A renovation is the ideal time to sort your electrics — walls are open, floors are up, and you’re already living with disruption. But it only goes smoothly if the electrical work is planned and timed right. Here’s a practical checklist for rewiring as part of a renovation.

Why renovate and rewire together

If your wiring is ageing and you’re renovating anyway, doing both at once saves money and mess — the making-good (plastering, decorating) happens once, not twice. Chasing walls and lifting floors for a rewire is far cheaper when those surfaces are already coming up.

Decide these early (before first fix)

The biggest cause of rewire delays is decisions made too late. Lock these down before the electrician starts:

• Socket positions and quantities in every room — plan generously
• Lighting design — where lights, switches, and dimmers go (see downlights vs pendants)
• Kitchen layout — appliance positions dictate circuits (ovens, hobs, dishwasher)
• Bathroom layout — fittings, extractor, shower (special-location rules apply)
• TV, data, and networking points
• Outdoor power — garden sockets, lighting, EV charger, outbuildings
• Future-proofing — heat pump, EV charger, battery, smart home

Walk the space and imagine living in it. Moving a socket on paper is free; moving it after plastering is not.

Timing: first fix vs second fix

Electrical work happens in two stages around the other trades:

• First fix — cables run to all points, back boxes fitted, consumer unit prepared. This happens after structural and plumbing first fix, but before plastering.
• Second fix — sockets, switches, and fittings installed and tested, after plastering and decoration.

Getting the electrician in at the wrong time is the classic renovation mistake — too early and walls aren’t ready; too late and you’re chasing freshly plastered walls.

Coordinate with other trades

• Builder/structural — walls and openings finished before first fix
• Plumber/heating — coordinate routes so pipes and cables don’t clash; sequence first fixes together
• Plasterer — books in *after* electrical first fix, *before* second fix
• Kitchen/bathroom fitters — their layouts drive your circuits, so confirm before first fix
• Decorator — last, after second fix

A good electrician will talk to the other trades rather than work in isolation.

Don’t forget compliance

Rewiring in a renovation is notifiable under Part P — it must be certified. Using a registered electrician means self-certification and a compliance certificate (vital when you sell). See our Part P guide. New work also brings in current BS 7671 requirements — modern RCD/RCBO protection, and in some properties AFDDs.

A quick pre-start checklist

• [ ] Socket and switch positions agreed for every room
• [ ] Lighting plan finalised
• [ ] Kitchen and bathroom layouts confirmed
• [ ] Outdoor and future loads considered (EV, heat pump)
• [ ] Consumer unit location and capacity decided
• [ ] Trade sequence agreed (first fix → plaster → second fix)
• [ ] Electrician is registered (Part P certification)

Budget and timeline

Factor the rewire into both your budget (see our rewire cost guide) and schedule (see how long a rewire takes) — and build in contingency for surprises once walls are open.

Planning a renovation rewire?

Bring an electrician in at the planning stage, not mid-build — it’s the difference between a smooth project and an expensive reshuffle. GFL Electrical handle renovation rewires across East London and coordinate with your other trades. See our house rewiring service or call 020 3774 5604.