Agree the rooms, sockets, lights and circuits included
A full replacement, a partial rewire and electrical work within an extension can have different scopes. Count the rooms, sockets, lights and equipment to be included and identify what is intended to remain.
A bedroom count alone cannot describe the job. An accessible empty property with a settled layout differs from an occupied home with fitted finishes and undecided equipment. Compare programmes only when the scope and assumptions are comparable.
First fix, second fix and final testing
First fix, second fix and final testing
First fix establishes the planned wiring routes and positions before finishes close up. Second fix depends on rooms, accessories and equipment being ready. Final checks and the relevant records belong in the completion programme.
The elapsed calendar time may include work by other trades between electrical stages. Ask which dates are electrical working visits, which are dependencies and when the installation is expected to be ready for the agreed use.
What can delay the programme
What can delay the programme
Late changes to kitchen equipment, lighting groups or socket positions can affect routes and the point schedule. Provide product information and drawings early, and identify choices that are still open rather than treating them as settled.
Access above ceilings, below floors or through finished areas also matters. Explain furniture, storage, occupancy and restricted rooms. The electrician can then discuss the practical sequence and what preparation is needed for each visit.
Changes, completion and handover
Changes, completion and handover
Ask how additional findings or changes to the brief will affect price and timing before work proceeds. A programme should not silently assume unlimited access, every product already on site or all other trades finishing on an unconfirmed date.
Include time for the final installation checks, operation of controls and handover documents. If you have a move-in date or builder’s deadline, share it in the first conversation so the proposed scope can be assessed against it.
What to share with your enquiry
- Full or partial rewire scope
- Room-by-room point schedule
- Occupancy and access
- Builder and plastering programme
- Move-in or completion deadline
Questions answered
Can you give a reliable duration from bedroom count?
Not by itself. The point schedule, access, installation and occupancy are important parts of the estimate.
Ask Max about thisWhy is there a gap between first and second fix?
First fix prepares wiring and positions before finishes close up. Other trades may then need to complete plastering, repairs or fitting before accessories and equipment can be installed. Agree those dependencies and the return visits as part of the programme.
Ask Max about thisWhat can I prepare to keep the programme moving?
Settle positions and products, provide drawings, coordinate access and clarify who is responsible for associated work.
Ask Max about thisDoes the rewire programme include plastering and decorating?
Only if those tasks are expressly included. Electrical first fix, plaster repairs, decoration and final fitting can involve separate trades and dates. Ask for the sequence and responsibilities in the quotation so the date the electrician finishes is not confused with the date every room is decorated.
Ask Max about thisAre testing and certificates included in the rewire completion date?
They should be addressed when agreeing the scope and handover. Ask when final inspection and testing will take place, what must be ready and when the relevant records will be issued. A date for cable installation alone does not describe a completed, documented electrical project.
Ask Max about thisSources and further reading
Read the original guidance relevant to this question. Building Regulations and rental-law references here relate to England.