We recently completed a full house rewire in Harlow for a customer living in a 4-bedroom terraced timber framed house.
The property was fully furnished and occupied during the work, so the job needed careful planning from day one. The customer needed the old wiring replaced due to serious signs of deterioration, including the “dreaded green goo” appearing at almost every socket, switch and even the Fusebox.
It had become so bad that it was dripping from the consumer unit, plug sockets and some of the light fittings, including the toilet one.
This was not just a case of updating a few sockets or changing a fuse board. The home needed a full rewire to make the electrical installation safer, cleaner and suitable for modern day use.
The main issue was the condition of the existing wiring
Green goo is usually a sign of older cable insulation breaking down. It can appear around sockets, switches, light fittings and consumer units. In this Harlow property, it was visible pretty much everywhere and had even started dripping in several areas.
For the customer, this was understandably worrying, who knows was slimer hiding in the walls.
They were living in the house with their family, using the electrics every day, and needed the issue sorted properly rather than patched up.
The other major challenge was disruption
The house was fully furnished, with the customer still living there throughout the works. That meant the team had to be especially careful with access, dust control, floor protection, furniture protection and daily tidying.
A full home rewire is already a big job. Carrying one out in a lived-in timber framed terraced house takes even more care.
The customer wanted the home made safe, but they also needed the house put back together at the end of each day so they could continue living there as normally as possible.
After assessing the installation, we carried out a full house rewire across the property.
The old wiring was stripped out and replaced with a new electrical installation designed for the way the customer uses the home today.
Because this was a timber framed property, the routing of cables had to be planned carefully. The team worked methodically through the house, keeping disruption controlled and making sure each area was protected before work started.
Dust sheets and floor coverings were used throughout the property to protect the customer’s flooring, furniture and belongings. Extractors were also used to help control dust while chasing, drilling and accessing wiring routes.
One of the most important parts of the job was keeping the house usable in the evenings.
As the customer was living in the property during the rewire, Dan, Jamie and the team made sure as much power as possible was available at the end of each working day. This helped reduce disruption and meant the customer could still use essential parts of the home outside working hours.
What was included in the rewire
- New wiring throughout
- A brand new consumer unit
- RCBO protection for improved circuit safety
- Surge protection
- New downlights throughout the downstairs area
- New extractor fans
- An Ohme ePod EV charger installation
- Making good to ceilings, walls and flooring
The new fuse board was installed with modern protection, including RCBOs and surge protection.
RCBOs give individual circuit protection, which means a fault on one circuit is less likely to affect the whole property. Surge protection also helps protect the home’s electrical equipment from voltage spikes.
Downlights were installed throughout the downstairs area, giving the home a cleaner and more modern finish.
The customer also had an Ohme ePod EV charger fitted as part of the works. This meant the home was not only rewired for current safety and convenience but also made ready for electric vehicle charging.
Once the electrical work was complete, the team tested the installation and carried out the necessary checks to confirm everything was safe and working as it should.
Just as importantly, JJB also handled the making good
Ceilings, walls and flooring were repaired to a high standard, helping the property feel like a home again rather than a building site.
The customer now has a safe, modern electrical installation throughout the home.
The old wiring affected by green goo has been replaced, the property has a new protected fuse board, and the customer has more practical lighting and power for day to day living.
The new downlights downstairs have improved the look and feel of the main living areas, while the Ohme ePod EV charger gives the customer a smart and convenient way to charge an electric vehicle at home.
For a lived in full rewire, one of the biggest results was how manageable the process felt for the customer.
By putting the house back together at the end of each day, keeping as much power on as possible in the evenings, using dust sheets, floor coverings and extractors, the team helped keep disruption to a minimum.
The customer was especially pleased with the respect shown in their home and the quality of the making good afterwards.
This is exactly what matters on a home rewire. It is not just about replacing cables. It is about keeping the customer informed, protecting their home, working neatly, and leaving the property safe and usable.
‘Why This Matters’. Rewiring a Lived In Home Takes Proper Planning
A full house rewire is one of the bigger electrical jobs a homeowner can have done.
When the property is empty, access is usually easier. But when a house is fully furnished and lived in, the job needs much more organisation.
Furniture needs moving and protecting. Floors need covering. Dust needs controlling. Circuits need planning so the customer can still use parts of the property where possible.
This Harlow rewire is a good example of why choosing an experienced electrician in Harlow matters.
Old wiring, especially when green goo is present, should not be ignored. It can be messy, unpleasant and a clear sign that the installation needs proper attention.
A modern rewire gives the homeowner peace of mind. It also makes the property more practical, with better socket layouts, safer circuit protection, improved lighting and the option to add upgrades such as EV charging.
For homeowners searching for a house rewire in Harlow or a home rewire in Essex, the key is to choose a team that understands both the electrical side and the practical side of working in someone’s home.
FAQs
How long does a full house rewire take?
The timescale depends on the size of the property, the condition of the existing wiring and whether the house is occupied during the work.
A lived in 4 bedroom home usually takes longer than an empty property because the team must protect furniture, control dust, keep areas usable and make the home safe at the end of each day.
Can you rewire a house while people are living in it?
Yes, a house can be rewired while people are living in it, but it needs careful planning.
Power may need to be turned off at certain times, and some disruption is unavoidable. On this Harlow rewire, JJB Electrical LTD worked carefully to keep as much power available as possible in the evenings and put the house back together at the end of each day.
What is green goo in electrical wiring?
Green goo is often linked to the breakdown of older cable insulation. It can appear at sockets, switches, light fittings and consumer units.
When it is widespread, as it was in this Harlow property, a full rewire is often the most sensible long-term solution.
Do I need a new fuse board with a house rewire?
In most full rewire projects, a new consumer unit is fitted as part of the work.
For this property, JJB installed a new fuse board with RCBO protection and surge protection, giving the customer a safer and more modern electrical setup.
Can an EV charger be installed during a rewire?
Yes. A rewire can be a good time to plan for electric vehicle charging.
On this project, JJB Electrical LTD installed an Ohme ePod EV charger as part of the wider electrical upgrade, giving the customer a convenient home charging solution.
Customer Review
“Very happy with our house rewire carried out by JJB Electrical. Dan, Jamie and the team were extremely polite, respectful and professional throughout. The electrical work is excellent, and the making good of the ceilings, walls and flooring was completed to a very high standard.”
Looking for a trusted local electrician in Hertfordshire or Essex?
Call JJB Electrical LTD today on 01992 276087 or visit www.jjb-electrical.co.uk to get started.
