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A safe, efficient, and well-planned electrical system is an important part of any new build. It is one of the foundations of a building as it ensures safe distribution of electricity throughout the property and is critical to its overall safety.
Electrical installations go beyond laying down the wiring and cables. It is a comprehensive process that includes project planning, installation, testing, and maintenance – all done in accordance with the electrical safety standards in the UK.
Electrical installations in new builds are carried out alongside other construction work, including plumbing and HVAC system installation. Depending on the size of the property, labour costs, and the unique requirements of the new build, the cost of a complete electrical installation can vary considerably.
Read on to find out all about electrical installations in new builds, how much they cost per room, the factors influencing the cost, and ways to budget plan:
Before we dive into costs and budgeting tips, it is important to understand what it means to have a full electrical installation done in a new build and what the work entails:
The project planning phase is the first and most important phase of the entire process. It includes assessing the current and future needs of the property, material selection, and creating a suitable electrical plan to follow for the successful execution of the project in compliance with safety regulations.
During this stage, the electrician must coordinate with other contractors, including plumbers, HVAC engineers, and interior designers, to align the electrical plan and layout with other aspects of construction.
Electrical installations in new builds are broken down into two stages: first fix and second fix. First fix electrical installations include all the work to be done before any plastering work in the initial installation phase. The groundwork and foundation of the electrical system are laid down, which includes installing the cables, wiring, and circuits.
Second fix installations include all the finishing touches, such as installing the switches, outlets, and light fittings to make the property and the electrics fully functional. They are carried out in a flow right after the first fix, and the successful preliminary testing is done to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.
After completing the second fix electrical installations, a series of tests are conducted to assess the performance of the electrical system. These include a continuity test, polarity test, insulation resistance test, voltage test, load test, and earthing test.
A final and detailed inspection is conducted by a certified professional to ensure all the installations are in compliance with electrical safety regulations. A certificate is then issued to the property owners as proof of safety and compliance.
Several key factors have a direct impact on the cost of electrical installations in a new build. They include:
The labour costs refer to the charges of the electrician(s) working on the electrical system. Some electricians charge a flat rate while others charge on an hourly basis. How much your chosen professional charges will depend on several factors such as their experience, certifications, location of the new build, as well as its accessibility.
The size and layout of the property directly impact the scope of work and the associated costs. A larger property with more rooms would naturally require a more expansive electrical system with additional components compared to a smaller property. Since it would require more material and take longer to complete, you can expect to pay more.
The cost of the materials used is another very important thing to consider when calculating the total cost. The market is filled with many options when it comes to electrical components, from substandard to high-standard materials.
While you may be able to initially save a few pounds by spending on the cheaper materials, it can lead to serious reliability and safety issues. Investing in high-quality materials that can accommodate the electrical system’s needs is essential to ensure a safe, reliable, and fully compliant electrical system.
The complexity of the installation process, which is determined by the number of circuits, light fittings, and any specialised components, adds to the total cost of the electrical work. This includes integration with smart systems and setting up the system to support renewable energy generation sources such as solar panels and wind turbines.
New home wiring is a detailed procedure that involves a series of tasks to make the property electrically ready. Understanding what it is, and the processes included in it, will help you understand the costs and make informed decisions in terms of a safe and reliable electrical system.
It includes:
The average cost of a full electrical installation in new builds can vary considerably depending on factors such as the size of the property, quality of materials, complexity of installations, and labour costs.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £3,000 to £10,000+ for new home wiring. Smaller homes with 1 to 2 bedrooms may require fewer installations and, therefore, may cost less than larger homes with 3 to 5+ bedrooms.
Any new build is made up of several rooms, each with a unique electrical requirement. Factors such as the function of the room, energy usage, and the load required by the appliances are major factors to consider when planning and implementing electrical installations in new builds.
For example, the kitchen is very different in terms of functionality from the bedroom and lounge, which is why its electrical needs are also very different. For this reason, the nature and complexity of the electrical installations vary considerably, and so do the associated costs.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated per-room costs of electrical installations in new builds in the UK:
The kitchen typically uses more electricity than any other room in the home to handle high-wattage appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and electric ovens. In order to avoid overloading the circuits and to stay compliant with electrical safety standards, it is very important to have dedicated circuits for each appliance.
In addition to these dedicated appliance circuits, kitchens also require general circuits and lighting circuits. The outlets and sockets need to be placed strategically, keeping in mind the positioning and usage of the appliances.
The lighting design should be such that it properly illuminates the kitchen for food preparation and cooking. Under-cabinet LED lighting strips are a great option to consider as they provide great visibility and can serve as energy-efficient task lighting.
The estimated cost of kitchen electrical installations falls between £800 to £1,200.
Due to the presence of water in bathrooms, they can be particularly dangerous when mixed with water. Because of the nature of these rooms and the risk of electrical accidents and injuries, special consideration needs to be taken when working on the electrics.
According to the BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, bathrooms are divided into 3 zones with different electrical requirements for each based on their proximity to water sources and moisture levels. They require special outlets to prevent electric shocks and dedicated circuits for high-wattage appliances such as hairdryers. The lighting must be both functional and aesthetic to ensure safe visibility and to create a relaxing environment.
The estimated cost of bathroom electrical installations falls between £400 to £1,000.
Bedrooms and living rooms are highly personalised areas that have different electrical needs than the rest of the home. Their energy consumption is less than the kitchen and bathroom, and they mostly focus on the lighting setup to create an ambient environment for maximum relaxation.
The television, entertainment systems, and gaming consoles are also usually present in these rooms, which requires them to have specialised wiring and multiple outlets to prevent the use of extension leads. Additional costs may be incurred for installing special dimmers, recessed lighting, and smart home integration.
The estimated cost of bedroom electrical installations falls between £300 to £600.
The estimated cost of living room electrical installations falls between £400 to £1,200.
Rooms and structures situated outside the main building, such as garages, sheds, and gardens, have special electrical requirements because of their location. These areas may need special wiring, which may add to the total labour and material costs, especially if they are at a distance from the main house.
Outdoor electrical installations may also include weather-resistant electrical components and special outside sockets to protect them from environmental factors. Other installations, such as security lighting, security system setup, and EV chargers, also contribute to the total cost.
The estimated cost of outdoor electrical installations falls between £500 to £2,000.
Electrical installations in new builds are all-encompassing since they require everything to be done from scratch. From wiring to the final touches, everything needs to be carefully planned out and executed for a successful result.
Budgeting is a key aspect that needs to be considered early in the planning phase to prevent unnecessary expenses and ensure that everything aligns with your requirements. Budget planning strategies can help not only reduce the cost of the project but also improve its efficiency and success.
Have a detailed discussion with the electrician(s) working on your new build regarding your requirements and vision and set a clear budget for the tasks at hand. Get started with the electrical installation plan as soon as work on the new build begins to integrate it into the construction.
Effective coordination with other contractors working on the construction, plumbing, HVAC system, and interior design is mandatory for a smooth electrical installation process. This ensures that the electrical installations perfectly integrate with other structural and design elements of the new build, potentially saving both time and money.
When choosing the best material for electrical installations, always go for high-quality ones. While they may have a higher upfront cost, they may lead to incredible cost savings in the long run. Chasing short-term gains and opting for subpar materials will only lead to inefficiencies, safety issues, and costly repairs and replacements down the road.
Last, but certainly not least, hire professional electricians to ensure that the installations are done correctly, efficiently, and in compliance with the electrical safety standards. A certified installer can carry out all the tasks with great skill, potentially reducing the risk of any issues arising.
Hiring a NICEIC-approved electrician is the best way to go if you’re looking for a safe and hassle-free electrical installation process that helps you save money in the long run. They are trained, skilled, competent, and adhere to the highest standards of electrical safety.
NICEIC-certified electricians go through continuous improvement to maintain their status and certification and stay abreast with the latest developments and technologies in the industry.
Work done by a NICEIC-approved electrician also comes with an insurance-backed warranty and a formal complaint system, both of which protect customers from substandard work, unresolved issues, and costly repairs.
Wiring and electrical installations are tasks that require a certain skill set to be performed successfully. When hiring an electrician to conduct a full electrical installation in a new build, make sure that they are fully certified, qualified, and that they understand your requirements.
At Calder Electrical, we have been providing electrical services to residential, commercial, and industrial properties for over 40 years and are specialists in all aspects of electrical installations, maintenance, and testing.
All our work is fully insured, and we work to meet the standards set by the NICEIC to make sure all your electrical installations meet the current regulations, and all the notifiable work is signed off by the local authorities.
If you have unplanned issues within your home or business, we can provide a call-out service to rectify and solve any problems, such as circuit tripping, loss of power, broken items that need repairing, or to check if you feel something is unsafe or a potential hazard.
Our team can generate a Visual Inspection Report (VIR) to identify anything visual that does not comply with the standards or looks unsafe, as well as a full Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) where we will identify and test each circuit to make sure they are not deteriorating and are safe for use within the current standards and regulations set by the BS 7671.
We can also provide PAT testing of appliances to make sure that any items such as kettles, computers, and microwaves are safe for use in the home and workplace.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 3001 to get in touch with our professional electricians for more information on the cost breakdown of electrical installations in new builds and the best way to budget plan for it.
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