where to site sockets & switches in georgian rewire

[WOLFEY105105]

my parents house needs a rewire and they have been putting this off. i eventually got them round to agreeing to get it rewired but the guy who came out said all sockets now have to be a minimum set distance above ground, as do all light switches.
their problem is that last time it was rewired (40ish years ago with the exception of their new kitchen and bathroom) all the sockets were nicely recessed onto the big deep skirting boards.
all the light swiches are at the end of conduits running through the walls to what used to be the standard height for light switches.
to do what he suggested they will have to channel out walls to lower every light switch and to raise almost every socket, instead of just pulling new cables through and replacing the fronts. this will leave holes in all the skirtings and walls and result in sockets in some strange and conspicious places due to where their radiators are placed.
clearly they are not keen on redecorating the entire house and have decided not to bother at all.
my question: is there any way the rewire can be done sympathetically by just replacing more or less what is already there without moving their positions?
thanks guys

[Jimbo]

On new work height regulations apply but this is not new work it is whats called a rewire or retrofit, your sockets can be at any reasonable height as can the light switches, one thing to be sure about is this: the work must be carried out by a Part P registered person or building control notified prior to the work being started. Failure to follow the correct course of action can lead to problems when selling the property or in an extreame case insurance related problems. I do not want to sound like a scaremonger but these jobs need testing properly and the relevant certification. Do not forget that if the system is designed after the 1st July its under the 17th Edition. Good Luck. Regards Jimbo

[WOLFEY105105]

thanks jimbo.. that is really helpfull as work has to be done.
I will be asking someone else to give tham a quote and make sure I am there or, as you say, register and do it myself and get it tested and certified.
Appreciate your help :D