re-wiring of house

[goodwood]

can anyone tell me how often an older house dating from 1850 would need re-wiring - apparently it was last done about 30 years ago - and how much does it cost approximately.

I think it depends on how well the last rewire was done in the 1980s.

If you still have 'original rubber' cable then a rewire will need doing sooner or later - as the rubber will perish.

Also PVC cable is normally thought to be OK for 25 years, it can last longer, but sometimes it becomes brittle.

Moreover, Electrical regulations now require that an RCD (residual current device) - a type of safty trip fuse should be used on each circuit. A house rewired in the 1980s probably won't have this type of fuseboard.

Also, nowadays some appliances need cable that can handle greater amps (power) than was probably put in during the last rewire - for example storage heater.

Cost would be dependent on the size of the house and how much work needs to be done. Also costs might include replastering and redecoration (most electricians will cut channels in the walls to feed new cable to sockets). A rewire really dose make an enormouse mess.

My 1950s 3 bed semi cost £4000 to rewire, including some dodgy plastering and no redecoration - I did this part myself.

Should have also noted that the quotes we had went from £4000 to £7000 for the same job.

A rewire would need certificating - I'd only use an electrician who is qualified and able to do certification.

Rewiring a house costs the same as buying a used car.

In England and Wales, it is pretty well essential to use a contractor who is a member of a Competent Persons scheme and can self-certify. Preferably not a recent joiner, or a Domestic Installer since this is the minimum level.

the age of the house is irrelevant, it's the age of the cable that matters

We've just had our 30s semi done for £2500 but this also included putting in new sockets etc. However, we've still got to get the chasing plastered so it will prob be nearer £3k.

It's a hideous messy job but luckily the house was empty when it was done.