How Much Does electrical work Cost in 2026? UK Price Guide

Electrical work rarely comes cheap, but knowing what to expect helps you budget properly and spot inflated quotes. In 2026, the cost of hiring an electrician in the UK typically ranges from £45–£100 per hour, with daily rates between £350–£600. For specific projects like installing a new circuit or rewiring a room, expect £300–£1,200+ depending on complexity and location.

This guide breaks down the real costs homeowners face when hiring electrical professionals, regional variations, and what separates fair pricing from warning signs.

What Affects Electrical Work Costs

1. Complexity of the Job

A simple job like replacing a light switch or adding a socket takes 30 minutes to an hour. A full rewire or installing a new consumer unit (fuse box) can take days. Rewiring a three-bedroom house, for example, typically costs £2,500–£5,000 because walls must be cut, cables routed, and building regulations compliance tested.

Jobs requiring structural work—such as running cables through solid walls or working in listed buildings—cost more due to additional time, specialist equipment, and certification requirements.

2. Property Size and Age

Older properties with outdated wiring systems cost more to upgrade. A Victorian terrace with plaster walls and original ceramic fuses is more expensive to work with than a modern semi with accessible cavities. Similarly, rewiring a five-bedroom detached house naturally costs more than a two-bedroom bungalow, simply due to the volume of cabling and testing involved.

3. Your Location

London and the South East command premium rates. A job in central London might cost 30–50% more than the same work in rural Wales or the North East. Travel time, local demand, and cost of living all play a role.

4. Materials and Specification

The quality of cables, switches, sockets, and fittings affects cost. Consumer-grade white plastic switches cost less than brushed metal or smart-home alternatives. Choosing premium safety devices or specialist equipment increases the bill legitimately.

5. Urgency and Emergency Callouts

Emergency callouts outside standard hours (evenings, weekends, bank holidays) typically cost 1.5–3 times the standard rate. If your electrics fail on a Sunday evening, expect to pay significantly more than scheduling work for a Tuesday morning.

Regional Price Breakdown: What You'll Pay Across the UK

London and South East

Expect £55–£100 per hour or £450–£600+ per day. A simple rewire costs £4,000–£6,500. Travel charges and congestion mean costs stack quickly.

Midlands and South West

Mid-range pricing: £45–£75 per hour, £400–£500 per day. A full rewire runs £2,800–£4,200. Slightly less congested than the South East but still competitive rates.

North West, Yorkshire, and East Anglia

More affordable: £40–£65 per hour, £350–£450 per day. Rewiring typically costs £2,200–£3,500. Lower overheads and competition from more tradespeople keeps prices down.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Among the cheapest: £38–£60 per hour, £320–£400 per day. Full rewires start around £2,000–£3,200. Fewer large urban centres means lower demand in many areas, though remote locations may incur travel surcharges.

Day Rates vs Hourly Rates vs Fixed Project Prices

Hourly Rates

Most electricians quote hourly when the scope isn't clear—for diagnostics, fault-finding, or one-off repairs. You pay for the time spent. Typical range: £45–£100 per hour. Useful if you're uncertain how long work will take.

Daily Rates

For jobs expected to take a full day (8 hours), electricians often quote a flat daily rate, which is usually better value than hourly. Example: £400 per day works out at £50/hour, saving you 10–20% compared to hourly billing. Range: £350–£600 per day depending on region and experience.

Fixed Project Prices

For defined jobs—new consumer unit installation, full rewire, bathroom electrics—electricians quote a fixed price. This removes uncertainty for both parties. Examples include:

• New socket installation: £80–£150
• New light fitting: £100–£200
• Consumer unit replacement: £800–£1,500
• Full house rewire (3 bed): £2,500–£5,000
• Outdoor electrics and garden lighting: £500–£2,000+

What's Included in the Quote—And What Isn't

Typically Included

Labour, standard materials (cables, boxes, basic fixings), testing, compliance documentation, and minor clearing up. Most electricians include a call-out charge of £40–£80 (often waived if you proceed with the work).

Likely Extras

Specialist testing equipment, structural work (cutting walls, lifting floorboards), asbestos surveys, premium materials (smart switches, heavy-duty cables), certification for insurance purposes, and making good walls and decoration. Always ask whether remedial work is included or quoted separately.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Request quotes in writing from at least three electricians. Provide clear details: the exact work needed, property age, current issues, and any time constraints. A good electrician will want to visit your property to assess the job properly—avoid anyone quoting over the phone without seeing the work.

Ensure all quotes include what's covered, what isn't, timescale, and payment terms. Compare like-for-like; a suspiciously cheap quote often signals corners being cut or inexperience.

Ask whether the electrician is Part P certified (Building Regulations compliance) and insured. This protects you legally and ensures the work meets safety standards.

Red Flags: When a Quote Is Too Low

Be wary of quotes significantly cheaper than competitors. Warning signs include:

• No site visit before quoting
• Reluctance to provide written documentation
• No mention of testing or certification
• Cash-only payment and no invoice
• Pressure to book immediately
• No public liability or professional indemnity insurance

Electrical work directly affects your home's safety and insurance validity. Cutting corners now can lead to costly repairs, rejected insurance claims, or worse. A qualified, fairly-priced electrician is an investment in peace of mind.

Summary: 2026 Electrical Cost Expectations

Budget £45–£100 per hour or £350–£600 per day for most UK electrical work. Regional variations are significant—London costs 30–50% more than Scotland or Wales. Always get multiple written quotes, verify qualifications, and remember that the cheapest option rarely delivers the best value.

When you're ready to hire, find local, certified, and fairly-priced electricians through electriciansaround.co.uk.