Home Rewire Checklist: What Basingstoke Homeowners Should Know Before Starting

Rewiring your home is one of the most important upgrades you can make — improving electrical safety, increasing energy efficiency, and bringing your property up to modern standards.

If you’re a Basingstoke homeowner planning a rewire, this checklist will explain exactly what you need to know before work begins, helping you prepare properly and avoid unnecessary delays.

 

 

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1. Confirm Whether You Actually Need a Rewire

Before committing to a full rewire, check the signs your electrical system may be outdated or unsafe:

• • Frequent tripping circuits

• • Burn marks around sockets or switches

• • Old fuse box instead of an RCD consumer unit

• • Aluminium or rubber wiring

• • Lack of earthing or bonding

• • Sockets that spark, buzz, or feel warm

• • Poor lighting performance or flickering lights

If you’re unsure, book a professional electrical inspection in Basingstoke for confirmation.

 

 

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2. Understand How Long a Rewire Takes

A full rewire typically takes:

• • 2–4 days for a small / medium flat

• • 4–7 days for a 3-bedroom house

• • 1–2 weeks for large properties

Timelines depend on factors like access, plaster type, and whether the home is occupied during the job.

 

 

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3. Decide Whether You’ll Stay in the Property

Rewiring can be disruptive. Walls are chased, floorboards lifted, and dust is unavoidable. You’ll need to decide:

✔ Stay in the home?

Expect noise, downtime without power, and areas being sealed off.

✔ Move out temporarily?

A better option for families, vulnerable residents, or remote workers.

Your electrician will help you plan for the safest and least disruptive option.

 

 

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4. Prepare Your Home Before Work Starts

Here’s what to do 1–2 days before the rewire begins:

• • Move furniture away from walls

• • Lift rugs and remove delicate items

• • Clear loft spaces if cabling runs above ceilings

• • Protect or remove curtains and blinds

• • Identify rooms that must remain usable (e.g., bathroom)

• • Provide access to your consumer unit, meter cupboard, and storage spaces

The clearer the workspace, the faster and cleaner the job will be.

 

 

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5. Finalise Your New Electrical Layout

Most homeowners take the opportunity to upgrade their layout. Decide on:

• • Number of sockets per room

• • USB-socket upgrades

• • Smart switches or lighting zones

• • Outdoor sockets or security lighting

• • Kitchen appliance layout

• • Ethernet or media wiring

• • EV charger point preparation

A rewire is the perfect moment to future-proof your home.

 

 

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6. Confirm That All Work Will Be Building Regulations Compliant

Your electrician must be:

• • NICEIC or NAPIT registered

• • Part P compliant

• • Able to issue installation certificates

• • Fully insured

This ensures your home meets all UK safety requirements and protects you when selling the property.

 

 

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7. Know What Happens After the Rewire

When work is completed, you should receive:

• • Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)

• • Part P Building Regulations Certificate

• • Warranty or workmanship guarantee

• • Updated consumer unit labelling

• • Test results for all circuits

Keep these documents safe — they are essential for insurance and future property sales.

 

 

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Thinking About Rewiring Your Basingstoke Home?

A safe, modern rewire doesn’t have to be stressful — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.