Here’s a question we hear all the time:
“My house seems fine — the lights work, the sockets work… so how do I know if it actually needs rewiring?”
It’s a fair question — and one that could save you a lot of money or a nasty surprise later.
Because the truth is, electrical systems don’t last forever.
Wires age, insulation breaks down, and what was considered safe in the 1980s (or earlier!) wouldn’t pass today’s standards.
So let’s take a simple, honest look at how to tell when your home might need a rewire — and what to do next.
How long does electrical wiring last?
Most domestic wiring lasts around 25 to 30 years, depending on the quality of materials, the installation, and how the system’s been used.
If your home’s wiring hasn’t been touched since the 90s or earlier, it’s probably due for inspection — if not a full upgrade.
And if your fuse box still uses rewirable fuses or your sockets are the old round-pin type… you’re living with electrical history.
⚠️ The tell-tale signs your home might need rewiring
You don’t need to be an electrician to spot the warning signs. Here are a few red flags:
1️⃣ Flickering or dimming lights
If your lights flicker when you use another appliance, that could mean your wiring is struggling to handle modern loads.
2️⃣ Burning smells or warm sockets
If a socket feels warm or smells like burning plastic, turn it off immediately. That’s a serious warning sign.
3️⃣ Tripping circuits or blown fuses
Frequent trips or blown fuses often mean your system’s overloaded or has a wiring fault.
4️⃣ Old fuse box (consumer unit)
If it’s made of wood, has a mix of fuses and breakers, or doesn’t have RCD protection, it’s time to call a professional.
5️⃣ Cracked or discoloured sockets and switches
Discolouration, cracks, or loose fittings can mean overheating or poor connections behind the scenes.
6️⃣ Black or rubber-coated cables
Modern wiring uses PVC insulation, usually grey or white. If your wiring is black, rubber, or fabric-covered, it’s definitely due for replacement.
7️⃣ Sparks, buzzing or shocks
If you see sparks when you plug something in, hear a faint buzzing, or get a small shock, it’s a sign something’s seriously wrong.
The only sure way to know — an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
While the clues above are useful, the only definitive way to know if your home needs rewiring is to have an EICR — an Electrical Installation Condition Report.
It’s essentially an MOT for your electrics.
A qualified electrician will test every circuit in your home to check for:
- Damaged or outdated wiring
- Poor earthing or bonding
- Overloaded circuits
- Faulty connections
- Non-compliance with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
You’ll get a written report showing whether your system is:
✅ Satisfactory (safe for continued use)
⚠️ Unsatisfactory (needs improvement or rewiring)
If it’s unsafe, your electrician will explain what’s wrong, prioritise what needs doing first, and give you options to put it right.
What’s involved in a rewire
If your home does need rewiring, it’s a big job — but not as scary as it sounds.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Old wiring is removed and replaced with new PVC-insulated cable.
- New sockets and switches are fitted where you actually need them.
- A modern consumer unit with RCD/RCBO protection is installed.
- The system is tested and certified for safety and compliance.
You’ll end up with safer, more reliable electrics — and peace of mind that everything’s up to modern standards.
Why homeowners in Basingstoke are upgrading now
We’re seeing more homeowners across Basingstoke, Hook, and Tadley upgrading their wiring — often when:
- Buying or selling an older property
- Renovating or extending
- Installing solar panels or EV chargers
- After an EICR flags “unsatisfactory” results
Rewiring is one of those jobs that makes your home safer, more efficient, and ready for the next 25 years.
Why trust GU Solutions
At GU Solutions, we’ve been inspecting, testing, and rewiring homes across Basingstoke and Hampshire for over 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved, fully insured, and every rewire we complete is tested, certified, and registered under Part P of the Building Regulations.
We’ll assess your home honestly, explain your options in plain English, and only recommend a rewire if you truly need one.
Because nobody likes scare tactics — least of all us.
