Last updated on January 16th, 2025
What’s the cost of moving a gas meter (UK)?
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Fast Facts
- The average cost to move a gas meter is typically around £700 for materials and around £300 per day for labour
- The total average cost of moving a gas meter is normally around £1,000
- The distance a gas meter needs to be moved will have a major impact on the overall cost of the job
Gas meters play a crucial role in measuring your home’s gas consumption, therefore determining your gas bill.
However, gas meters aren’t always in the best location. Here, we outline the cost of moving a gas meter and in what circumstances this might need to happen.
Why you might need to move a gas meter
Moving a gas meter normally happens for one of four reasons:
- Accessibility issues: If your gas meter is in a hard-to-reach location, moving it can make it easier to take readings and gain access for maintenance
- Renovation projects: Gas meter relocation might be necessary to accommodate a new home layout
- Adding an extension: Expanding your home could include moving a gas meter to comply with UK regulations or free up space
- Safety regulations: A meter in an unsafe location, such as near a heat source, may need to be moved to meet gas meter placement regulations
How much does it cost to move a gas meter in the UK?
Several factors will affect the cost of moving a gas meter. We’ve provided some average costs to give you an idea of what to expect.
| Costs of moving meters | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to move a gas meter- materials | £400 - £1,000 | £700 |
| Cost to move a gas meter - labour | £250 - £350 per day | £300 per day |
| Cost of moving an electric meter | £140 - £1,070 | £600 |
Last updated: January 2025
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The total cost of gas meter relocation can be split into two amounts: materials and labour.
- The average cost to move a gas meter is typically around £700 for materials and around £300 per day for labour
- This gives a total average cost of moving a gas meter of around £1,000
The process of moving a gas meter is much simpler and less invasive if its new location is less than a metre from its original position.
Cost comparison for different types of meter
Gas meter relocation
You should never attempt to move a gas meter yourself as this is illegal and extremely dangerous. You will need to contact your gas supplier to move your meter.
- Cost: The average total cost of moving a gas meter is £1,000
- Moving less than 1 metre: This task can normally be done by your gas supplier
- Moving more than 1 metre: You will need to contact your gas transporter
Cost of moving an electric meter
In certain circumstances, it can be cheaper to move an electric meter than a gas meter.
- Cost: The total cost of moving an electric meter will usually fall into the range of £75 - £1,000, with an average total cost of £540
- Moving less than 3 metres: The meter can usually be moved by your electricity supplier
- Moving more than 3 metres: You will need to contact your electricity distributor
Smart meter relocation cost
Although smart meters work in a slightly different way from traditional gas and electric meters, the process of moving them is quite similar. Due to this, the cost of moving a smart meter is comparable to moving a gas meter.
That being said, it’s recommended to keep two main considerations in mind when moving a smart meter:
- The optimal placement for any future renovations
- Ensuring signal strength for good functionality
What affects the cost of moving a gas meter?
1. Distance of move
The more complex and time-consuming it is to move a gas meter, the greater the cost:
- It’s much easier to move a gas meter up to 1 metre away than to move it further
- Moving an electric meter more than 3 metres is much more complicated than moving it less than 3 metres
2. Additional plastering or brickwork
Once your meter has been moved you will need to ‘make good’ the original meter location. Typically this involves:
3. New meter housing or connections
- If the meter box and housing are not suitable to be moved you will need to have a new one installed
- Costs can increase by around 25% if a new meter box is needed to fill the old space
- Changing connections or setting up new connections will increase costs
4. Regional variations in labour rates
- Distance: Depending on how far you’re moving your meter, different services will be needed. The cost of moving a gas meter will be affected by their rates
- Where you live: Your location can affect the amount charged by your gas professional. Areas with greater living costs such as London will have higher costs for any work completed by tradespeople
Tips for reducing the cost of moving a gas meter
- Check eligibility for free relocation – For example, if you’re on your supplier’s Priority Services Register, are at pension age, have a long-term illness or a disability
- Combine with renovation work – If moving your gas meter is due to a home remodel or extension, ask your tradespeople if they can incorporate the cost of ‘making good’ in your overall quote
- Switch supplier – Shop around for better energy tariffs and ask about the cost of moving a meter to check for cheaper quotes from different suppliers
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Checklist for moving a gas meter
- You may wish to move your gas meter if it is difficult to access or in the way of renovations
- The cost of moving a gas meter is affected by the distance it will be moved, the time taken, and any additional work such as plastering, brickwork, or new housing and connections
- It’s also possible to move electric and smart meters
- You may be eligible to have your meter moved for free
- You should never attempt to move your gas meter yourself, you must contact your gas supplier in the first instance
- Hire trusted trades such as plasterers and decorators to ‘make good’ the old gas meter location
Find trusted tradespeople near you
Whether you need a Gas Safe registered engineer, a bricklayer, a plasterer, or a decorator, we’re here to help.
Enter your postcode to see the trades we’ve checked and approved in your area.
FAQs
Can I move a gas meter myself?
You should never attempt to move a gas meter yourself as this is not only illegal but very dangerous. You will need to contact your gas supplier to ask about moving your meter.
Depending on the scope of the work needed to move your gas meter, you may need a Gas Safe registered engineer for preparatory digging, fitting a meter box, or connecting your supply in the new location.
Who is authorised to move a gas meter?
- For moves less than 1 metre, your gas supplier should be able to complete the task
- For moves greater than 1 metre, you’ll need a gas transporter and potentially other tradespeople such as plasterers and decorators
How long does it take to move a meter?
It can take up to 4 – 6 weeks to move a meter due to application and preparation time.
Can I get my gas or electric meter moved free of charge?
In certain circumstances, if you are having trouble with the placement of your meter, you may be eligible to have this moved at no charge. The following are some of the groups of people who are exempt:
- Those on the Priority Services Register
- Those who are at an age to receive their pensions
- Those who have a disability
- People with a long-term illness
Can I move my meter outside?
It is usually possible to move a gas meter from inside to outside, but it can be expensive if you are moving the meter more than 1 metre.
Is planning permission required to move a gas meter?
Planning permission is not usually required to move a gas meter. If in doubt, contact your local planning authority. Compliance with building regulations will always be necessary.
What tradespeople do I need to hire to move a gas meter?
You will need to contact your gas supplier to move your gas meter. However, a Gas Safe engineer and specialist tradespeople such as bricklayers and plasterers may also be needed.
What’s the difference between moving a gas meter and a smart meter?
Moving a smart meter requires placement considerations for signal strength and any future renovations.
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
No comments yet!