What is included in an electrical quote before work starts?

A quote should outline the scope, materials, labour and expected timing. It may also note any testing or certification required. If anything is unclear, ask the Electrician to confirm before booking. Ask what is included, how long the work may take, and what happens if extra issues appear.

Can you help with fault finding?

Yes. Electricians can diagnose faults such as tripping circuits, dead sockets or flickering lights. Once the cause is found, they will explain the repair options and any parts required. Photos and measurements can help the Electrician give clearer guidance.

Do you install kitchen or extension wiring?

Many electricians install new circuits for kitchens, extensions or outbuildings. This often includes planning cable routes, fitting protection devices and testing once the work is complete. If relevant, confirm how services will be isolated and when they will be restored.

Rewiring can involve access to walls, floors and ceilings, so some disruption is normal. Ask the Electrician how they will minimise mess and whether making good is included. Share the age of the property, access, and what you want to change so the Electrician can plan the right approach.

Can you add USB sockets or extra outlets before work starts?

Yes. USB sockets and additional outlets can be installed, subject to access and circuit capacity. Let the Electrician know the number and locations you need. It helps to note any existing issues, recent work, and the areas involved.

What documentation should I keep?

Keep any certificates, test results or reports provided after the work. These documents can be useful for safety records, insurance queries or future property sales. Ask what is included, how long the work may take, and what happens if extra issues appear.

Electricians in Edinburgh

Local professionalsFree, no-obligation quotesDescribe your job once

Electrical jobs in Edinburgh can range from small fixes to larger upgrades. Electricians can handle lighting changes, extra sockets, testing and new circuits. Share the job details and access notes so quotes reflect the full scope, then choose the Electrician that matches your priorities.

Post a clear brief and your preferred schedule. Compare quotes from electricians and confirm the one that offers the right scope and approach. Describe your job and get quotes from electricians.

How it works

Explain the issue, the property and any access notes or constraints.
Get quotes from electricians and compare what is included.
Confirm materials, testing and any certification requirements.
Choose an electrician and agree the date and arrival window.
Work is completed, results are checked, and documentation is supplied.

What electricians can help with

Electricians can support everyday electrical needs and larger improvement projects. Typical work includes repairs, socket additions, lighting upgrades, consumer unit replacements and new circuits for appliances or extensions. They may also carry out safety inspections and issue the relevant certificates once work is finished. For older properties, a partial or full rewire may be advised after an assessment. You can also discuss practical extras such as extractor fans, outdoor lighting or smoke and heat alarms. To help an electrician price the job, provide clear details, photos if possible, and any access constraints.

Discuss practical extras such as extractor fans

Outdoor lighting or smoke

Heat alarms

What affects the cost

These considerations affect the time, materials and approach a Electrician will take.

Job size, from small repairs to full rewires
Property layout and access constraints for cable routes
Condition of the wiring and fuse box
Number of fixtures, sockets and switches involved
Need for testing, certification and documentation
Any upgrades needed to meet current standards
Making good walls and ceilings afterwards

Typical UK pricing guide

Typical UK guide prices (ballpark):

Hourly rate

£45-£60

Emergency hourly rate

£80-£100

Fuse box change

£450-£800

Full rewire

£3,900-£10,000

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 experience do you have with jobs like this?
Which certificates will be provided at completion?
Is insurance confirmed for the project?
What is included in the price?
Do you supply fittings or should I?
How much downtime should I expect for power?
Will any making good be required after cabling?
How will you tidy and dispose of waste?

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a town in City of Edinburgh, within the Scotland 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 Roxburgh's Court, Strathore and Kirkcaldy.

Local coverage

You can request quotes from electricians serving Edinburgh and nearby areas. Describe the work, property type, access points and any constraints so the scope is clear. Mention the number of rooms or circuits if relevant, and include photos of the consumer unit when possible. Clear details help each Electrician explain materials, testing and likely timings. If you are unsure about fittings, say so and ask for suitable options.

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

What types of electrical repairs are common when comparing options?

Common repairs include faulty sockets, damaged switches, flickering lights and tripping circuits. an electrician will diagnose the cause, make the repair and test the circuit to confirm it is safe. If relevant, confirm how services will be isolated and when they will be restored.

Can you install additional circuits?

Yes. New circuits may be needed for high load appliances or extensions. The Electrician will assess capacity and route new cabling safely, then test and certify the work if required. Share the age of the property, access, and what you want to change so the Electrician can plan the right approach.

What is involved in a consumer unit replacement?

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 when comparing options?

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.

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