IN THIS ARTICLE
A house rewire is one of those jobs that sounds more disruptive than it usually is. Most Auckland homeowners are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the process is — particularly when it’s planned properly.
Here’s a clear picture of what’s involved, from John Graham, Certified Master Electrician at Northern Lights Lighting and Electrical.
What does a full house rewire involve?
A full rewire replaces all electrical wiring from the switchboard to every outlet, switch, and light fitting in the home. It typically also includes a new switchboard with modern circuit breakers and RCD protection.
In practical terms, the job involves:
- Removing all existing wiring (concealed in walls and ceiling cavities)
- Running new cable throughout the home — through ceiling spaces, wall cavities, and under floors where accessible
- Installing new outlets, switches, and light fittings
- Installing a new switchboard
- Independent inspection and Certificate of Compliance (COC) sign-off
How long does a house rewire take?
| Home type | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| 2–3 bedroom home | 2–3 days |
| 3–4 bedroom home | 3–5 days |
| Large home or complex layout | 5–7+ days |
Power is typically off during working hours but restored each evening so you can stay in the home throughout the job.
Will rewiring damage my walls?
Some access is always required — but an experienced team minimises this. In most Auckland homes, cable runs through ceiling cavities without needing to open walls. Where wall access is needed, the holes are small and can be patched and repainted.
Homes being rewired as part of a broader renovation (kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, extension) have an advantage — walls are already open, which reduces both time and patching.
What does house rewiring cost in Auckland?
| Home type | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Small 2–3 bedroom home | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Standard 3–4 bedroom home | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Large home or complex layout | $18,000 – $28,000+ |
These are guide ranges — the only accurate figure comes from a site assessment. Cost is influenced by home size, ceiling access, the number of circuits, and whether the switchboard needs replacing at the same time.
What about the independent inspection?
All rewiring work in New Zealand must be inspected and certified by an independent inspector before the COC is issued. This is a legal requirement, not optional. At Northern Lights Lighting and Electrical we coordinate the independent inspection as part of the job — you don’t need to organise this separately.
How to prepare for a rewire
- Clear access to the switchboard and ceiling access hatches
- Move furniture away from walls in rooms being worked on
- Plan for power to be off during working hours — charge devices the night before, and have a battery-powered light available
- If you have security alarms, heat pumps, or other systems on timer controls, note the settings so they can be reprogrammed after
Common questions
Can I stay in my home during a rewire?
In most cases yes. Power is restored each evening so normal evening routines are largely unaffected.
Does rewiring require building consent?
No — electrical work is consented through the EWRB licensing system. Your COC and independent inspection report are the relevant documents.
What’s the difference between a full rewire and a partial rewire?
A partial rewire replaces specific circuits or sections of the home rather than everything. This is appropriate when only part of the wiring is problematic — for example, a specific circuit with old rubber-insulated cabling, or a section of the home that’s being renovated. An inspection will tell you whether a full or partial rewire is the right approach.
Will my insurance cover rewiring costs?
Standard home insurance doesn’t cover rewiring as a maintenance item. However, rewiring can affect your premium and insurability — some Auckland insurers ask about wiring age, and an updated COC removes potential complications at renewal or claim time.
Thinking about rewiring your Auckland home?
