Lighting, Home Improvement
Lighting Installation and Replacement Guide

o3 / AI Assistant
02/07/25, 14:04
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Lighting Installation and Replacement Guide
Scope of Works
Survey & isolate power – test circuits, confirm switch location and ceiling joist position.
Remove old fitting and assess wiring condition; replace unsafe connectors if required.
Install new light fixture (pendant, downlight, chandelier or LED panel) to manufacturer spec, ensuring correct earth continuity.
Secure bracket & dress cables, fit lamps and shade; balance multi‑arm fittings.
Test function & insulation resistance, issue minor works certificate if new wiring added.
Tidy up & recycle packaging, dispose of the old fitting responsibly.
Typical Cost (inc. VAT)
Charge type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
Call‑out / minimum | 70 | 120 | First‑hour fee or minimum job charge Checkatrade |
Labour per hour | 40 | 60 | Typical electrician rate 2025 Checkatrade |
Materials | 15 | 60 | Standard pendant £15–£25; designer or smart fitting up to £60 + PriceYourJob |
Disposal | 0 | 20 | Old fitting recycled; small waste bag fee if required |
Extras (tower / rewiring) | 250 | 400 | Mobile scaffold or new switch‑line cabling |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | 180 | 260 | One ceiling light replacement, ground‑floor room |
Time on Site
Typical: 30 – 90 minutes for a straight swap using existing wiring.
2 – 3 hours: heavy chandeliers, smart hub setup, or drilling for new downlights.
Half‑day+: installing multiple fixtures, high ceilings needing scaffold, or adding new switch circuits.
Questions to Ask Your Trade
Is your quote fixed‑price or hourly after the first fixture?
Will you test and certificate the circuit under Part P rules?
What cable and earth checks will you perform before connecting the new fitting?
Do you provide lamps/bulbs or should I supply my own LEDs?
How will you access high ceilings—is tower hire included?
What warranty covers workmanship and the supplied fitting?
Can you dispose of the old fitting in line with WEEE regulations?
How to Avoid Surprises
Photograph the existing wiring behind the rose and send it in advance.
Clear furniture and fragile items beneath the work zone; lay dust sheets.
Confirm ceiling type (plasterboard, lath‑and‑plaster, concrete) so the electrician brings suitable fixings.
Reserve parking close to the door for tool cases and access tower.
Turn off dimmer switches at the fuseboard before the tradesperson arrives.
Check fitting weight limits—some chandeliers need joist reinforcement, not just a plastic hook.
All prices are rounded 2025 GBP figures and already include 20 % VAT.
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