What is the average cost for a full rewire of a 3-bed house?

The average cost ranges from £3,500 to £5,500 in 2026, depending on location and job specifics.

How much do electricians charge per day in the UK?

Electricians typically charge between £200 and £350 per day, with rates in London often exceeding £400.

How do I calculate the cost of materials for a full rewire?

Materials can add £1,500 to £3,000 to your quote, depending on quality and specifications required.

What factors can increase the cost of a rewire?

Factors include additional rooms, upgrades to materials, and unexpected issues found during the work.

How long does a full rewire take for a 3-bed house?

A full rewire can take between 5 to 10 days, depending on the complexity of the project.

Full rewire of a 3-bed house: what to charge in 2026

Introduction

When considering the charge for a full rewire of a 3-bedroom house in 2026, it's essential to factor in both labour and materials. The average costs can vary significantly depending on your location, the complexity of the job, and any additional requirements that may arise during the project.

In 2026, you can expect to charge between £3,500 and £5,500 for a full rewire. This range reflects the standard labour rates for electricians, which can differ across regions, particularly between London and the rest of the UK.

Labour Costs

Labour costs for electricians in the UK typically range from £200 to £350 per day. In London, this can rise to £400 or more due to higher living costs and demand. For a full rewire of a 3-bed house, you might estimate about 5 to 10 days of work, depending on the specific circumstances.

For example, if you estimate 7 days of work, your labour cost could be:

London: 7 days x £400 = £2,800
Rest of the UK: 7 days x £250 = £1,750

Materials Costs

Materials for a full rewire can add another £1,500 to £3,000 to your quote. This includes wiring, sockets, switches, consumer units, and any additional components needed for safety and compliance. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on the quality of materials selected and any specific requirements from the homeowner.

Typical Materials Breakdown:

Wiring and cables: £500 - £1,000
Sockets and switches: £300 - £600
Consumer unit: £200 - £400
Miscellaneous (junction boxes, clips, etc.): £200 - £400

Regional Variations

As mentioned, location plays a significant role in pricing. In London, the demand for electricians is high, which can justify higher rates. Conversely, in rural areas, the competition might drive prices lower. It’s important to research local rates and adjust your pricing accordingly to remain competitive.

Scope Creep and Variation Drivers

Several factors can lead to scope creep, increasing both the time and cost of a rewire. Here are key triggers to consider:

Additional Rooms: If the homeowner decides to add extra rooms or features during the project, this will increase labour and material costs.
Upgrades: Requests for higher-spec materials or additional features like smart home technology can push up the price.
Unexpected Issues: Discovering outdated wiring or structural problems can extend the project time and increase costs.

Using Pencl for Quoting

Pencl can assist you in building accurate quotes by providing templates and helping you manage materials and labour costs effectively. This tool can streamline your quoting process, ensuring you don’t miss any details that could affect your final price.

Conclusion

In summary, for a full rewire of a 3-bedroom house in 2026, you should charge between £3,500 and £5,500. Adjust your quote based on labour rates in your area and any additional work that may arise during the project. Keeping track of materials and using tools like Pencl can help you provide accurate and competitive quotes.