New Consumer Unit

Sundayjumper

Been quoted £500 to supply & fit a new consumer unit, straight replacement for an existing old-style box with rewireable fuses.

A look on Screwfix and a consumer unit is about £100. I can't imagine it's much more than half a day's work so £500 seems expensive to me ?

zax47

We have debated this recently on another thread;

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2037279

Have a read and then understand it is MUCH more than half a days work! There is MUCH more to it than just changing a box! There is pre and post change circuit testing to do as well as any remedial works to earth bonding etc. to meet the latest 17th edition wiring regs and the correct paperwork/certification (it's Part P notifiable work!).

Typical cost for a typical 8-10 circuit 3 bed semi is around £300-400 so £500 is maybe a little high BUT without seeing your current installation I can't really say if it is too much.

Find typical CU change costs here.

suisidevw

Agree, we paid £350 for new box and a full test.

£500 is too high!

puddy

well ive just been quoted £600 for the box and installation????

zax47

Each installation is different, as I said above (and on the other thread) a TYPICAL cost for an average 3 bed semi (usually 8 or so circuits) is between £300-400. I have done board changes in large properties which have cost almost £1000 (with some extra minor works) but these are unusual, I've also done them in small properties with only 4 circuits where it's cost less than £200. A lot depends on the state of the existing installation and how much additional work is necessary besides the CU change (earth bonding to water & gas supplies etc.).

Kandipandi

This summer I paid about £380 for a new box and a new earth rod installed and upgraded earth bonding to the gas meter (outside in the garage) and the water main. This took one full day's work, they tested all of the electrics in the house and I got full certificates - I was very pleased.

C_Mababejive

Arent there any Polish electricians around as well as plumbers...?:whistle::whistle:

andy69_2

I think thats a bit expensive, its really easy for an electrician to do, We just had out house rewired and I watched the whole time as it was my mate (electrician) doing it. It cost 70 odd quid for the consumer unit, bit one aswell and then just switched it all over didn't take long!

fluffpot

Ah but did your mate test all the circuits, rectify any faults that he found, ( I have yet to do an existing CU change with none) then complete three pages of certificates?

Or did he just take off the old one, put in the new one, switch on and hope it was all OK?

This may well explain the difference in price!

justjohn

£1800+vat for full rewire ...am scottish and tight...(was done by qualified sparky)
would be looking at 200 quid max on this if me.

tucbiscuit

justjohn wrote: »

£1800+vat for full rewire ...am scottish and tight...(was done by qualified sparky)
would be looking at 200 quid max on this if me.

they're about the fugures I'd be looking at paying too, I had a new consumer unit fitted for £190 including labour, fully qualified guy, he has done a fair bit of work before for me so gave me a good price, but am sure he wouldn't sharge a stranger much more, if you're in the north west pm me and I'll pass on his details