How Much Does an Electrician Cost in Reading? A 2025 Local Pricing Guide
If you’re looking to hire an electrician in Reading, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: how much will it cost?
Electrical prices can vary depending on the type of work, urgency and the condition of your property, particularly across areas such as Tilehurst, Caversham, Earley, Woodley, Lower Earley and central Reading.
This 2025 pricing guide explains average electrician costs in Reading, what influences pricing, and how to ensure you’re getting safe, reliable electrical work at a fair price.
Average Electrician Costs in Reading (2025)
While prices vary by job, most electricians in Reading charge in one of three ways: hourly rates, fixed prices for specific jobs, or emergency call-out fees.
Typical Hourly Rates
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- £50 – £80 per hour
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- Many electricians charge a minimum of one hour
Rates may be higher for specialist work or urgent jobs.
Day Rates
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- £350 – £600 per day
Often used for larger jobs such as rewiring, consumer unit upgrades or renovation projects.
Emergency Electrician Call-Out Costs
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- £90 – £150+ for evenings, weekends or same-day emergencies
Emergency rates apply for urgent issues such as power loss, burning smells, exposed wiring or tripping fuse boards.
Common Electrical Job Costs in Reading
Below are average price ranges homeowners can expect to pay in Reading in 2025.
Consumer Unit (Fuse Board) Replacement
- £450 – £900+
Includes supply, installation, testing and certification.
Electrical Rewiring
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- 2-bed house: £3,000 – £4,500
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- 3-bed house: £4,000 – £6,000
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- 4-bed house: £6,000 – £8,000+
Older homes in Caversham and Tilehurst often require partial or full rewires.
EV Charger Installation
- £900 – £1,500+
- Depends on charger type, cabling distance and consumer unit capacity.
Electrical Safety Checks (EICR)
- £120 – £250 for residential properties
Often required for landlords and home buyers.
Lighting Installation
- £60 – £120 per light
LED downlights, pendant lights and exterior lighting all vary in cost.
- £80 – £150 per point
Costs increase if chasing walls or upgrading circuits is required.
What Affects the Cost of an Electrician in Reading?
1. Property Age & Condition
Older homes may have:
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- Outdated wiring
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- Old fuse boards
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- Poor earthing
These issues increase labour time and materials.
2. Job Complexity
Simple replacements are cheaper than:
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- Full circuit upgrades
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- Structural alterations
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- Outdoor or garden electrics
- Smart home installations
3. Accessibility
Difficult access, tight loft spaces or solid walls can increase labour time.
4 Urgency
Emergency and out-of-hours call-outs cost more than planned work.
5. Certification & Compliance
All work must meet BS 7671 wiring regulations, and certification is required for many jobs.
Do You Always Need a Qualified Electrician?
Yes. Electrical work should always be carried out by a fully qualified electrician, especially for:
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- Rewiring
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- Outdoor electrics
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- EICRs
Unqualified work can lead to:
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- Safety risks
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- Failed inspections
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- Invalid insurance
- Costly repairs later
Is It Worth Paying More for a Local Reading Electrician?
Hiring a local electrician in Reading offers several benefits:
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- Faster response times
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- Knowledge of local property types
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- Familiarity with council regulations
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- Easier follow-up and support
Local electricians are often more reliable than national call centres or “too cheap” operators.
How to Get an Accurate Electrical Quote in Reading
To get a clear, fair price:
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- Explain the job in detail
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- Share photos if possible
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- Ask whether the quote includes testing and certification
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- Confirm VAT status
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- Check experience with similar work
Fixed-price quotes are usually best for homeowners.
Final Thoughts
The cost of hiring an electrician in Reading in 2025 depends on the type of work, property condition and urgency. While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest quote, electrical safety, compliance and workmanship should always come first.
Whether you need a fuse board upgrade in Tilehurst, an EV charger in Earley, or emergency electrical repairs in central Reading, working with a qualified local electrician ensures the job is completed safely and professionally.