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01 · Ask
Spot the warning signs
Buzzing fuse box, hot sockets, lights flickering when you boil the kettle. Describe it in plain English — the AI tells you if it's a 30-min fix or a rewire.
Get your EICR sorted.
From May 2026 landlord EICR fines hit £40k — rented properties need a valid 5-yearly EICR certificate.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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From a single dodgy socket to a full rewire — read the brief, then let Three local electricians quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Part P, EIC vs EICR, C1/C2/C3 ratings, when Building Control gets involved. Know the lingo before the quote arrives.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 electrician quotes
Up to Three local electricians come back with itemised quotes — call-out, materials, labour, certificate fee. No flat-rate guesses.
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Top tips
Hiring a electrician, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Check NICEIC or NAPIT registration.
Part P electrical work must be certified by a registered electrician. NICEIC and NAPIT are the two big ones — verify online before they start.
Demand the EIC certificate.
Any new circuit or consumer unit change needs an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC). Without it, you can't sell the house cleanly.
Get the EICR before buying.
An Electrical Installation Condition Report on a house you're buying flags hidden rewire jobs. A C1 or C2 finding is a £2k–£8k negotiation lever.
Don't accept a quote without a survey.
Honest electricians lift a few floorboards before quoting a rewire. Anyone quoting a flat rate over the phone is guessing.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Hourly call-out rate
£50–£100/hr
Day rate
£250–£450/day
New socket or light fitting
£80–£200
Consumer unit upgradeInc. RCDs + cert
£600–£1.5k
EICR full report3-bed house
£150–£400
Full house rewire3-bed, plaster making-good extra
£3.5k–£8.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Electrician briefing.
Infographic
Electrician quick-view
Video guide
Electrician explained
From May 2026 the maximum civil penalty for EICR non-compliance doubles from £30,000 to £40,000. Mass EICR re-test wave April 2026 (5 years since 2020 mandate). NICEIC-registered electrician inspection. Expect to pay £150–£400 for UK EICR.
What Does the Work Involve?
NICEIC or NAPIT-registered electrician. Visual inspection. Tests circuits, RCDs, earth bonding, insulation resistance. Identifies C1 (immediate danger), C2 (potential danger), C3 (improvement), FI (further investigation). Report within 28 days. Remedial works mandatory for C1/C2/FI.
Typical Costs
| Property Type | EICR Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat | 120-200 | Smallest |
| 2-bed flat | 150-250 | Standard |
| 3-bed house | 180-300 | Most common |
| 4-bed+ house | 250-400 | Larger |
| HMO EICR | 300-600 | Multiple circuits |
| C2 remedial work typical | 200-1,500 | Plus EICR |
| CU upgrade if failed | 600-1,500 | Modern board with RCDs |
UK Regulations
Electrical Safety Standards Regs 2020. 5-year minimum re-inspection. C1/C2/FI must be remedied within 28 days. Penalty doubled to £40,000 from May 2026. Tenant copy within 28 days, new tenant before move-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why fine doubled?
Government addressing non-compliance rate. £40k from May 2026 covers offences after that date.
Mass re-test 2026?
2020 regulations triggered first round. 5-year cycle = mass re-tests April 2026. Book early, electrician shortage.
C1 vs C2 vs C3?
C1: immediate danger, fix now. C2: potential danger, 28 days. C3: improvement only. FI: further investigation.
Tenant access refusal?
Reasonable notice required. Document attempts. Court order if persistent.
Old CU = automatic fail?
Plastic 1990s CU without RCDs often C2. Modern metal CU with RCDs £600-£1,500.
How long EICR valid?
5 years from inspection date. New tenant doesn't trigger if current.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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