Can You Stay Living in the House During a Rewire?

One of the first questions homeowners ask when researching house rewiring is whether they can stay living in the property while the work is carried out. The honest answer is yes, sometimes, but it depends on the type of rewire, the condition of the property, and your tolerance for disruption.

Understanding what rewiring actually involves helps set realistic expectations and allows you to make the right decision for your household.

What Happens During a House Rewire?

Professional rewiring work showing electrical cables and connections

A full house rewire replaces outdated or unsafe electrical systems, including:

Wiring behind walls and floors
Sockets and switches
Consumer unit (fuse board)
Earthing and bonding

This usually involves lifting floorboards, chasing walls, temporary power shutdowns, and follow-up making good (plastering, redecorating).

Because of this, rewiring is not just a technical job; it’s also a practical living challenge.

Staying in the House During a Rewire: The Pros

✔ Lower Immediate Costs

Staying put avoids hotel or rental costs, which can be significant if the rewire lasts several weeks.

✔ Easier Access for Decisions

If you’re on-site, it’s easier to decide socket placements, discuss changes with electricians and perhaps most importantly, spot issues early.

Modern electrical socket installation with USB charging ports

This can help avoid delays or misunderstandings.

✔ Possible for Partial Rewires

If only part of the house is being rewired, for example, downstairs circuits only, staying in the home may be very manageable.

Staying in the House: The Cons

✖ Major Disruption

Expect:

Dust and debris
Furniture needing to be moved
Limited use of rooms
Temporary loss of power

Furniture covered with dust sheets during rewiring work

This can be especially difficult for families, home workers, or anyone with health sensitivities.

✖ Safety Concerns

Live electrical work means:

Open wiring
Tools and materials throughout the property
Reduced lighting and heating at times

This may not be suitable for households with young children or vulnerable adults.

✖ Slower Progress

When electricians need to work around occupied rooms, the job often takes longer, increasing both stress and cost.

Moving Out Temporarily: Is It Worth It?

For many homeowners, temporarily relocating during a full rewire makes the process smoother.

Modern consumer unit with clearly labeled circuits

When Staying Home Might Work

You may be able to remain in the property if:

The rewire is partial or phased
You have unused rooms
You can tolerate short-term inconvenience
Power shutdowns can be scheduled

A professional electrician will assess this honestly during the survey stage.

Planning Makes the Difference

Whether you choose to stay in your home or move out temporarily, good planning is essential to keeping a rewire running smoothly. This includes:

Ensuring clear access routes for electricians
Moving furniture in advance to avoid delays
Setting realistic timelines for the work
Maintaining clear, ongoing communication so everyone knows what to expect at each stage

A well-managed rewire is far less disruptive than many people fear, especially when handled by experienced professionals.

Get The Best Advice From Vero Group

You can stay in your house during a rewire, but it’s not always the best choice. The right decision depends on safety, comfort, and the scope of work, not just cost.

If you’re unsure what’s realistic for your property, Vero Group can assess your home and explain your options clearly before any work begins.

👉 Contact Vero Group to discuss your house rewire and get practical advice tailored to your home.