local factors in the Cotswolds

Cotswold stone walls are thick and hard to chase. Electricians often run cables under floors, in roof spaces, or in surface trunking or conduit instead.

Many older homes have lime plaster. Lime needs a lime repair, not modern gypsum, so ask who makes good the walls.

If your home is listed, work that affects its character may need listed building consent. This can include chasing historic plaster or moving old features. Check the Historic England list, and ask the council's conservation officer before work starts.

Rural homes often have overhead supplies and their own earth rod. A rewire is a good time to test and upgrade the earthing.

Signs you need a rewire

The clearest sign is an EICR that finds old or damaged cables on many circuits. Other signs are below.

• Cables with black rubber or fabric covering, or lead-covered cables.
• An old fuse box with fuse wire, or no RCD protection.
• Sockets fitted in skirting boards, or too few sockets for modern use.
• Scorch marks, a burning smell, or crackling from switches or sockets.
• Electrical Safety First says homes over 50 years old should have the electrics checked and updated.

The rules

A rewire is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, because it installs new circuits. Approved Document P gives the guidance.

An electrician on a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, can self-certify the work. They give you an Electrical Installation Certificate. Within 30 days, you get a Building Regulations compliance certificate, and the scheme tells building control.

All new wiring must meet BS 7671. The current version is BS 7671:2018 with Amendment 4:2026. Amendment 3 stays valid until 15 October 2026.

Landlords must keep a rented home safe under the 2020 rules. A rewire often follows an unsatisfactory landlord EICR.

What to ask a firm

Ask each firm the same questions, so you can compare quotes fairly.

• Are you registered with a competent person scheme, so you can self-certify the work?
• How will you route cables in stone walls? Will you use surface conduit anywhere?
• Who makes good the walls and floors? Is plastering in the price?
• Have you worked on listed buildings, and will you help with the conservation officer?
• What certificates will I get at the end?

Questions

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