Does Your House Need Rewiring? - Look Out For These Warning Signs

Wed, May 15, 2024 16:06 CET

Electricity is something that most homeowners take for granted, and most don't give much thought to it. However, in some cases, your home may need to be rewired for safety and efficiency. If your home does need to be rewired, you could be putting your home and your family at risk if you don't do something about it. Faulty or old wiring can be dangerous and may lead to shocks or fires.

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Rewiring your house can be quite a large job, but it’s definitely worth it when you consider the dangers that may come. Homeowners should be aware of the potential warning signs that your home’s wiring needs to be replaced. Below, electrical expert Eric Davis at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created a list of the four most common signs that your home needs to be rewired. Eric also provides some information on the benefits of rewiring a house, what the job involves, and how long it takes to complete.

The Signs That Your House May Need Rewiring

Discoloured or Scorched Switches or Sockets

If you notice any black or brown marks on your electrical sockets, this may be a result of some tiny fires caused by loose connections within the sockets. These loose connections can create small arcs of electricity and fire.

Even if there are no scorch marks present, this doesn't necessarily mean that there are no problems present. The arching may occur within the wiring inside the walls and, therefore, won't be visible from the outside. However, if you notice any discolouration on your sockets or switches, don't ignore them. This may be an issue that becomes a lot more dangerous if it isn't dealt with properly and timely.

Fuses blowing Repeatedly

If the fuses in your home blow repeatedly, regularly, and randomly, this could signify that your house needs to be rewired. However, it may also be that you have a faulty appliance that is causing these issues.

However, if you notice that fuses keep blowing and you can’t identify an appliance that may be causing the issue, it would be worth getting a professional electrician to come out and check out the wiring in your home.

If Your House Is Old

If you live in a property that is more than 30 years old and you’re not sure if it’s been rewired in the past, you should get a professional electrician to come out and complete an inspection on your home’s wiring to make sure everything is working as it should. Similarly, if you have any old-looking sockets, switches, or fuse boxes, you should get these checked out too.

Persistent Smell of Burning

If you haven't burned your food recently and there's a burning smell you can't seem to get rid of, this may be a sign that your house needs to be rewired. If there is a burning smell in your home and you can't quite locate the source, turn your home's electrical power off at the circuit and then contact an electrician right away.

Electrical burning smells tend to replicate the smell of fish. If you notice anything that doesn't smell quite right, it's not worth taking the risk. Contact a professional electrician who will come and complete an inspection of your home's wiring to ensure there are no issues.

What Does a House Rewiring Job Involve?

A house rewiring is a process where a single electrician or a team of electricians will remove all of the electrical wiring in every single room of your home. All of the sockets, lights and switches will also be removed so that they can be replaced with new, modern alternatives.

The work can be quite disruptive as the walls will need to be cut into so that new wiring can be hidden, and your floorboards will also need to be removed so that cables can be fed between them. With this in mind, it's best to carry out a rewiring job when you're planning on redecorating or remodelling your house anyway.

Rewiring your house makes your electrics much safer and more reliable. It also gives you the opportunity to add more sockets, lights, and switches as needed. You can even completely move the location of your sockets and switches, allowing you to customise the room to exactly how you want it.

What Are the Benefits of Rewiring a House?

Safety

The main reason why you should get your home rewired is to improve the safety of your electrics. This ensures that you and your family remain as safe as possible, and it prevents the possibility of any electrical problems.

Cheaper Insurance

Most home insurers will provide cheaper insurance to those who have a more reliable electrical system. If you get your electrics regularly services too, then you can expect a great deal of savings on your home insurance. Insurers recognise how dangerous old and faulty electrical systems can be.

Add Value to the Home

Upgrading the electrical system in your home can increase your home’s value by hundreds and even thousands of pounds once it’s been signed off by an inspector. Old electrical systems can instantly put people off wanting to purchase your home whereas new systems are very desirable to potential buyers.

Save Money on Bills

Old and faulty wirings can often be the cause of high electricity bills. When you have your home rewired, all of the old and faulty wiring will be removed and replaced with modern, efficient wiring. You’ll notice your electricity bills will reduce significantly as soon as your new wiring system is in place.

Prevent Malfunctions

Faulty wiring around your home can affect your appliances – even some of your bigger appliances. As a homeowner, you will want to ensure that all of your appliances are in good working order. If you leave faulty wiring, it can start to cause disruptions and could end up costing you a lot of money in appliance repairs or replacements.

Reduce Chances of Power Cut

Power cuts are never fun. Electrical surges are usually the main cause of a power cut, and they can occur for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is faulty electrical wiring. When you have a home rewiring, you eliminate the chances of this occurring because you'll upgrade all of your old and faulty wires for new wiring.

How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House?

One of the most important things to think about when taking on any kind of house job is the time that the work is going to take. The timescales of your electrical work will have an effect on the cost of labour as the longer the job takes, the longer you will be required to pay for the contractor.

There are a number of factors that can affect how long it will take to complete a house rewiring. The main factors include the size of the house, the level of rewiring needed, and whether the electrician runs into any complications during the installation process.

On average, you can expect the work to take around 5-9 days to complete. This involves all the steps including removing the old wiring system, replacing the wires, and replacing all of the sockets, light fittings, and switches.

Final Thoughts

If you're noticing any of the warning signs mentioned above, it's crucial to consult a qualified electrician. They can assess your home's electrical system and recommend the best course of action, whether it's repairs, upgrades, or a full rewire.

Remember, ignoring electrical problems can be dangerous and costly. Taking proactive steps now will ensure your home is safe and your electrical system functions efficiently for years to come. So don't hesitate to call in a professional – your peace of mind and safety are worth the investment.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.