Only certified electricians are legally permitted to undertake electrical projects, seeing as electrical jobs are some of the most dangerous jobs one could carry out. This is not to say one has to pay a lot to have their electrical tests, repairs, connections and installations done. However, when you need to have electrical work done, you should know that the cost of hiring an electrician will vary according to the nature of project and a few other factors. Sockets, cables, cookers, or boiler installation, for instance, have widely-varying costs. The nature of each installation or repair will also affect the costs. Your location and the length of your project will also be considered in the final price. Most electricians charge per hour but you will also find some who bill per day. The latter is more common when you have a long-term project. The cost in this case, and in most instances, will include testing and certification.
The average price of low-cost electrical work in the UK is between £40 and £60 an hour. Repairing a tripping fuse, which is usually emergency work, is between £70-£117. This varies according to the electrical company. You have to bear in mind that what an electrician charges is different from what they take themselves. It is often better to ask the person you are contracting to break down the costs, so you can take note of any hidden charges. Inspections and certificates cost around £150 while the call-out fee is £55 for most private electricians. You can get a socket replacement for £25 but adding a socket to already existing wiring can cost between £55-£60. It is recommended you get at least three different quotes to know which one suits your budget the best. For replacements and installations like light fittings, which commonly go for £15, the price might be the same across different contractors. But charges like “call-out” and “labour cost” are particular to each electrician.
Domestic light installation is usually in the neighbourhood of £75-£116, but £131 is still a good bargain if you are able to find an experienced and well-trained electrician to do it. Big projects like rewiring an entire house cost around £2,500-£4,500, as the project would be split into a 6 to 10-day job depending on the number of electricians dealing with it. If you need a full rewiring of your home, the cost will depend on the size of your house, the number of rooms you have, quality of the materials and workmanship. Judging by these factors, especially when the electrician doesn’t have to drive far to meet you, it is possible to get a complete house rewiring for as low as £1,400.
Consumer replacement unit works don’t take long to carry out. Most electricians finish in a day and aren’t likely to charge per hour. For this, they charge between £300 and £450. It is better to check other electricians around your location to arrive at a good price. You might be paying almost the same amount for a kitchen light upgrade. For instance, upgrading from fluorescent to LED, you might pay between £250-£400. Check out as many quotes as possible before you hire anyone. This way you get good price and quality service at the same time.