What is involved in a consumer unit replacement for a bigger project?

Replacing a consumer unit includes isolating power, fitting the new unit, connecting circuits and testing. Your Electrician should explain what protection devices are included and provide certification where required. It helps to note any existing issues, recent work, and the areas involved.

Is a safety check the same as an EICR?

An EICR is a formal safety inspection of fixed wiring and circuits. It checks for defects and compliance issues. A general safety check may be less detailed, so ask which report you will receive. Ask what is included, how long the work may take, and what happens if extra issues appear.

Will the work be disruptive?

Some jobs are quick, while others involve access to walls or floors. an electrician can explain the expected disruption and whether any making good will be needed after cables are run. Photos and measurements can help the Electrician give clearer guidance.

Do you need to see the property before quoting?

For simple jobs, a clear description and photos may be enough. For larger work such as rewires or new circuits, a site visit helps the Electrician provide an accurate scope and timeline. If relevant, confirm how services will be isolated and when they will be restored.

Can you fit extractor fans or bathroom electrics for a bigger project?

Yes, many electricians install extractor fans and bathroom fittings. Electrical work in bathrooms needs careful planning and suitable protection, so ask how the installation will be designed. Share the age of the property, access, and what you want to change so the Electrician can plan the right approach.

Is it possible to add outdoor sockets?

Outdoor sockets are possible, but they need weatherproof fittings and safe cable routes. The Electrician will advise on placement and protection based on how the area is used. It helps to note any existing issues, recent work, and the areas involved.

Electricians in Kettering

Local professionalsFree, no-obligation quotesDescribe your job once

Electricians in Kettering handle everyday fixes and larger projects, from socket additions to consumer unit upgrades and rewires. Tell us what needs doing and when access is available. You can then review quotes and choose the Electrician who fits your schedule.

Let us know what you need fixed or installed. Review quotes from electricians and choose the Electrician who offers a clear plan and timescale. Describe your job and get quotes you can review side by side.

How it works

Tell us what needs fixing or installing and share photos if helpful.
Review quotes from electricians and compare scope, schedule and materials.
Confirm who supplies fittings and what testing or certificates are required.
Agree the start date and any access or power arrangements.
Work is carried out, you check the results, and any documents are issued.

What electricians can help with

Whether you need a small repair or a planned upgrade, electricians can help. Services include diagnosing faults, replacing light fittings, adding sockets, installing new circuits, and upgrading a consumer unit to modern standards. For major works, an electrician can rewire part or all of a property and coordinate with builders during renovations. Many electricians also carry out electrical safety checks and can provide certificates where required. If you are planning outdoor work, ask about weatherproof fittings and safe cable routes. The more detail you provide, the clearer and more reliable the quote will be.

Help

Diagnosing faults

Replacing light fittings

Adding sockets

Installing new circuits

What affects the cost

These factors help you compare quotes from electricians on a like-for-like basis.

Size and layout of the property, including number of rooms
Condition of the current electrics and any known issues
Number of new points or appliances to connect
Ease of access to walls, floors and ceilings
Type of fixtures and finish required
Testing and documentation requirements for the work
Repairs and finishing after cabling routes are installed

Typical UK pricing guide

Typical UK guide prices (ballpark):

Typical hourly rate

£45-£60

Emergency call-out hourly rate

£80-£100

EICR inspection

£100-£250

Fuse box replacement

£450-£800

Costs can change with access, circuit count, wiring condition and whether making good is needed.

Prices vary by property, access and scope. Get quotes for an exact price.

Source: Checkatrade cost guide, Checkatrade cost guide.

Hiring checklist

This is a hiring checklist to use when comparing and hiring a Electrician for your job.

What similar projects have you completed recently?
Which qualifications and scheme memberships apply?
Do you have current insurance for this work?
What is included in the written quote?
Do you supply materials and fittings?
How long will the work take once started?
Will you provide test results or certificates?
What access will you need during the job?

About Kettering

Kettering is a town in North Northamptonshire, within the East Midlands area. The area has a mix of housing types, with a range of property ages. With a range of property ages locally, electrical systems can vary, and the mix of housing types may affect the scope of electrical installation work. This service also covers nearby areas, including Thrapston, Desborough and Burton Latimer.

Local coverage

To get accurate quotes from electricians serving Kettering and nearby areas, provide a concise description of the job and access notes. If the work involves new circuits, list the appliances or rooms affected. Mention preferred dates and any constraints. This helps each Electrician confirm what is included before work starts and plan any testing required. If you are unsure about scope, say that up front.

Why use Quotes By Trades

Good electrical work starts with a clear plan. Compare quotes, confirm what is included, and ask how the Electrician will test and certify the work. When the scope is agreed in writing, it is easier to manage costs and timelines.

Related Cost Guides

Under Floor Heating - Electric SystemGBP 500 - GBP 3,000+

Sockets, Switches & FittingsGBP 80 - GBP 1,500+

Solar PanelsGBP 4,000 - GBP 9,000

House RewiringGBP 3,000 - GBP 12,000+

Lighting & Power - ExternalGBP 120 - GBP 3,000+

Lighting & Power - InternalGBP 120 - GBP 3,000+

Consumer Unit ReplacementGBP 450 - GBP 1,200

Electrical Inspecting / TestingGBP 150 - GBP 450

EV Charger InstallationGBP 900 - GBP 1,800

Access Control / Door EntryGBP 500 - GBP 3,500+

Aerial & Satellite DishGBP 120 - GBP 450

Air ConditioningGBP 1,500 - GBP 6,500+

Help

FAQs

Will I receive a certificate after the work for a typical home?

Some electrical work requires testing and certification, especially new circuits or consumer unit changes. Ask what documents will be provided and keep them with your property records. Certificates can be useful for future sales or insurance queries.

How long will an electrical job take?

Timescales depend on the scope and access. A single fitting can be quick, while new circuits or rewiring takes longer. an electrician can estimate the duration once they understand the job and any access limits.

What information helps with a quote?

Share the job details, property type, number of points or circuits and any access issues. Photos of the consumer unit or the area can help. If you want the Electrician to supply fittings, mention that too.

Can you add or move sockets and switches?

Yes. Electricians can add or move sockets and switches, but the approach depends on existing wiring routes and access. Some jobs require chasing walls or using surface trunking to keep cables protected. It helps to note any existing issues, recent work, and the areas involved.

Do you install new lighting for a typical home?

Electricians can install new lighting points, replace fittings or add dimmer switches. They will check the wiring and confirm what is compatible with existing circuits. Tell them the type of fitting you want and where it will be placed.

What is a consumer unit and when should it be upgraded?

The consumer unit controls and protects your circuits. If it is old, lacks modern protection or regularly trips, an upgrade may be recommended. an electrician can inspect the unit and explain the options. Photos and measurements can help the Electrician give clearer guidance.

More local services

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