Electrical repair cost guide

How to collect and compare quotes

• Ask your electrician to provide a detailed breakdown of what they charge for the various tasks you require doing
• Get at least three quotes – it’ll give you a good idea of what to expect and how each electrician will approach the job / how easy they are to work with

Electrical repair cost – What’s the average hourly rate for an electrician?

The average hourly rate for an electrician in the UK according to Which? The prices range from £40 – £60. This will usually cover the price of them coming to your house and the first hour of work.

Electrician prices list

Please remember the following price lists are just averages to help you budget. They include labour and materials but not VAT.

Task: Install or replace a light fitting

Task	Description	Average price	Average time it takes
Replace a light fitting	Replace a standard light fitting with new one supplied by customer	£35-£55	0.5-1 hour
Install a dimmer switch	Replace a standard light switch with dimmer	£35-£65	0.5-1 hour
Install a central light in loft	Supply and fit a new light in loft with a switch outside a loft hatch	£75-£150	2-3 hours
Install kitchen downlights	Replace old strip lighting in a kitchen with LED downlights	£275-£440	5-8 hours
Install an external security light	Supply and install an external movement-sensitive security light	£85-£140	1-3 hours

Task: Installation of sockets, cables and appliances

Task	Description	Average price	Average time it takes
Install two extra double sockets**	Supply and fit two double sockets (white) in one room	£110-£165	2–4 hours
Install an outdoor power socket	Fit a double socket on an external wall	£85-£135	1-3 hours
Repair power cable	Fix damaged cable on vacuum cleaner or similar appliance	£35-£55	0.5-1 hour
Fit an electric cooker	Fit a single fan electric oven (customer supplies oven) where power is already in place	£35-£65	1 hour
Install electric shower***	Supply and fit 8.5kw electric shower	£265-£415	0.5-1 day

**More if you want wires hidden (chased) in walls.
***You may need to employ a plumber for this too.

Task: Rewiring and electrical inspections

Task	Description	Average price	Average time it takes
Rewire two-bedroom terraced house	Replace old wires and fittings with new wiring and fittings in six rooms, including kitchen and bathroom	£2,400-£3,500	5–8 days
Rewire three-bedroom semi-detached house	Replace old wires and fittings with new wiring and fittings in eight rooms including kitchen and bathroom	£3,000-£4,500	6–10 days
Rewire four-bedroom detached house	Replace old wires and fittings with new wiring and fittings in 10 rooms including kitchen and two bathrooms	£3,750-£5,500	10–15 days
Replace fuse box	Supply and fit a new fuse box for a three-bedroom semi-detached house	£450-£550	0.5-1 day
Conduct electrical inspection report	Safety check on electrical wiring in a three-bedroom semi detached house	£150-£300	4–8 hours

Whatever you need, we’re on our way

With HomeServe electrical breakdown cover for wiring, fusebox breakdowns and broken sockets, our Home Experts will help make sure that unexpected electrical problems don’t leave you in the dark. Our repairs service can also help you with other household issues like one-off repairs to your boiler or appliances. So don’t hesitate to get in touch.

FAQs

How much does an electrician cost per hour UK?

The average hourly rate for an electrician in the UK ranges from £40 – £60. This will usually cover the price of them coming to your house and the first hour of work.

How much does it cost to rewire a house UK?

This depends on the size of your house. The average figures according to Which? are £2,400 for a two-bedroom house, rising to £5,500 for a larger four-bedroom house.

Do you need an electrician to change a plug socket?

Not necessarily. If you take all the proper precautions around electrical safety, you can use our detailed guide on how to change your plug socket yourself.