Can You Do a Partial Rewire on a House?

Rewiring is one of the most important electrical jobs you can have done in your home or business. It keeps your wiring safe, compliant, and able to handle the demands of modern appliances. But what if you do not need a full rewire? Many properties only require work on part of the system. This is known as a partial rewire.

In this guide, we explain when a partial rewire is possible, how it works, and what you can expect during the process.

What Is a Partial Rewire?

A partial rewire involves replacing or upgrading only part of a property’s electrical wiring, rather than the whole system.

This might include:

• Rewiring one or two rooms

• Upgrading the consumer unit (fuse box) and certain circuits

• Adding new wiring for an extension or loft conversion

• Replacing damaged wiring in one area after a fault

It is common in both domestic and commercial settings. For example, our rewiring services for Wolverhampton businesses often focus on just one area, such as a new office suite or shop floor, while the rest of the building remains in use.

When Is a Partial Rewire Suitable?

A qualified electrician will carry out an inspection to decide if partial rewiring is the right choice. Factors include:

1. Age and condition of the existing wiring

   • If the rest of the wiring is modern and in good condition, a partial rewire is usually an option.

   • If much of it is old, brittle, or unsafe, a full rewire may be more cost-effective in the long run.

2. Compatibility

   • New wiring must connect safely to the existing system. If the old and new wiring types do not match, the job may not be safe.

3. Regulations

   • All work must meet current UK wiring regulations (BS 7671). This means the updated areas will be brought up to modern standards.

4. Extent of the problem

   • If faults are isolated to one area, partial rewiring can work well.

   • If problems are spread throughout, it may be better to rewire the entire property.

Common Reasons for a Partial Rewire

Partial rewiring is often carried out for:

• Renovations – Adding new sockets, lighting, or circuits during home improvements.

• Extensions – Wiring new rooms while leaving the rest of the house untouched.

• Loft or garage conversions – Installing new circuits for converted spaces.

• Damage repair – Replacing wiring after leaks, rodent damage, or accidental cuts.

• Upgrading safety – Adding RCD protection, earthing, or a new consumer unit without changing all the wiring.

Many homeowners in the West Midlands also choose a partial rewire when carrying out kitchen or bathroom renovations, as these projects often require new circuits but leave the rest of the property’s wiring intact.

How the Process Works

The process depends on the size of the job, but generally includes:

1. Inspection and testing

   • Your electrician will test the existing wiring to check it can safely connect with new installations.

   • This may involve insulation resistance tests, continuity checks, and assessing the earthing.

2. Planning

   • A detailed plan shows which circuits or rooms need rewiring.

   • The design also considers socket and switch placement, lighting layouts, and potential future needs.

3. Installation

   • The chosen wiring is removed and replaced with new cabling, fittings, and accessories.

   • All work is completed to BS 7671 standards by a NICEIC-registered electrician.

4. Testing and certification

   • Once complete, the installation is tested to ensure it meets safety regulations.

   • You receive certification for your records, confirming compliance.

Minimising Disruption

One of the main concerns for property owners is how disruptive the work will be.

Our team of electricians in Wolverhampton work hard to keep disruption to a minimum by:

• Completing the job room by room, so you can still use other areas

• Covering furniture and floors to protect against dust

• Offering out-of-hours work for commercial clients to avoid downtime

• Using careful chasing and drilling techniques to minimise wall damage

If the wiring is in plastered walls, some chasing will be necessary, but this will always be explained before work begins.

Cost Factors

The cost of a partial rewire depends on:

• The number of rooms or circuits involved

• Whether new sockets, switches, or lighting are added

• The complexity of the installation

• How accessible the wiring is (e.g. under floors, in ceilings, or within walls)

While it is usually less expensive than a full rewire, a partial rewire still requires skilled work and proper testing. Choosing a qualified professional ensures your system is safe and fully compliant.

Safety First

Even when only part of a property is being rewired, safety is the top priority.

By using a NICEIC-registered electrician, you can be confidentthat the work meets all relevant standards. This is essential for avoiding hazards like electric shocks or fire, and for ensuring the installation passes inspection.

Domestic and Commercial Applications

Partial rewiring is useful for:

• Homes – Updating electrics in specific rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or loft conversions.

• Commercial premises – Upgrading wiring in offices, retail spaces, or warehouses without interrupting the rest of the business.

In both cases, careful planning ensures the work is completed with minimal disruption and to the highest safety standards.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can do a partial rewire on a house, and in many cases, it is the most practical option. The key is making sure the rest of your wiring is in good condition and that the work is carried out by a qualified, registered electrician.

If you are unsure whether your property needs a partial or full rewire, a professional inspection will provide clear answers and give you confidence in the safety of your system.