Do I Need to Rewire Before Renovating My Home?

Do I Need to Rewire Before Renovating My Home?

If you’re planning a home renovation in Bristol—whether it’s a kitchen refurb, an extension, or a full property update—you might be wondering:

“Do I need to rewire before I renovate?”

The short answer: Yes—if your electrics are outdated, unsafe, or not up to modern standards. Trying to upgrade your home around an old electrical system can lead to delays, extra cost, and in some cases, tearing out fresh plaster or new fittings. 😬

Here’s what to know before you start swinging a hammer—or booking in your builder!

Signs You May Need a Rewire Before Renovating

• Flickering lights or regular tripping
• Old style fuse boards (not consumer units)
• Single sockets or lack of outlets
• Rubber or fabric-insulated wiring
• No RCD protection or earth bonding

We often come across these issues in homes built before the 1970s—especially in areas like Hanham, Kingswood, and Downend.

Book an EICR (electrical inspection) here to be sure.

Why You Should Rewire Before You Renovate

Rewiring is a “first fix” job. That means the cabling runs through the structure of the house—under floorboards, inside walls, through ceilings. Once a renovation is complete, it becomes significantly harder (and more expensive) to access these areas.

If you renovate first and then discover you need a rewire, you may need to:

• Remove new plasterwork or décor
• Damage new kitchen or bathroom installations
• Re-lift flooring or tiles
• Delay your overall timeline

Planning the electrics first can save you thousands in the long run.

Common Projects That May Require Rewiring First

• Kitchen Renovations: Often need upgraded cabling for ovens, hobs, under-unit lighting and more. See our Kitchen Rewire service.
• Extensions & Loft Conversions: Should be integrated with the existing system safely and to code.
• Bathroom Upgrades: Need specific RCD-protected circuits and earth bonding for safety.
• Whole-Home Modernisation: Ideal time to rewire fully while other works are ongoing.

How Burridge Electrical Can Help

We work closely with builders, kitchen fitters, and renovation teams to time the electrical work just right. That means no delays, no double work, and a result that’s built to last.

Here’s what we offer:

• Free initial survey and honest advice
• Rewiring planned to your renovation timeline
• All work certified to NAPIT and Part P standards
• Local expertise in Bristol’s varied property styles