Rewiring a House in Sittingbourne: Costs, Timelines & What to Expect
If you live in an older property in Sittingbourne or are planning a renovation, you may be wondering whether your home needs rewiring. Modern electrical safety standards have changed significantly over the last 20–30 years, and many homes in Sittingbourne — especially those built before the 1990s — still have ageing wiring that may no longer be safe or efficient.
This guide explains how rewiring works, how long it takes, what it costs, and the key signs that your Sittingbourne home might be due for an upgrade.
1. Why Do Homes Need Rewiring?
Electrical wiring naturally degrades over time. Old systems can become:
- Worn or brittle
- Overloaded by modern appliances
- Lacking in safety features
- Poorly earthed
- Inconsistent with today’s regulations
If a home hasn’t been rewired in the last 25–30 years, it’s often worth assessing.
2. Signs Your Sittingbourne Home Might Need Rewiring
Here are the most common indicators:
- Frequent tripping or blown fuses
- Warm or buzzing sockets
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Rubber or fabric-wrapped wiring
- A fuse board with no RCD protection
- Burning smells or discoloured sockets
If you’re seeing any of these, a full inspection is recommended.
3. How Much Does a Full Rewire Cost in Sittingbourne?
Costs vary depending on property size and condition, but typical price ranges are:
- 1–2 bed flat: £2,500–£4,000
- 2–3 bed house: £4,000–£6,000
- 4 bed house: £6,000–£8,500+
Additional costs may apply if:
- Walls need chasing
- You’re upgrading a modern consumer unit
- You want extra sockets, lighting or smart features
- Old wiring needs removing from difficult areas
A site visit provides the most accurate estimate.
4. How Long Does a House Rewire Take?
A typical Sittingbourne home rewire takes:
- 3–7 days for small to mid-sized properties
- 7–10 days for larger homes or more complex layouts
Projects take longer if the property is occupied, as electricians have to work around furniture and minimise disruption.
5. What Happens During the Rewire?
A full rewire includes:
- Removing old wiring
- Installing new cables, sockets and switches
- Upgrading the consumer unit (if required)
- Adding modern safety features (RCDs, surge protection, etc.)
- Testing and certification
- Making good on walls where necessary
All work must comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations and be signed off with an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).
6. Should You Stay in the Property During the Rewire?
You can, but it’s often easier to move out temporarily — especially for full rewires. Electricians may need to turn the power off for extended periods, and dust/noise is common during wall chasing.
Many Sittingbourne homeowners choose to stay with friends or family for 2–4 days of the most disruptive work.
7. Rewiring During Renovations
If you’re planning:
- A new kitchen
- A bathroom renovation
- An extension
- A loft conversion
…it makes sense to rewire at the same time. You’ll save money and reduce future disruption.
Ready to Rewire Your Sittingbourne Home?
A full rewire is one of the most valuable investments you can make in an older property. It improves safety, efficiency and future-proofs your home for modern living.
A qualified electrician can assess your current wiring and provide clear advice on the best next steps.