If the wiring in your home is old, we will rewire it so that it is safe and meets the Decent Homes Standard.
- How we rewire council homes
- The rewiring process
- Preparing for rewiring in your council home
- Disruption during rewiring
- Decoration after rewiring
How we rewire council homes
The existing sockets, switches and fuse board will be removed, and we will fit a modern consumer unit (fuse board) and a hard-wired smoke alarm.
In the future CO2 detectors may be hard wired, but these will be installed as part of boiler checks, which are carried out every 12 months.
Sockets
New socket and switch positions will be agreed. Where possible, we will give you the choice of where you would like the sockets to be fitted.
The number of sockets we fit in each room is shown in this table.
| Room | Sockets |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 3 double sockets and a cooker point. Single sockets and isolators for your appliances |
| Living room | 4 double sockets |
| Bedrooms | 2 double sockets |
| Hall and landing | 1 double socket |
Cables
Where possible new cables will be installed in the roof space, under the first floor and inside partitions.
If the walls are solid, we will need to cut into the wall to fit the cables and replaster. See details of decoration after rewiring.
Fuse board or consumer unit
We will install a new consumer unit. The new consumer unit will have switchable fuses and a sensitive fault detection switch (Residual Current Device, or RCD).
The rewiring process
You will be informed in writing of the start date for the work in your area.
Our Capital Project Officer will carry out a first survey a few weeks before the work is due. The approved contractor will later carry out a second survey and confirm the actual date to start work in your home.
If your home is being rewired only, then the work will be completed within 5 working days.
If the rewiring is part of the Home Improvements Programme the work will be completed within 3 working days, but will be fitted in with the other work that takes place over approximately 10 working days.
The contractor will need access to your home for up to a further 3 days to carry out a final inspection and complete any remedial work.
Preparing for rewiring in your council home
The contractor will call about a week before the work is due to start and explain what you need to do, this may include the following:
- the new fuse board will probably be fitted in the same place as your existing one. If this is in a cupboard, empty it to allow easy access
- safely store any electrical items such as televisions and ornaments to stop them being damaged accidentally
- take down lampshades or remove glass shades from chandeliers; chandeliers will be refitted provided they are properly earthed and of a modern design which is compatible with safety standards
- the contractor will advise if you need to loosen or lift carpets
- in upstairs rooms the contractor may need to lift floorboards to gain access to the lights below. This means you will have to lift upstairs carpets and move furnishings
- if you have laminated flooring the contractor will look at alternative cable routes to avoid the need to lift it. If this is not possible you will need to lift the flooring; we will discuss this with you before starting work. The council or the contractor are not liable for any damage to laminate flooring - see details of decoration after rewiring
- we will need to get into your loft. If your loft has been boarded these boards will need to be lifted. Stored items may need to be moved to gain access to the lights below
Disruption during rewiring
Unfortunately, when your home is rewired every room is affected. We aim to keep disruption to a minimum so you will only be without power for a few hours.
As most heating systems rely on electrical controls, there will also be minor interruption to your heating and hot water supply.
The contractor will treat you and your home with courtesy and respect. They will use dust sheets, clean up any mess and pack away tools and materials at the end of each day.
The most disruptive work takes place in the first few days, which might involve cutting channels in the wall or plaster for new sockets.
You will be able to stay at home during the work. The dust, noise and general upheaval may cause you some discomfort so you may decide to spend some time away from your home, but this is not compulsory
The contractor will follow safe working practices. You should follow any advice they give you. This is because there will be hazards such as building materials on the floor, lifted floorboards and equipment being used by the contractors.
You will have a fully working electrical system at the end of the first day but work will take up to 5 days to complete.
Once wiring installation is complete any minor work such as replacing skirting boards and tidying up will take place.
Decoration after rewiring
We are unable to cover the cost of redecoration, but you will receive a decoration pack which includes:
- emulsion and gloss paint
- polycell filler
- a roller and tray
- paint brush pack
- a dust sheet
- sandpaper
There is no provision for replacement wallpaper.
If you have any queries, contact the Capital Projects team.
Also see
- Housing
- Council homes
- Report a repair to your council home
- Who is responsible for repairs to council homes
Housing Capital Projects Team
Please contact the Housing Capital Projects Team by email, other than in an emergency or if you don't have access to email.