General Electrical Work Guide

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01/10/25, 16:19

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General Electrical Work Guide

Scope of Works

• Survey existing installation and confirm it meets BS 7671 18th Edition standards.

• Design and install new socket outlets, lighting points, appliance supplies or circuit extensions.

• Upgrade or add RCD/RCBO protection in the consumer unit where required.

• Test insulation resistance, polarity and earth‑fault loop impedance; issue Minor Works or Electrical Installation Certificate.

• Label circuits, tidy trunking/clips, reinstate floorboards or ceiling cut‑outs.

• Remove waste cable and fittings, and leave the site safe and clean.

Typical Cost (inc. VAT)

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call‑out / minimum	70	140	One‑off attendance fee covering the first 30 min; typical for UK electricians in 2025 (HomeownerCosts)
Labour per hour	50	85	Checkatrade’s 2025 average hourly rate band for qualified electricians (Checkatrade)
Materials (accessories, cable, breakers)	25	250	From a replacement socket to a new RCBO or small circuit extension; cost data extracted from current rewire material breakdowns (Checkatrade)
Disposal (old fittings, WEEE)	0	30	Small volume of cables & accessories taken to licensed tip
Extras (out‑of‑hours, scaffold, Part P notification)	0	200	Emergency evening call‑out, high‑level lighting or building‑control fees (Checkatrade)
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	180	400	Fault‑find & replace a breaker → add new radial circuit (VAT inc.)

Time on Site

• 1 – 2 hours for adding one extra socket or light fitting.

• 3 – 5 hours for installing a new radial circuit, cooker supply or multi‑point LED downlight run. Factors extending time: lifting floors, chasing walls, loft access restrictions, consumer‑unit upgrades, or waiting for plaster/paint touch‑ups.

Questions to Ask Your Trade

Are you NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA registered and able to self‑certify Part P compliance?
Will you provide an Electrical Installation Certificate or Minor Works Certificate?
Is the quote fixed and inclusive of materials, parking and VAT?
How will you route cables—surface trunking, mini‑trunking, chased into walls or under floors?
Do you carry common breakers and accessories to avoid return visits?
What disruption should I expect (power‑off duration, dust, access to lofts)?
What warranty covers parts and workmanship, and what is the call‑back policy?