Help on estimating electrical costs

[Hart1234]

Hi, I've just joined as I need some help. I have bought a two bedroom flat that I will be renovating and this is my first time. I'm just trying to work out all the costs that it will involve. The consumer unit looks quite old and might need to be replaced; I just hope the flat doesn't need a complete rewire . With regards to electrical costs do these look about right to you (all I need is ballpark costs for now):

Replacing a consumer unit - approx. £550 (Cost to replace a consumer unit | My Local Tool Box - https://mylocaltoolbox.co.uk/cost-guides/cost-to-replace-consumer-unit/)

House rewire - approx. £2k (How much does it cost to rewire a house? | My Local Toolbox - https://mylocaltoolbox.co.uk/cost-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-rewire-a-house/)

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[SJD]

The costs for consumer units in your link appear to be of the dual RCD type. The problem is if a circuit trips the RCD, then half the circuits are disconnected. Many of us (incl. myself) nowadays prefer to fit an all-RCBO unit, where each circuit has the RCD function built into it's own circuit breaker. This means a circuit tripping won't routinely trip half the circuits on the board. Costs are higher, but I'd strongly recommend you consider this route.

If you gave us more detail, e.g. a photo of the current fuse box or consumer unit, you might get more specific advice.

Rewiring costs depend a lot on what you need, e.g., 1 socket per room vs. 4 or 6, one central light pendant vs 6 or 8 downlights. White faceplates, or some fancy decorative ones. Etc. Plus the flat being empty makes it a lot more easier than if occupied. Also the construction, e.g. concrete that can't be chased vs. standard bricks/blocks. A lot more detail is needed to make any guess at costs.

 

[timhoward]

First job is getting a few tests done to work out condition of current wiring, and go from there. Also consider whether you have points where you want them etc.
Do this before any redecoration or new flooring etc!
Cu cost is a little bit low in my opinion.

 

[UNG]

Hi, I've just joined as I need some help. I have bought a two bedroom flat that I will be renovating and this is my first time. I'm just trying to work out all the costs that it will involve. The consumer unit looks quite old and might need to be replaced; I just hope the flat doesn't need a complete rewire . With regards to electrical costs do these look about right to you (all I need is ballpark costs for now):

Replacing a consumer unit - approx. £550 (Cost to replace a consumer unit | My Local Tool Box - https://mylocaltoolbox.co.uk/cost-guides/cost-to-replace-consumer-unit/)

House rewire - approx. £2k (How much does it cost to rewire a house? | My Local Toolbox - https://mylocaltoolbox.co.uk/cost-guides/how-much-does-it-cost-to-rewire-a-house/)

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Looking at the site you posted a link to it suggests £2.5k to £4k for the rewire of a 2 bedroom flat

 

[davesparks]

Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say you are renovating the flat?

Renovating could mean anything from redocarating to gutting the place to bare brick and starting again.

 

[7029 dave]

IMO get a few quotes from some local contractors, just to add to the comments pricing can vary depending on location.
I doubt very much in central London you would get a rewire for 2K or Even 4K on a 2bed flat.

 

[Hart1234]

Thanks for all your replies. After reading your comments I decided to get a couple of electricians round to have a look and give a quote. It's not as bad as I thought

 

[MJPD29]

Thanks for all your replies. After reading your comments I decided to get a couple of electricians round to have a look and give a quote. It's not as bad as I thought

Always remember cheapest isn't always best and might cost more to put it right in the long run!

 

[Vortigern]

I just quoted (and got the job) 5k for two studio flats. Bedroom, Kitchen/living room and bathroom. For a two bed 4/5k depending on the bells and whistle you do or don't want.