7 Common Mistakes When Hiring an Electrician to Rewire Your Property

Rewiring a property is a major investment in safety, compliance and long-term reliability. But choosing the right electrician, and managing the process correctly, is just as important as the work itself. Making the wrong decisions early on can lead to costly delays, safety issues, or even having to redo the job later.

At SM Electrical, we’ve seen how good planning and communication can make rewiring smooth and stress-free. In this article, we explain seven common mistakes people make when hiring an electrician for a rewire, and how to avoid them.

1. Not Confirming the Electrician’s Qualifications

It’s easy to assume that all electricians are qualified to carry out a rewire, but this isn’t always the case. A full or partial rewire involves notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, and must be carried out by someone who is properly trained, competent and registered with a recognised body.

Before hiring anyone, always check:

• Are they registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or a similar scheme?

• Can they self-certify notifiable work and notify building control?

• Will they issue the correct certificates after the work is completed?

Without these credentials, you may not be able to get the proper paperwork, which can cause problems when selling, insuring, or letting the property in future.

2. Failing to Communicate Your Requirements Clearly

Rewiring is more than just replacing old cables. It’s also a chance to improve the layout and functionality of your electrical system. But unless you communicate your specific needs clearly, the electrician may not include them in the design.

Common examples include:

• Not mentioning plans to change room use (e.g. turning a bedroom into a home office)

• Forgetting to specify where you want sockets, switches or lighting

• Not informing the electrician of future upgrades like EV chargers or electric heating

• Assuming features like USB sockets, dimmers or outdoor lighting are included

To avoid missed opportunities or confusion later, take the time to walk through each room and think about how you’ll use the space. Discuss your expectations in detail before the job starts.

3. Choosing Based on Price Alone

It’s natural to want value for money, but with electrical work, the lowest price isn’t always the best choice. Rewiring takes time, skill and attention to detail. A quote that seems unusually low may mean:

• Limited scope of work

• No certification or building control notification

• Unclear allowances for fixtures, fittings or finish quality

• Corners being cut on materials or safety testing

It’s important to get a detailed written quote, not just a verbal estimate. Check what’s included, and make sure everything you’ve asked for is covered, including testing, certification and finishing.

4. Not Checking What Will Be Disrupted

Rewiring can be disruptive. It often involves:

• Chasing into walls to run new cables

• Lifting floorboards

• Working in lofts or ceiling voids

• Removing old fittings and fixing new ones

One of the most common mistakes is assuming the electrician will leave everything exactly as they found it, including plasterwork, decorations, or flooring.

Before the job begins, clarify:

• Who is responsible for making good afterwards?

• Will plastering or painting be needed?

• Can the work be done in stages to limit disruption in occupied properties?

Being realistic about disruption upfront helps avoid surprises halfway through.

5. Forgetting About Certification and Legal Compliance

Any rewire must be fully tested and certified once complete. However, not all customers are aware of the exact documents they should receive. Without them, the work may not be recognised by building control, insurers or future buyers.

You should expect to receive:

• An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) confirming compliance with BS 7671

• A Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (if the work is notifiable)

These are not optional - they’re legal documents. Always check that the electrician will provide them as part of the job, and don’t make the final payment until they’re received.

6. Overlooking the Timeline

Rewiring isn’t a one-day job. Even small properties can take several days, depending on access, layout and whether the building is occupied during the work. Larger or more complex rewires may take a week or more.

One of the most common issues is underestimating how long the work will take, or not building enough time into renovation schedules.

Before the job starts, make sure:

• You understand how many days the work is expected to take

• You’ve discussed whether you need to move out temporarily

• You know which parts of the property will be unusable and when

A clear schedule reduces stress and helps you plan around the work more effectively.

7. Not Asking About Aftercare or Support

Even after a rewire is completed, it’s helpful to know what support is available if you have questions or issues.

For example:

• Will you be shown how to use the new consumer unit?

• Who do you contact if something stops working afterwards?

• Is there a warranty on the installation?

Some electricians finish the job and move on, but others offer continued support to help you get the most from your new installation. Clarify this before agreeing to the work.

Final Thoughts

Hiring an electrician to rewire your property isn’t just about technical ability, it’s about planning, communication, and choosing someone you trust. Avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money and stress down the line.

Before making a decision, take the time to:

• Check qualifications

• Be clear about your requirements

• Understand what’s included

• Ask about disruption, timescales and certification

Rewiring is an important investment in your property’s future. With the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

This article is for general guidance only. Every property is different. For advice on your specific situation, always consult a qualified electrician.