What affects the cost
Cost depends on the scope of the job, how much of the property needs to be accessed, the age and condition of the existing wiring, and whether the consumer unit needs upgrading. A single socket replacement is quick and low-cost; a full rewire in an older property takes longer, partly because of the making-good work afterwards.
Electrics in kitchens — circuits for appliances
A kitchen refit usually means new dedicated circuits for higher-draw appliances (oven, hob, dishwasher) rather than sharing a single ring main, plus RCD protection for anywhere near a sink. If you're changing the kitchen layout, plan socket and circuit positions before the units go in — moving them afterwards means lifting worktops or units again.
Workmanship guarantees on electrical work
Registered electricians typically offer a workmanship guarantee separate from any manufacturer's warranty on parts like consumer units or EV chargers — usually 12 months upwards. Ask what's covered specifically: a guarantee on a rewire should cover the whole job, not just the final connection.
How electrician quotes work
Describe the job, including property type, access, and whether the work is notifiable if you know. Electricians use this to give an initial estimate, then confirm the final price after seeing the job in person — particularly for anything involving old wiring, where the scope can change once cables are exposed.
How many quotes should you get?
Three is the usual recommendation — enough to spot an outlier (too cheap or too expensive) without asking so many tradespeople to survey your property that it wastes everyone's time. Make sure each quote is for the same scope of work, since a lower price sometimes just means less is included.
DIY electrical work vs when you need a professional
Under Part P of the Building Regulations, certain electrical work in a home is notifiable — it has to be carried out by a registered electrician who can self-certify it, or separately inspected by your council's building control. New circuits, consumer unit replacements, and any new work in a kitchen or bathroom are notifiable. Like-for-like socket or switch swaps usually aren't.
Three steps to hiring the right electrician
First, confirm they're registered with NICEIC or NAPIT and ask to see their registration number. Second, get a written quote that itemises labour and materials separately, not just a total. Third, ask what certificate you'll receive when the work's done — for notifiable work, you're entitled to a Building Regulations compliance certificate.
Electrical emergencies — what to do
If you smell burning, see sparks, or a breaker keeps tripping and won't reset, turn off the affected circuit and call an electrician. Don't reset a tripped breaker more than once if it trips again immediately — that usually means a fault, not a one-off.