Cost of new electrics in a house in the UK
Installing new electrics in a UK house typically costs £1,500–£4,000 for a partial upgrade (consumer unit, extra sockets, new lighting circuits) and £4,000–£9,000 for a full rewire of a 3-bedroom property. The cost depends on property size, number of circuits, accessibility and whether the house is occupied during the work.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up cost of rewiring a house in the uk, electrician hourly rate in the uk and electrician call-out fee in the uk. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, kitchen pricing and boiler & heating costs.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Consumer unit upgrade (RCBO, 10–12 way) | £450–£900 |
Partial rewire (kitchen + extra sockets) | £1,500–£3,500 |
Full rewire — 1-bed flat | £2,500–£4,500 |
Full rewire — 2-bed house | £3,500–£6,000 |
Full rewire — 3-bed house | £4,000–£7,500 |
Full rewire — 4-bed house | £5,500–£9,000 |
External power (garage, shed, garden) | £400–£1,200 |
Labour costs
Electricians charge £180–£300/day or £40–£65/hour. A full rewire needs 5–10 days for a 3-bed house. Partial upgrades are 1–3 days.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Electrician (per day) | £180–£300 |
Electrician (per hour) | £40–£65 |
Labourer's mate (cable pulling, making good) | £120–£180 |
Scaffolding (for external work) | £200–£500 |
Electrical design / NICEIC certification | £150–£350 |
Materials costs
Materials include cables, back boxes, faceplates, consumer unit, downlights, smoke alarms and outdoor fittings.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Twin and earth cable (per metre) | £1.5–£3/m |
Consumer unit (10–12 way, RCBO) | £250–£600 |
Socket / switch faceplates (each) | £2–£15 |
LED downlights (each) | £8–£35 |
Smoke / heat alarms (each) | £15–£60 |
Outdoor sockets / lighting fittings | £25–£120 |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Property size and number of rooms — more rooms, more circuits.
- ·Accessibility — lifting floorboards, loft crawling, chasing walls.
- ·Occupied vs empty — working around furniture slows progress.
- ·Finish quality — chrome plates, smart switches, integrated USB sockets cost more.
- ·Location — London and the South East run 20–35% higher.
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Plan socket and light positions before work starts — changes mid-job are expensive.
- ·Use a NICEIC-registered contractor for certification and warranty.
- ·Combine electrics with broader renovation to share making-good costs.
- ·Choose standard white plates over premium finishes unless essential.
- ·Install LED downlights during rewire — they last 15+ years and reduce bills.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should a house be rewired?
- Every 25–30 years, or sooner if the installation uses old rubber or fabric cable, or if there are frequent fuse trips and scorch marks.
- Does a rewire need Building Control?
- Yes. Electrical work is notifiable under Part P. A NICEIC or ELECSA registered contractor can self-certify, avoiding council fees.
- Can I stay in the house during a rewire?
- It is possible but inconvenient. Power is off for significant periods. Many families move out for 1–2 weeks during a full rewire.
- What is Part P?
- Part P of the Building Regulations requires most electrical work in dwellings to be notified to Building Control and certified by a competent person.
- Do I need an EIC after new electrics?
- Yes. An Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or Minor Works Certificate is mandatory and required for insurance and resale.