Rewire Electrician Leeds

A rewire is a huge job and should be carried out with great care and attention. At DP Electrical Specialists, we also understand it’s a huge financial investment too - not to mention the stress of choosing someone you trust. Rest assured, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. You’ll also learn more about the rewire itself, what’s involved and how you as a homeowners can best prepare.  

How often does a home need rewiring?

Generally, a full electrical rewire is recommended every 25 to 30 years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the original installation, how well it’s been maintained, and how your household’s electrical needs have changed over time. Older homes - especially those built before the 1980s - often have wiring that’s no longer compliant with modern electrical safety standards. Materials such as rubber, lead, or fabric-insulated wiring can degrade over time, creating potential fire or shock risks.

If you’ve recently bought an older property in Leeds or are planning major renovations, it’s a good idea to have the wiring checked by a qualified electrician before you begin.

Signs you might need a rewire

It’s not always obvious when a rewire is needed, but there are some key warning signs to look out for:

• Flickering or dimming lights - especially when using multiple appliances.
• Regularly tripping fuses.
• Discoloured or cracked sockets and switches.
• A burning smell coming from sockets. 
• A green goo like substance leaking from your fuse board. 
• Lack of sockets (a clue that the system hasn’t been updated for modern electrical demand).
• Old-style fuse boxes with rewireable fuses instead of modern circuit breakers.

If you’re unsure, DP Electrical Specialists can carry out a full electrical inspection (known as an EICR) to assess the safety and condition of your wiring. This report will tell you if a rewire is necessary - the option of a partial rewire may be sufficient.

What’s involved in a rewire?

A full rewire involves replacing all the electrical cables, sockets, switches, and lighting circuits throughout your home. It’s usually done in two stages:

• First Fix (Before Plastering or Decorating): This is when all the old wiring is removed, and new cables are installed within the walls, floors, and ceilings. New back boxes for sockets and switches are fitted too. It can be a messy job, so most homeowners prefer to do this before decorating or renovating.
• Second Fix (After Plastering): Once the walls are finished, your electrician will install the sockets, switches, and light fittings, connect everything to the consumer unit (fuse box), and fully test the system to ensure it meets current safety standards.

The entire process for an average three-bedroom home typically takes around 5 to 10 days, depending on the property’s size and condition.

How to prepare for a rewire

Because a rewire is invasive work, there are a few steps you can take to make things run smoothly:

• Clear rooms as much as possible before work starts.
• Discuss your needs with your electrician - for example, where you want extra sockets and switches.
• Plan for some disruption - you may need to move out temporarily, especially if it’s a full rewire.

At DP Electrical Specialists, we’ll always work with you to minimise disruption and keep you informed at every step. Our goal is to leave you with a safe, modern, and efficient electrical system that will serve you well for decades to come.

As trusted rewire electricians in Leeds, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing, clear communication, and high-quality workmanship. All our rewires are carried out to the latest BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, and every project is fully certified on completion. For more information on home rewires, contact DP Electrical Specialists - our friendly team is always happy to help.