Full & Partial House Rewires in Hitchin, Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire
With more than 14,000 homes rewired since 1977, Penmilne is one of the most experienced residential rewiring contractors in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Our NICEIC-approved electricians carry out full and partial rewires for period properties, extensions and major renovations, working cleanly in occupied homes and certifying every installation to BS 7671 and Part P.
NICEIC Approved Contractor, TrustMark endorsed, Aico Platinum Partner, ECA member and CHAS accredited. Serving Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire from Hitchin since 1977.
When does a house need rewiring?
Most domestic wiring has a practical life of around 25 to 30 years, although the condition of the installation matters more than its age. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is the most reliable way to find out whether a property needs a full rewire, a partial rewire or targeted remedial work.
Common signs a rewire may be needed
- Rubber or fabric-insulated cables, often found in homes that have not been rewired since the 1960s
- An old fuse box with rewireable fuses and no RCD protection
- Round-pin sockets, sockets mounted on skirting boards or too few sockets for modern living
- Frequent tripping, scorch marks or warm sockets and switches
- An EICR with multiple C2 observations across different circuits
What is the difference between a full and a partial rewire?
| Rewire type | What it covers | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Full rewire | Every circuit, a new consumer unit, accessories, earthing and bonding | Older properties, major renovations and void refurbishments |
| Partial rewire | Selected circuits or rooms, often with a consumer unit upgrade | Extensions, kitchen refits, loft conversions or homes where some wiring is sound |
| New circuits | Dedicated circuits from an upgraded board | Heat pumps, EV chargers, induction hobs and garden offices |
How does a house rewire work?
| Stage | What happens | Disruption |
|---|---|---|
| Survey and quotation | Site visit, inspection findings reviewed, scope and price agreed in writing | None |
| First fix | Floorboards lifted, walls chased, new cables run to every point and back boxes fitted | Highest, with rooms cleared in stages |
| Second fix | Sockets, switches, lighting and the consumer unit connected once plastering is complete | Low |
| Testing and certification | Full testing to BS 7671, Electrical Installation Certificate issued and Building Control notified through NICEIC | None |
Penmilne does not offer call-outs for single socket replacements or routine minor repairs. Every rewire is surveyed and quoted in writing first, so the scope, programme and price are agreed before work starts.
How long does a full house rewire take in an occupied property?
A typical three-bedroom house takes around one to two weeks for first and second fix, depending on the construction, floor coverings and how much of the property is in use. Working in an occupied home takes longer than an empty one because rooms are cleared, rewired and made safe in sequence, with power restored to the rest of the house at the end of each day wherever possible.
Plastering and decorating follow first fix, so it is worth planning a rewire alongside any renovation or redecoration. On larger projects Penmilne schedules works around builders, kitchen fitters and plasterers.
Can you rewire extensions, loft conversions and renovations?
Yes. Many projects combine new circuits for an extension or loft conversion with upgrades to the existing installation. Penmilne works alongside builders and other trades, scheduling first and second fix to match the build programme and certifying the finished installation.
What homeowners say about our rewiring
I had been so worried about having my house rewired but your team were so knowledgeable, clean and tidy and extremely courteous. They were brilliant, thank you so much.
Mrs Sear, Harpenden
We chose Penmilne to complete a rewiring of a recently-purchased flat; it was not a particularly straight-forward project, and Barry and his team were extremely helpful in advising us on the best course of action… Their work was of a high standard, and we were impressed by how clean and tidy the flat was when they had finished.
Mrs T, High Point Flats, Hitchin
Penmilne have been excellent, really knowledgeable and helpful, they scheduled the works to meet our requirement as our building works have progressed, very happy customer.
Mrs B., Hitchin (extension)
House rewiring questions answered
Yes, most customers do. Work is carried out room by room, and power is restored to the rest of the property at the end of each working day wherever possible. Some rooms will need to be cleared during first fix.
Cables are run under floors and chased into walls, so some making good is always needed. Floorboards are relaid and chases filled, but plastering and redecoration are usually carried out afterwards by a plasterer and decorator.
A rewire is notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations in England. As an NICEIC-registered contractor, Penmilne notifies Building Control on your behalf and you receive a Building Regulations compliance certificate.
You receive an Electrical Installation Certificate confirming the installation has been designed, installed and tested to BS 7671, along with the Building Regulations compliance certificate issued through NICEIC.
No. Penmilne concentrates on full and partial rewires, consumer unit upgrades and larger electrical projects, so single socket replacements and routine minor repairs are not work we take on.
Yes. Older properties need careful planning to protect original features such as cornicing, panelling and floorboards. Every project is surveyed first so cable routes can be agreed that keep disruption to period details as low as possible.