Rewiring means replacing the cables that run from the switchboard to every power point, switch and light. It matters most in Auckland's villas, bungalows and older state houses, where original rubber insulated cable may still be hidden behind lath and plaster or under the floor.
It is a bigger job than a switchboard swap, but it does not have to mean gutting the house. This page covers how to tell whether you need it, the difference between a full and partial rewire, how we route cable through old walls, and what affects the price. The board itself is covered on our switchboard upgrades page.
Pricing: a free quote and a fixed price agreed before we start. You get a written, itemised quote, and small jobs can be quoted from photos.
If the fuse box or switchboard is the problem rather than the cables, see switchboard upgrades.
Why old wiring gets replaced
Early New Zealand homes were wired with Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) and later Tough Rubber Sheathed (TRS) cable. With age, the rubber goes brittle and crumbles, which can leave live conductors exposed and increases the risk of fire. It should be replaced rather than extended, and some insurers may decline cover where wiring is old or unfit.
WorkSafe notes that installations in older homes were not designed for the number of appliances we use today. Its warning signs include hot or scorched plugs and sockets, fuses that blow or breakers that trip for no reason, and flickering lights.
- Black rubber cable visible in the roof space or under the floor
- Original switches and sockets that have never been replaced
- Fuses that blow again and again
- Lights or sockets that run warm
- An insurer or buyer asking about the wiring
Full rewire or partial rewire?
Not every house needs everything replaced. Many Auckland homes have had a kitchen or extension wired in modern TPS cable while the rest is original. Testing tells us which circuits are sound and which are not, so we can quote a partial rewire of the old circuits, such as the lighting only, where that is safe and makes sense.
A full rewire is usually the better choice when most circuits are rubber cable, when the board is also due for replacement, or when you are renovating anyway and the walls and ceilings are already open. We give you both options in writing where both are reasonable.
How It Works
How we rewire a villa without wrecking it
Lath and plaster walls and decorative ceilings deserve care. Where we can, we drop new cable down wall cavities from the roof space or feed it up from under the floor, lifting scotia or skirting rather than cutting into plaster. Small access holes are kept to a minimum and made where a plasterer can patch them easily.
We work circuit by circuit, so most of the house has power at the end of each day. Old cable is disconnected and made safe or removed where it is accessible. Before we start, we walk the house with you and agree positions for any new power points and lights, because adding them during a rewire costs far less than adding them later.
Rewiring during a renovation
The cheapest time to rewire is when linings are off. If you are renovating, bring us in at the planning stage so cable routes, switch positions, kitchen circuits and lighting are sorted before the builder closes the walls. We coordinate with your builder so we are there for pre-wire and fit-off rather than holding up the job.
New work must meet the electrical standard cited in law. WorkSafe says that where construction starts after 12 November 2026, new and altered work must comply with AS/NZS 3000:2018, while existing parts of an installation that are not touched do not have to be upgraded.
Testing, certificates and inspection
Every new circuit is tested for insulation resistance, polarity, earthing and RCD operation before it goes live. You receive a Certificate of Compliance for the work and an Electrical Safety Certificate once it is connected. If the job includes the main switchboard or main earth, a licensed electrical inspector checks that part too.
WorkSafe advises keeping your CoC in a safe place because it may be needed for insurance claims or when you sell. After a rewire, it is the clearest proof that the wiring is new.
What a rewire costs
The price depends on the size of the house, how many circuits and points there are, access under the floor and in the roof, wall construction, and whether the switchboard is replaced at the same time. As one published guide, an Auckland renovation company estimates a full rewire of a standard three-bedroom villa at roughly $10,000 to $18,000. That is their estimate, not our price.
We test first, then give you a written, itemised fixed price covering the circuits, points, board work and certificates. If it takes us longer than planned, that is on us. Book an assessment to get started.
Why Choose Cheeky's Electrical for House Rewiring
Test before we quote
We find out which circuits are actually old or failing, so you only pay to replace what needs replacing.
Careful in character homes
Cable routes through roof and floor first, minimal plaster damage, and patch points agreed with you.
Power back each evening
We work circuit by circuit so you can live in the house during most rewires.
Builder friendly
We fit around your renovation programme for pre-wire and fit-off, so the walls close on time.
House Rewiring FAQs
How do I know if my house has rubber wiring?
Look in the roof space or under the floor for black, rubber covered cables, often in older villas and bungalows. We can confirm with a quick inspection and insulation test.
Can I stay in the house during a rewire?
Usually yes. We work circuit by circuit and restore power at the end of each day where possible.
Will you have to cut into my walls?
Some small access holes are usually needed, but we route through the roof and floor first and keep holes where they are easy to patch.
Is there a law that says I must rewire?
No. Existing installations can continue as long as they are not unsafe. Rubber wiring that is breaking down is unsafe, which is why we recommend replacing it.
Should I replace the switchboard at the same time?
Often it makes sense, especially if the board still has fuses or no RCDs. We price it as an option.
How long does a rewire take?
It depends on the house and access. Your written quote states the expected time on site.
House Rewiring Near You
Find your region or suburb for local house rewiring information:
Related Electrical Services
See the electrician prices guide or every service we offer.
Sources and further reading
- WorkSafe: Electrical wiring in your home
- WorkSafe: Getting electrical work done
- WorkSafe: Changes to Electricity Safety Regulations for electrical installations (19 December 2025)
- The Property Inspectors: old wiring
- WorkSafe Queensland: Deteriorated wiring and cabling in older installations
- ArchiPro / Superior Renovations: How to renovate an Auckland villa (2026 guide)