What does an electrician cost in 2026?
An electrician charges £45–90 an hour in 2026, or £250–450 for a day rate, with London and the South East at the top of both ranges. Most firms have a minimum charge or call-out fee of £60–120. A VAT-registered company adds 20% VAT, which is the single biggest reason two quotes for the same job look different on paper.
Updated 15 September 2026
Why quotes differ so much
The first reason is VAT. A sole trader under the £90,000 registration threshold quotes £60 an hour with nothing to add; a VAT-registered firm quoting the same £60 becomes £72 to you. Neither is cheating — but a quote that doesn't say which it is isn't a quote you can compare.
The second is the minimum charge. A firm at £55 an hour with a two-hour minimum costs more on a twenty-minute job than one at £85 with a one-hour minimum. For small work, ask what the smallest possible invoice looks like.
The third is whether certification is included. Notifiable work requires a certificate and building control notification, and some quotes quietly leave that out.
Typical prices for common electrical work
Including materials unless noted. Add 20% VAT where the firm is registered.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £45–90 |
| Day rate | £250–450 |
| Fit a double socket | £90–180 |
| Replace a consumer unit | £450–900 |
| EICR on a three-bed house | £150–300 |
| Install an EV charge point | £800–1,500 fitted |
| Full rewire, three-bed house | £4,000–9,000 |
| Install outdoor lighting or a garden socket | £200–500 |
An EICR is the inspection report landlords need every five years, and it's the thing to book before buying an older property — it costs a few hundred pounds and regularly finds a rewire that changes the offer.
Part P, certificates and who can sign off
Notifiable electrical work in England and Wales falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. Either the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme — NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA or STROMA — and self-certifies, or you notify building control yourself and pay their fee. Scotland works differently, through a building warrant where one is required.
You should receive an Electrical Installation Certificate or a Minor Works Certificate for the job, plus the building control notification where it applies. Keep them: a conveyancer will ask for them when you sell, and their absence holds sales up.
Checking the electrician
Search the competent person scheme registers directly rather than trusting a logo on a website — all of them are free and take under a minute. Check the trading company on Companies House, and ask for a public liability certificate, normally £2 million or more.
Get three written quotes on identical scope, confirm whether VAT is included, and be wary of anyone wanting a large cash payment up front. Materials on account, yes; half the job in cash, no.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electrician cost per hour in the UK?
£45–90 an hour, or £250–450 as a day rate, with London highest. Add 20% VAT if the firm is VAT registered, and check for a minimum charge on small jobs.
What does a new consumer unit cost?
£450–900 fitted for a standard domestic board, including the certificate and building control notification. A board in an awkward position or a property needing remedial work costs more.
Do I need a Part P registered electrician?
For notifiable work, either the electrician self-certifies through a competent person scheme or you notify building control and pay their fee. Using a registered electrician is far cheaper and faster.
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
Every five years for rented homes in England, and at change of tenancy where the report has expired. Budget £150–300 for a three-bed, plus any remedial work the report requires.
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