Rewiring Cost Guide: How Much to Rewire a House in East Sussex 2026

Understanding the house rewiring cost before committing to the work is essential for budgeting and avoiding surprises. A full rewire is one of the most significant investments you can make in your property's safety and value, and prices vary considerably depending on property size, age, and condition. In East Sussex, a typical full rewire ranges from £2,500 for a small flat to over £10,000 for a large detached house.

This guide provides a transparent, detailed breakdown of rewiring costs across the region in 2026. We cover full rewire prices by property size, partial rewire costs, what is and is not included in a typical quote, the factors that influence pricing, realistic timeframes, and payment options. All prices reflect current rates for qualified, NICEIC-approved electricians in East Sussex.

Please note: all prices in this guide are estimates based on typical East Sussex rates in 2026. Actual costs will depend on your specific property and requirements. We always recommend getting a written quote before any work begins.

Full Rewire Costs by Property Size

The single biggest factor in the full rewire price is the size of your property. More rooms means more cable, more sockets, more light fittings, and more labour hours. Below is a realistic guide to what you can expect to pay for a complete house rewire in East Sussex.

These figures cover a standard rewire in a property of typical construction and reasonable accessibility. The wide ranges reflect the variation between straightforward modern properties and older buildings with more complex requirements.

What do these prices cover?

A full rewire at these prices typically includes stripping out all existing wiring and replacing it with new cable to every room, installing a new consumer unit with RCD or RCBO protection, fitting new sockets and light switches throughout, and full testing and certification. The exact specification will be set out in your written quote.

Why the wide price ranges?

The cost to rewire a 3 bed house can vary by several thousand pounds depending on a range of factors. A 1960s semi-detached with accessible floor voids and a loft will be more straightforward than a 1920s terraced house with solid floors, lath and plaster walls, and limited access points. We explain these cost factors in detail further in this guide.

Partial Rewire Costs

Not every property needs a complete rewire. If some circuits are in good condition and meet current standards, a partial rewire can address the areas that need attention while leaving the rest intact.

Cost per room

The typical rewiring cost per room for a partial rewire in East Sussex is:

When does a partial rewire make sense?

A partial rewire is appropriate when:

• Some circuits are modern and safe -- if your property was partially rewired within the last 20 years and those circuits pass testing, there is no need to replace them
• Specific areas need upgrading -- a kitchen extension, loft conversion, or bathroom renovation may only require rewiring in those areas
• Budget is limited -- a partial rewire addresses the most urgent safety issues while spreading the total cost over time
• The property is being sold -- an EICR has identified specific issues that need resolving before completion

However, a partial rewire is not always cheaper in the long run. If the majority of your wiring is old, replacing it piecemeal means paying multiple callout and setup costs, and the older circuits will still need replacing eventually. We will always give you an honest assessment of whether a full or partial rewire represents better value for your property.

What Is Included in a Rewire Quote

Understanding what is included in a rewiring quote helps you compare quotes fairly and avoid unexpected costs. A comprehensive quote from a reputable electrician should cover the following.

Labour

All electrician labour for the duration of the project, including:

• Stripping out old wiring and fittings
• Running new cables through floors, walls, and ceilings
• First fix (installing cables and back boxes before plastering)
• Second fix (fitting sockets, switches, and light fittings after plastering)
• Consumer unit installation
• All testing and commissioning

Materials

All electrical materials required for the installation:

• Twin and earth cable in the appropriate sizes for each circuit
• New consumer unit with RCD or RCBO protection and surge protection
• Sockets, switches, and light fittings (standard white unless otherwise specified)
• Back boxes, cable clips, junction boxes, and sundry fixings
• Earth and bonding conductors

Testing and Certification

A full rewire is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. Your quote should include:

• Full testing of every circuit using calibrated instruments
• An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) confirming compliance with BS 7671
• Building Control notification via the electrician's competent person scheme (such as NICEIC)
• A schedule of test results for your records

Making Good (Basic)

Most rewiring quotes include basic making good:

• Filling chase marks in walls where cables have been routed
• Replacing lifted floorboards
• Basic patching of holes and access points

The level of making good varies between electricians, so clarify exactly what is included before work begins.

What Is NOT Included in a Rewire Quote

This is where many homeowners are caught out. A rewiring quote, unless explicitly stated otherwise, will typically not include the following.

Plastering

Chasing cables into walls leaves channels that need filling and finishing. While your electrician will fill the chases with a basic filler, professional plastering to restore walls to a smooth, paintable finish is a separate trade. Budget an additional £500 to £1,500 for plastering after a full rewire, depending on the number of rooms and extent of the chasing.

Redecorating

A rewire will disturb wall finishes, ceilings, and paintwork throughout the property. Redecorating after the work is complete is your responsibility unless specifically included in the quote. For a 3-bed house, decorating costs can range from £1,500 to £3,000 if you hire a painter, or considerably less if you do it yourself.

Flooring

Floorboards will be lifted to run cables beneath the floor. Your electrician will replace the boards, but if you have laminate, carpet, or other floor coverings, these may be disturbed and may need replacing. Discuss access routes with your electrician before work starts to minimise disruption to finished flooring.

Furniture Moving

Moving furniture to access walls and floors is generally the homeowner's responsibility. Clearing rooms before the electrician arrives saves time and reduces your labour costs. If you need assistance, discuss this when booking.

External Work

Work to outbuildings, garages, garden lighting, or external sockets is usually quoted separately from the main house rewire.

Factors That Affect Rewiring Cost

Every property is different, and several factors can push the cost of a rewire up or down. Understanding these helps you interpret quotes and plan your budget.

Property Age

Older properties are almost always more expensive to rewire. Victorian and Edwardian homes in Eastbourne, Lewes, and Brighton often have solid walls (requiring surface-mounted trunking or deeper chasing), multiple layers of previous wiring to remove, and unexpected construction details that slow progress. A pre-war property can cost 20-40% more to rewire than a modern equivalent of the same size.

Accessibility

The ease with which cables can be routed through the property has a major impact on labour time. Key factors include:

• Floor voids -- suspended timber floors with accessible voids beneath are ideal for cable routing. Solid concrete floors require surface trunking or routing cables through the walls and ceiling instead
• Loft space -- a clear, accessible loft makes first-floor wiring much simpler
• Wall construction -- stud walls (timber frame with plasterboard) are easier to work with than solid brick or stone walls
• Finished surfaces -- properties with recently plastered walls, fitted kitchens, and built-in wardrobes all present access challenges

Two-Storey Houses vs Bungalows

Bungalows are generally quicker to rewire than two-storey houses of the same floor area. With all rooms on one level and easy loft access above, cable routes are shorter and more straightforward. Two-storey properties require more vertical cable runs and coordination between floors.

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

If your property is listed or in a conservation area, additional restrictions may apply. Listed building consent may be required for any work that affects the character of the building, including surface-mounted trunking or changes to historic fixtures. This adds time, cost, and potentially the need for specialist materials. We have experience working with listed properties across East Sussex and can advise on the requirements.

Number of Sockets and Circuits

The standard rewire specification includes a reasonable number of sockets and lighting points per room. If you want additional double sockets, USB charging points, dedicated home office circuits, or smart home wiring, these will add to the cost. Discuss your requirements at the survey stage so they can be included in the quote.

Electrical Specification

The type of consumer unit and protective devices affects the price. A dual-RCD split-load board is the standard specification. Upgrading to a full RCBO board (where every circuit has individual RCD and overcurrent protection) adds £200-400 to the cost but provides superior protection and convenience, as a fault on one circuit will not affect any others. We recommend RCBO boards for most full rewires.

How Long Does a Rewire Take?

Knowing the timeframe helps you plan around the disruption. A rewire is a significant project, but with good planning it can be managed with minimal inconvenience.

Typical Timeframes

First Fix vs Second Fix

A rewire typically happens in two stages:

First fix is the main disruptive phase. This involves stripping out old wiring, chasing walls, lifting floorboards, running all new cables, and installing back boxes. The property will be without power on certain circuits during this phase, though your electrician will maintain a temporary supply where possible.

Second fix happens after plastering is complete. This is the finishing phase: fitting sockets, switches, light fittings, and the consumer unit, then testing and certifying the installation. Second fix is much less disruptive and typically takes one to three days.

Staging the Work

If you are living in the property during the rewire, the work can often be staged room by room to maintain some normality. Discuss this with your electrician at the planning stage. Key considerations include:

• Kitchen and bathroom -- these are the most disruptive areas to rewire. Plan around mealtimes and consider temporary cooking arrangements
• Power supply -- your electrician will aim to keep at least one working socket available at all times for essentials (kettle, phone charging, fridge)
• Sleeping arrangements -- bedrooms are usually first-fixed in a single day, allowing you to use them in the evening
• Working from home -- if you work from home, identify which room will be last to be disrupted and use it as your temporary office

Can You Stay in the Property?

Yes, in most cases. It is dusty and inconvenient, but entirely possible. Some homeowners choose to move out for the first fix phase and return for the second fix. If the property is empty (for example, if you are renovating before moving in), the work will proceed faster as the electrician has unrestricted access.

Payment Terms

Understanding how payments are structured for a rewire helps you plan your finances and protects both parties.

Typical Payment Structure

Most reputable electricians use a staged payment approach for larger projects like rewires:

What to Expect

• Deposit -- secures your booking in the schedule and covers initial material purchases. A deposit of 10-25% is standard. Be cautious of any electrician requesting more than 30% upfront
• Stage payment -- covers the bulk of materials and labour for the first fix phase. This is usually invoiced when first fix is complete and before plastering begins
• Final payment -- the remaining balance is due on satisfactory completion of the work, after testing, certification, and your sign-off. Never pay the final balance until you have received your Electrical Installation Certificate

Protection

Using a registered electrician provides financial protection. NICEIC-approved contractors like D J Fox Electrical offer insurance-backed guarantees, meaning your investment is protected even if the company were to cease trading. TrustMark registration provides additional consumer protection through the TrustMark framework.

Finance Options

A full rewire is a significant expense, and we understand that not every household can cover the cost in a single payment.

Spreading the Cost

While we do not currently offer formal finance agreements, we are happy to discuss flexible payment arrangements for larger projects. Options that homeowners commonly use include:

• Staged payments -- as described above, spreading the cost across the duration of the project
• Phased rewiring -- completing the work in planned phases over several months, starting with the most urgent areas
• Local authority grants -- some councils offer grants or low-interest loans for essential home improvements, particularly for elderly or vulnerable homeowners. Contact East Sussex County Council or your local district council to check eligibility
• Energy efficiency schemes -- if your rewire is part of a broader energy efficiency upgrade (such as heat pump installation or insulation), you may qualify for government schemes that subsidise electrical work

Getting the Best Value

If budget is a concern, the most important step is to get a thorough survey and an honest assessment of what work is essential now and what can safely wait. We will always tell you if a partial rewire is a practical option for your situation.

Local Pricing: East Sussex and the South East

Electrician rates in East Sussex are influenced by local labour costs, material supply chains, and demand.

Regional Variations

Why Local Matters

Choosing a local electrician for your rewire has practical advantages beyond price:

• No travel surcharge -- a local electrician does not need to factor long travel times into the quote
• Local knowledge -- familiarity with local property types, construction methods, and common wiring issues speeds up the survey and the work
• Accessibility -- if any issues arise after the rewire, your electrician is nearby for prompt attention
• Accountability -- a local business relies on its reputation in the community, which is a strong incentive for quality work

D J Fox Electrical is based in Eastbourne and covers the whole of East Sussex. We do not charge travel supplements for properties within our standard coverage area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my house needs a full rewire?

The most reliable way to find out is to book an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This formal inspection tests your wiring and identifies any defects. Common signs that a rewire may be needed include: wiring older than 25-30 years, old rubber or lead-sheathed cables, a consumer unit without RCD protection, frequent circuit tripping, burn marks on sockets, and a lack of earthing to light fittings. We offer free initial assessments to help you understand the condition of your wiring.

How much does it cost to rewire a 3 bed house in East Sussex?

The cost to rewire a 3 bed house in East Sussex typically ranges from £3,500 to £6,000 in 2026. The exact price depends on the property's age, construction type, accessibility, and the specification of fittings. A 1960s three-bed semi with accessible floors and loft will be towards the lower end. A Victorian three-bed terrace with solid floors and lath-and-plaster walls will be towards the higher end. The best way to get an accurate figure is to request a free survey and written quote.

Can I live in my house during a rewire?

Yes. It is disruptive and dusty, but most homeowners remain in the property throughout. The work can be staged room by room to maintain a liveable environment. You will have temporary power available for essentials. We recommend clearing furniture from rooms before work starts in each area, and having a plan for cooking and bathing during the most disruptive days.

Do I need to redecorate after a rewire?

In most cases, yes. Running new cables involves chasing channels into walls, which requires making good and redecorating afterwards. Your electrician will fill the chases, but professional plastering and painting are separate costs. Some homeowners use a rewire as the catalyst for a wider renovation, which is practical since the walls need attention anyway. Budget approximately £1,500 to £3,000 for plastering and decorating a 3-bed house after a full rewire.

Is a rewire covered by building regulations?

Yes. A full rewire is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations. This means it must either be carried out by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme (such as NICEIC) or be separately notified to and inspected by Building Control. Using a registered electrician is simpler and more cost-effective, as they self-certify the work and handle the Building Control notification on your behalf. You will receive an Electrical Installation Certificate and a Building Control compliance certificate on completion.

Will a rewire add value to my property?

A full rewire does not typically add value in the same way a new kitchen or bathroom does, but it protects your property's existing value and removes a significant barrier to sale. Buyers and their solicitors increasingly request EICRs and electrical safety certificates during conveyancing. A property with a recent rewire and up-to-date certification is far easier to sell than one with outdated wiring that may require thousands of pounds of work. For landlords, a satisfactory EICR is a legal requirement.

Get a Free Rewiring Quote

At D J Fox Electrical, we specialise in domestic rewiring across Eastbourne, Brighton, Lewes, Hailsham, and the whole of East Sussex. As an NICEIC-approved, Part P-registered contractor, every rewire we carry out includes:

• Free home survey and written quotation with no obligation
• All materials, labour, testing, and certification included in the quoted price
• Electrical Installation Certificate and Building Control notification
• Staged payment options to help you manage the cost
• 12-month workmanship guarantee backed by our NICEIC registration
• Insurance-backed guarantee for your peace of mind
• Experienced, qualified electricians who take pride in neat, thorough work

We understand that a rewire is a big decision. We are happy to visit your property, carry out a thorough inspection, explain our findings honestly, and provide a clear, itemised quote with no hidden costs. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Browse our full rewiring service page for more details, or read about our consumer unit upgrades if your fuse box also needs attention.

Ready to find out what your rewire will cost? Request your free home rewiring quote today or call us on [PLACEHOLDER] to arrange a convenient time for your survey. We are here to help with all your electrical needs across East Sussex.