Does My House Need Rewiring? Signs, Costs and What’s Involved
Wiring sits out of sight for decades, so most people never think about it until something goes wrong. If your home is older or has had years of additions, house rewiring may be the upgrade that matters most, even though you’ll never see it.
Smart Green Electrical’s residential electricians assess and rewire homes across Geelong, Ocean Grove, and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Quick answer: Your house may need rewiring if it still has old rubber or fabric-insulated wiring, ceramic fuses, frequent faults, flickering lights, warm power points or burning smells. Homes built before the 1960s are the most likely candidates. A licensed electrician can inspect the wiring and tell you whether a full or partial rewire is needed.
Signs Your House Needs Rewiring
Old wiring rarely fails all at once. It gives warnings first.
Watch For:
- Rubber-insulated (VIR) or fabric-covered wiring, common in older homes
- Frequent tripping, blown fuses or flickering lights
- Power points or switches that feel warm or show scorch marks
- A burning smell with no obvious source
If you’re seeing these, our guides to flickering lights and power points not working explain what’s safe to check.
Full or Partial Rewire?
Not every home needs every wire replaced.
What Decides It:
- The age and condition of the existing wiring
- How much has already been replaced in past renovations
- Whether you’re adding big loads like air con or induction cooking
- Whether walls and ceilings are being opened up anyway
A rewire usually goes hand in hand with a switchboard upgrade.
What Affects the Cost
Every home is different, so a site inspection comes first.
The Main Factors:
- The size of the home and number of circuits
- Access through the roof space and under the floor
- Whether it’s done during a renovation or in a lived-in home
- Extra power points, lighting or data added at the same time
Rewiring during a renovation, while walls are open, is usually the most cost-effective time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Old rubber or fabric-insulated wiring, ceramic fuses, frequent faults and warm or scorched power points are the main signs. An electrician can confirm with an inspection.
How long does it take to rewire a house?
It depends on the size of the home and access. We’ll give you a clear timeframe after inspecting it.
Can I live in my house during a rewire?
Often, yes. Work is usually staged so you have power for most of each day.
Why Choose Smart Green Electrical?
With more than 20 years of experience across Geelong, Ocean Grove, and the Bellarine Peninsula, Smart Green Electrical tells you honestly whether you need a full rewire, a partial one or neither.
Get Started Today
Worried about old wiring? Call Smart Green Electrical on 0483 939 131 or email service@smartgreenelectrical.com.au to book a wiring inspection.
Safe wiring, out of sight and out of mind.
