Average cost of an electrician

Summary: How much does an electrician cost, average cost per hour for an electrician.

For many people, any electrical task around the house other than replacing a fuse in a plug instils a feeling of awe combined with dread. Whereas they might often consider doing a wide variety of household DIY jobs associated with other trades, the line is firmly drawn when it comes to electrical work. After all, it is one thing sitting in a puddle of water when an amateur plumbing attempt at fixing a leaky tap goes awry, but getting an electrical shock is quite something else. It is actually the case that when dealing with electrics, it is safer and generally more cost effective in the long run to call out a professional.

Average Cost

Factors to consider

The most important factor to consider when choosing the right electrician is to check that they are licensed and registered. This will ensure that they are skilled, knowledgeable and experienced at the job. It is also advised to consider a qualified electrician that has been recommended by others based on the quality of the work. It is sensible to obtain at least three different quotes from electricians before you decide which one or which company to accept. Remember to check to see exactly what is included in each quote so that the comparisons are on a like for like basis.

Electricians should also hold public liability insurance which covers any accidents that may occur during a job. This is especially important if the electrician is involved in a large electrical installation such as the re-wiring of an office block. Without this insurance the customer or business may be held responsible for any injury or the cost of any repairs or replacements. All electricians must act in accordance with the Building Regulations and legal requirements, ‘Electricity at Work Regulations 1989’. They must meet the British Standard BS7671, which covers any ‘Wiring Regulations’, or policies, requiring them to practice installing electrical systems safely. A fully qualified NICEIC electrician with a good reputation is vital for an installation that is competently wired and safe, but also for the assurance that any teething problems that may arise will be rectified promptly.

Costs to consider

There are a variety of tasks under the remit of an electrician, some of which include fitting, repairing and testing electrical circuits, fitting sockets and electrical points along walls, floors and ceilings and also the fitting and testing of fuse boxes or consumer units. The cost of calling out an electrician does vary and is largely dependent on the task at hand. In an emergency situation, there is usually a fixed call out fee of up to £50 for domestic work, or anything up to £500 for commercial installations. Examples where emergency callouts are usually required are faulty wiring or power outages. If a local electrician is known and trusted it is likely that the cost will be lower than companies who specialize in emergency electrical callouts. A local electrician will charge an hourly rate of £12.50 to £20 per hour. The specialist callout companies will charge a minimum of £40 per hour for domestic work and often £150 per hour and over in commercial or business installations.

The cost of an electrician will depend on the nature of the job that is required, how long it will take and the materials required in order to complete it. The electrician’s price will be divided between labour and materials. A typical daily rate for an electrician is £150. Some examples of jobs with guide prices that electricians undertake include; the full rewiring to a 3 bed property at around £2900 and the connecting of an oven costing around £160. To add a new socket to a wall costs around £80 and to re-wire a loft conversion can cost around £1400. The installation of an exterior light can cost around £150. Costs will vary depending on the quality of the materials. For example, a standard white wall socket can cost around £2.19, whilst a brass fitting costs around £6.99. The overall price can increase if the job requires the electrician to work in a difficult area of the house, for example a confined space that would mean the work would take longer. If the electrician has to work elevated high above ground level or in dangerous or demanding surroundings this again can add to the final price. It is worth bearing in mind that the final costs may increase slightly due to genuinely unforeseen issues; it is therefore important to allow for a small contingency of perhaps 5%.