I remember the day the hallway lights flickered for the third time in a week. At first, I shrugged it off—old homes have quirks, right? But I knew something wasn’t right when the kettle tripped the fuse box every morning. That’s when I dug deeper into the world of home rewiring—not just to fix a few flickering lights, but to future-proof my home and keep my family safe.

If you’re reading this, you’ve got similar concerns. Maybe your PowerPoint looks worn, your appliances are acting up, or you just bought an older home, and you’re wondering what’s hiding behind the walls. Let’s dive in together and answer the most common questions about home rewiring without all the fluff or confusing jargon.

What Is Home Rewiring—and Why Should You Care?

Home rewiring is exactly what it sounds like: replacing old, outdated, or damaged electrical wiring with new, safe, up-to-date systems. It’s not the most glamorous job, but it is one of the most important.

Outdated or faulty wiring isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be dangerous. Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia. If your wiring is over 30 years old or hasn’t been checked in a long time, it might be time to take action.

How Do I Know If My Home Needs Rewiring?

Here are some common warning signs that your home might be due for a rewire:

• Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Power points or switches that feel warm or look discoloured
• Buzzing sounds coming from walls or switches
• Burning smell without an obvious source
• Two-prong outlets with no grounding
• Visible or frayed wiring

If you notice any of these issues, call a licensed electrician for a thorough inspection.

How Often Should Home Rewiring Be Done?

In Australia, it’s generally recommended to check your wiring every 20 to 30 years, depending on the age and condition of your property. If your home was built before the 1990s and hasn’t been rewired since, there’s a good chance it’s running on old rubber, lead or cloth-insulated wiring, which is outdated and potentially unsafe.

What’s Involved in a Home-Rewiring Project?

Let’s be honest—rewiring isn’t a small job. But if done properly, it’s worth every cent.

Here’s what usually happens:

1. Initial inspection – A licensed electrician will assess your wiring and power needs.
2. Planning – You’ll decide how many power points, switches, and circuits you need.
3. Power shut-off – During rewiring, the power will be turned off for safety.
4. Removing old wiring – Electricians carefully remove the old wires, often cutting access holes in walls and ceilings.
5. Installing new wiring – Fresh cables, updated circuit boards, and safety switches are installed.
6. Testing – Everything is tested to make sure it meets Australian electrical standards.
7. Clean-up and patching – Holes in walls or ceilings are patched, leaving the space ready for paint or finish.

Sure, it’s messy. But a good electrician will minimise disruption and keep you informed every step of the way.

How Long Does Home Rewiring Take?

For an average 3-bedroom home, rewiring can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on:

• Size and layout of the home
• Accessibility of walls and ceilings
• Whether you’re living in the house during work
• Number of power points and fixtures

If you stay in the house during the job, the electrician might work room by room so you’re not completely without power. But be prepared for some disruption. Think of it as a short-term hassle for long-term peace of mind.

How Much Does Home Rewiring Cost in Australia?

It’s the question on everyone’s mind: how much will this cost me?

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Home Size Estimated Cost Range (AUD)

Small (1–2 bedroom) $4,000 – $6,000

Medium (3–4 bedroom) $6,000 – $10,000

Large (5+ bedroom) $10,000+

These are ballpark figures and depend on factors like:

• The condition of your existing wiring
• Whether walls need to be cut and patched
• Number of new power points and switches
• Type of wiring and materials used

Tip: Always get a detailed quote from a licensed electrician, and ensure it includes labour, materials, and safety certificates.

Do I Need to Leave the House During Rewiring?

Not necessarily. Some families stay home and work around the electricians, especially if the job is done in stages. Others prefer to stay elsewhere to avoid the mess and lack of power. It comes down to your comfort level and the size of the job.

Can I Do Any of the Rewiring Myself?

Short answer? No. In Australia, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. It’s illegal—and extremely dangerous—to attempt DIY electrical rewiring.

Even if you’re handy with tools, leave this to the professionals. What you can do is plan: think about where you want new power points, light switches, and appliances. That way, when the electricians come in, they can work with a clear plan that suits your lifestyle.

My Tips for a Smoother Rewiring Experience

Having gone through it myself, here are a few things I wish I had known earlier:

• Pack up breakables and electronics – Things get dusty and bumped around.
• Label everything – Especially if you’re unplugging appliances or moving furniture.
• Talk with your electrician – Don’t be afraid to ask questions or suggest changes.
• Don’t cut corners – Pay for quality materials. You’ll thank yourself later.
• Future-proof where possible – Install extra outlets or data points—you’ll need them eventually.

Final Thoughts: Is Home Rewiring Worth It?

Absolutely. Think of it as an investment in safety, reliability, and future convenience. Sure, it’s not the kind of renovation that shows up in glossy photos, but it’s the kind that keeps your family safe and your appliances humming along without a hitch.

If your home is older or showing signs of electrical stress, don’t wait for something to go wrong. A properly rewired home will reduce your fire or electrical shock risk, increase your property value, and make life easier.