Price assumptions: April 2026 · Checklist added 3 October 2026
How Much Does an Electrician Cost?
Electricians handle everything from fitting a new socket to full house rewires. Costs depend on the scope of work and whether certification is needed.
Tradesfolk editorial checklist · Added 3 October 2026
Get a useful quote for your job
Give each tradesperson the same brief so you can compare what is included.
- List each fault or installation and the rooms affected.
- Is this fault-finding, a safety inspection or new installation work?
- Ask what testing, certification, making good and additional visits are included.
Ask for the total including any VAT, an estimated start date and how extra work will be agreed. Availability and final costs must be confirmed directly.
Electrical Safety First: find a registered electrician
Citizens Advice: choosing a trader and getting written quotes (England; links to other UK nations). These references support hiring guidance, not the prices above.
Start with this job briefPhotos from tradespeople's portfolios
Work photos uploaded by these tradespeople. They are examples of their work, not evidence for the price estimates or confirmation they cover your area.
What you can expect to pay
| Description | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £45 | £65 | £85 |
| New socket or switch | £80 | £120 | £150 |
| Consumer unit replacement | £350 | £475 | £600 |
| Full house rewire (3-bed) | £4,500 | £6,000 | £7,500 |
Prices are UK averages for 2026 including VAT where applicable. Your actual cost may vary based on location and specific requirements.
What affects the price
Electrical work that requires Part P certification (notifiable work) costs more because of the inspection and sign-off process.
Replacing a consumer unit (fuse box) is one of the most common jobs and prices vary by the complexity of your existing wiring.
Adding circuits or sockets to older properties often uncovers issues that need rectifying to meet current regulations.
NICEIC or NAPIT registered electricians can self-certify their work, which saves time and money compared to using a non-registered electrician who needs separate inspection.
How to keep costs down
- 1
For notifiable work (new circuits, consumer units, bathroom electrics), always use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT. They can self-certify, saving you the cost of a separate building control inspection.
- 2
Bundle multiple small jobs together. Adding three sockets in one visit is proportionally much cheaper than three separate appointments.
- 3
Ask whether the quote includes the electrical certificate. This is a legal requirement for notifiable work and some electricians list it as an extra.
- 4
Get a pre-purchase electrical survey (EICR) if you're buying an older property. It costs £150 to £300 but reveals exactly what needs doing.
Frequently asked questions
Part P of the Building Regulations covers electrical safety in dwellings. Notifiable work includes new circuits, consumer unit replacements, and any electrical work in bathrooms or outdoors. Minor work like replacing a socket or light switch is not notifiable.
Typically 4 to 8 hours depending on the number of circuits and the condition of the existing wiring. Your power will be off for most of the day, so plan accordingly.
You can legally do minor work like replacing light switches, sockets (like for like), and light fittings. Anything that involves new circuits, work in bathrooms, or work outdoors must be done by a qualified electrician or inspected by building control.
Look for registration with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. These are government-approved competent person schemes. An electrician registered with one of these can self-certify notifiable work, which is required by law.
Find trusted electricians near you
Compare profiles, read reviews, and message directly. It's completely free.