If you’re planning to rewire your home, you’re probably wondering what the process actually involves. Rewiring is one of the most important electrical upgrades you can make — but it’s also one of the most disruptive, which is why it helps to know what to expect.
At CIR Electrical Ltd, we carry out safe, efficient house rewires across Manchester and the North West. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of what happens when we rewire a house.
Step 1: Survey and Quotation
Every rewire begins with a detailed survey. We’ll visit your property to assess the existing wiring, note your electrical needs (sockets, switches, lighting points), and understand how you live in the space.
We’ll then provide a clear, fixed-price quote based on your property size and layout. For a free quote, get in touch here.
Step 2: Planning and Layout
Next, we’ll create an electrical layout based on your preferences. This includes:
- Where you want sockets, switches and lights
- Any special additions (USB sockets, spotlights, smart controls)
- Routing cables in the least disruptive way
We’ll also agree on whether you want the rewire done in one go, or in stages, which many customers choose to reduce disruption.
Step 3: First Fix – Running the Cables
This is where the real work begins. The “first fix” stage involves:
- Removing old wiring and accessories
- Chasing out walls to run new cables
- Lifting floorboards or ceiling voids where needed
- Installing back boxes for sockets and switches
This stage is the most invasive, especially in finished homes. That’s why we always aim to work cleanly, protect surfaces, and plan the job in logical phases (downstairs first, upstairs second, for example).
Step 4: Second Fix – Making It All Work
Once the new cables are installed, we return for the “second fix.” This involves:
- Fitting sockets, switches, and lighting
- Installing the new consumer unit (fuse board)
- Testing and certifying every circuit
At this stage, your new electrical system comes to life — safe, modern, and compliant with current Part P Building Regulations.
Step 5: Clean Up and Certification
We take pride in leaving your home tidy and ready for decoration. Once the work is complete:
- You’ll receive a full NAPIT Electrical Installation Certificate
- We notify Building Control where required
- You’re covered by our 5-year workmanship guarantee
We complete all our own plastering, unless you want to use your own plasterers in which case we can leave everything ready for them to come in and skim straight over everything.
How Long Does a Rewire Take?
Most house rewires take around:
- 3–4 days for small properties (1–2 beds)
- 5–7 days for medium homes (3–4 beds)
- 7–10+ days for large or complex properties
If you’re living in the property during the work, we’ll coordinate the job to reduce stress and keep power running where possible. Many customers rewire during holidays or while staying with family.
Want to Learn More?
Rewiring is a big job, but with the right team, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Learn more about the process:
- What Does It Mean to Rewire a House?
- Will I Need a Rewire? Signs to Look Out For
- How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
Get Your Free Rewire Quote Today
At CIR Electrical Ltd, we’re experts in home rewiring — and we’ll guide you every step of the way. From your first survey to final certification, we’re clean, courteous, and fully insured.
Still got questions? Call us now or start a WhatsApp chat with our team.