Rewiring Aberdeen Granite Houses & Tenement Flats: What to Expect

Key Takeaways

Solid granite walls make hidden cable routes harder, so planning where cables go matters more than in a timber-framed house
Floors in older properties are often timber, which can make upstairs and under-floor routes easier
In a tenement, shared supplies, the common stair and neighbours all need to be considered
A rewire should end with the correct certification and an up-to-date consumer unit

Aberdeen's granite houses and tenements are some of the most solid buildings in Scotland, which is good news for the structure and slightly less good news for anyone trying to run new cable through them. Here is how an older Aberdeen property is usually approached when it needs rewiring.

How do you know it needs rewiring?

Typical signs in older homes are cloth or rubber-covered cable, round-pin sockets, rewireable fuses, scorch marks, lights that flicker, and circuits that trip without a clear reason. The only reliable answer is an inspection and test. Our guide to signs your home needs rewired lists the usual indicators in more detail.

Working with solid granite

Granite and thick masonry walls cannot simply be chased the way plaster-on-brick can. The usual approaches are to follow existing routes where possible, use the plaster or lath cavity, lift timber floorboards, go through the loft or sub-floor, and where needed use neat surface-mounted trunking. The right choice depends on the property and on what you want it to look like afterwards.

Timber floors and lath-and-plaster

A lot of older properties have timber floors, which makes cable runs between rooms and floors easier. Lath-and-plaster walls and ceilings need more care, since they can be damaged easily, so a careful plan beforehand keeps the redecorating to a minimum.

Tenement-specific points

In a tenement flat the supply, meter position and sometimes the earthing and bonding arrangements are shared in some way. Other owners may be affected by any work that touches the common stair or shared areas, so speak to your neighbours or factor early. Many Scottish tenements also have a Tenement Management Scheme or title deeds that cover shared repairs.

Certification and notification

A rewire should be designed, installed and tested to BS 7671, and finished with the correct certificate. In Scotland, electrical work is covered by the building standards system, and a registered electrician can certify the work. Ask for the certificate at the end and keep it safe, as it matters when you sell.

Planning around living there

A full rewire is disruptive. Floors come up, walls may be marked and power is off for part of each day. Many people choose to rewire before redecorating, or in stages over a few days. Our how to prepare for a house rewire guide explains what to clear and what to expect.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a granite house be rewired without ruining the walls?

Yes, in most cases. It takes planning: using existing routes, floors, lofts and sometimes surface trunking rather than cutting channels into solid granite.

How long does a rewire of an Aberdeen flat take?

It depends on size and condition, but a typical flat takes days rather than hours. We can give a realistic timescale after a survey.

Do I need to tell my neighbours?

If the work affects the common stair, shared supply or anything jointly owned, yes. It is good practice to tell neighbours anyway, as there will be some noise.