Buying a house is exciting.
Renovating it before you move in is even better.
But there’s one part of the process that gets overlooked more than almost anything else — and it’s the thing that causes the biggest regrets later:
The electrics
I’ve lost count of the number of homeowners we speak to in Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Bishops Stortford, Epping, Theydon Bois, Loughton and Dunmow who say some version of:
“If I’d known then what I know now, I’d have done the rewire before we moved in.”
This blog is written to stop you becoming one of those people.
If you’ve just bought an older property and you’re planning a renovation before moving in, this will give you a clear, honest picture of:
• when a house actually needs rewiring
• what a rewire really involves (no sugar-coating)
• why timing matters more than most people realise
• and why moving out during a rewire is often the smartest financial decision you can make
First things first: does your house even need rewiring?
Not every property needs a full rewire.
If you’ve bought a modern home — say built within the last 10 years — a rewire is unlikely unless the electrics have been badly altered or DIY’d.
But with older houses, especially those built pre-1990s, it’s very different.
The things we notice immediately when we walk into a house
When we’re asked to quote a rewire, there are a few things that immediately raise eyebrows.
If you notice any of the following, it’s a strong indicator the electrics are outdated — and possibly overdue attention:
Old accessories
Round switches and sockets are a big giveaway. These were common in properties from the early to mid-20th century. If they’re still there, the wiring behind them is often original too — which means it could be 70+ years old.
Sockets on skirting boards
Another classic sign of an older installation. It’s not how modern domestic electrics are designed, and it usually points to a system that hasn’t been properly updated.
An old fuse box (consumer unit)
The fuseboard tells a story.
If you open it up and see rewireable fuses, that alone means the board needs upgrading — and in many cases, it suggests the wiring itself is from the 1980s or earlier.
Modern installations use RCD protection as standard. Older systems often don’t.
DIY electrics everywhere
This is a big one.
If you can see evidence that previous owners have added sockets, moved lights, extended circuits or “had a go themselves”, it doesn’t automatically mean a rewire is required — but it absolutely means the system needs testing.
