Does Rewiring a House Cause Damage?

Rewiring is one of the most important electrical upgrades you can carry out, but it does involve some disruption. Homeowners often worry about the impact on their property, especially when it comes to walls, ceilings, and décor.

In this article, we’ll explain what kind of damage can occur during a rewire, how much is unavoidable, and what a skilled electrician can do to minimise it.

Why Rewiring Can Cause Damage

Rewiring means removing old cables and installing new ones throughout your home. This often requires:

• Chasing walls – Cutting narrow channels into plaster or plasterboard to run new cables to sockets and switches

• Lifting floorboards – Accessing wiring routes beneath floors

• Drilling access points – Creating small holes to feed cables through walls and ceilings

While necessary for safety and compliance, these steps can leave some visible marks that need repairing afterwards.

How Much Damage Should You Expect?

The extent of damage depends on factors such as:

• The age and construction of the property

• Whether the wiring runs are accessible through lofts or under floors

• How many new sockets or switches are being added

In homes with solid plaster walls, more chasing may be required. Properties with accessible voids can often be rewired with far less disturbance.

Minimising Disruption

A professional rewiring service will take steps to keep damage to a minimum:

• Planning cable routes carefully to avoid unnecessary chasing

• Using existing conduits or voids where possible

• Protecting furniture, floors, and fixtures before work begins

• Working in small, controlled sections to contain dust and debris

Repair and Restoration

After the electrical work is complete, channels and holes are filled, ready for redecorating. If you’re already planning to redecorate or renovate, rewiring can be timed to fit into that schedule, avoiding extra work later.

Why It’s Worth It

Any cosmetic damage from rewiring is temporary, but the safety benefits are long-lasting. Our NICEIC-certified electricians ensure your wiring is safe, compliant, and ready to meet the demands of modern living, making the short-term disruption well worth it.

Final Thoughts

Yes, rewiring a house can cause some minor damage to walls, ceilings, and floors, but most of it is repairable. With a skilled electrician, disruption is kept to a minimum, and your home is left safe, compliant, and ready for the future.