Does My House Need Rewiring? What To Look Out For...

A full rewire is a big job, but spotting the early signs can save you from bigger problems down the line. Here are some common warning signs that might mean it’s time to get your electrics looked at:

Age of the Wiring

If your home hasn’t been rewired in over 25-30 years, chances are it’s due. Electrical standards have changed massively, and older wiring often won’t have modern RCD protection — a must for safety these days.

Old-Style Fusebox

If your fusebox is still running on rewireable fuses or has plug-in MCBs, it’s likely out of date. Modern consumer units have RCBOs and surge protection built in. If your board looks like something from the 80s, it could be time to upgrade — and possibly rewire at the same time.

Tripping Circuits or Blown Fuses

Frequent trips at the fuseboard or blowing fuses isn’t just annoying — it’s often a sign something’s not right. It could be overloaded circuits or faulty wiring.

Signs of Overheating

Look out for:

• Scorch marks or discolouration on sockets
• Buzzing noises from switches
• A burning smell — this one needs sorting immediately

Old Socket and Switch Styles - Still got round pin sockets or brown bakelite switches? These are proper old and a dead giveaway that the wiring is outdated.

Lights Flickering or Dimming - Not always the bulb’s fault, flickering lights can mean loose connections or faults in the wiring.

Lack of Sockets - Back in the day, you might have had one socket per room. If you’ve got extensions and adaptors everywhere, it might be time for an upgrade. A rewire will let you add sockets exactly where you need them.

Benefits of a New Electrical System

If it turns out you do need a rewire, here’s what you’ll gain from it:

• Safety Comes First: New wiring meets current regulations and includes RCD and surge protection — massively reducing the risk of fire, electric shock or damage to appliances.
• More Sockets Where You Need Them: Say goodbye to messy extension leads. A new setup means we can install sockets exactly where you need them, including USB outlets, outdoor sockets, and EV charger points.
• Peace of Mind for Years to Come: Once a house is rewired to current standards, you shouldn’t need to worry again for decades. It’s an investment in your property’s long-term safety.
• Ready for Modern Life: From high-spec kitchens to home offices, smart lighting to electric heating — modern electrics are built to handle today’s demands without strain.
• Adds Value to Your Property: If you’re thinking of selling in future, an up-to-date electrical system is a big plus for buyers. It can also make your home more insurable.

Recent Job Spotlight: Full Rewire in Staines 

👉🏻 Click here.

One of our latest full rewires was carried out on a property in Staines. The original wiring was well past its best, with outdated cabling and a fusebox that had seen better days. The client was also doing a full refurb, so it was the perfect time to bring everything up to spec.We installed all the mod cons —

• LED lighting throughout the house for a clean, modern look and energy savings
• Data points in key rooms to support remote working and smart tech
• TV aerial points for a tidy finish in all bedrooms and the main lounge

Everything was protected by a brand-new RCBO consumer unit with surge protection, giving the homeowner peace of mind that their new system is safe, efficient, and future-proof.

Thinking About a Rewire?

If any of the signs we mentioned sound familiar — or you’re planning a refurb and want to bring your electrics up to date — we’re here to help. At Tungsten Services, we offer honest advice, clear pricing, and top-quality workmanship. We cover Walton-on-Thames, Staines, and the whole Elmbridge area. Whether it’s a full rewire or just a few upgrades, we’ll make sure your home is safe and future-ready. You can book a free 15-minute safety check or get in touch for a full electrical inspection.