Adding a single socket sounds like a 30-minute job. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it's 4 hours. The price difference is mostly about how far the new socket is from an existing one and what type of wall the cable has to run through.
The Cheap Case: Spur from an Existing Socket
If you want a new socket within 1-2 metres of an existing one, on the same wall, on a standard ring main — I can usually take a "spur" from the existing socket. Drop a new cable down inside the wall, fit a new back box, terminate, test.
Typical cost: £60-£100 fitted in most homes. Time: 45-90 minutes.
Limitations: only one spur per existing socket on a ring main, and only for a single socket (not a double). For more sockets you need to break into the ring properly.
The Mid Case: New Cable to a Different Wall
New socket on a different wall to any existing socket? You need to run cable through the wall cavity, possibly under floorboards or up through the loft. Plaster will be cut into and made good.
Typical cost: £120-£250 fitted. Time: 2-4 hours plus making good (paint and plaster touch-up not included unless requested).
Cost varies a lot here based on: solid wall vs stud wall (stud is much faster), accessible loft above (helps massively), distance from the consumer unit, and whether the existing flooring needs lifting.
The Bigger Case: New Dedicated Circuit
If you're adding a high-load appliance (dishwasher, electric oven, hot tub, immersion heater, EV charger) you need a dedicated circuit running from the consumer unit, not a spur from a ring main.
Cost: £200-£500 depending on cable run length and consumer-unit changes. Time: half a day.
If your consumer unit doesn't have a free way (most older boards don't), add £100-£200 for the additional fuseboard work, or consider this is a reasonable trigger to upgrade the whole unit (£500-£700).
Hidden Costs People Don't Expect
Plaster repair: I'll fill chases and screw holes but I don't skim or paint. If you want it perfect, factor in another tradesperson or a plasterer.
Floorboard lifting: in older houses with original floorboards, lifting and refitting takes time. Tongue-and-groove modern boards are particularly awkward and sometimes break.
Solid floors (concrete, tile, stone): cable can't be chased — it has to go up to ceiling and along, or under skirting. Adds time.
Building Reg notification: most additional sockets are NOT notifiable. But if it involves work in a kitchen or bathroom (special locations), it IS notifiable. NAPIT-registered electricians notify automatically; non-registered electricians need separate Building Control approval (~£200 fee).
Whole-House Pricing for Multiple Sockets
If you're fitting out a kitchen or office and need multiple new sockets, ask for a fixed price for the whole job rather than charging per-socket. I can usually do 6-10 new sockets in a day for £400-£700 total — much cheaper per-socket than booking individual visits.
Get a Quote
I cover Pinner, Hemel Hempstead, Harrow, Watford, Northwood and the surrounding area. Free quotes — usually I can give a rough number over the phone if you describe the location, or come round for a 10-minute look if it's more involved. Call 07405 629 940.