COST GUIDES
Light Switch Replacement Cost UK: 2026 Prices
Updated 07/26
Looking to replace or install new light switches? Find out how much you should be budgeting to upgrade your switches.
Fast Facts
Average cost to replace one switch like-for-like: £75
Average cost to add or move a light switch: £150
Electrician day rate: £320 per day
Perhaps you're tired of coming in through the front door and having to grapple around in the dark for that elusive light switch. Or maybe you're building an extension and you need to install a brand new light switch altogether.
Either way, you'll want some idea of how much it's going to cost. So let's take a look at the numbers.
Cost of replacing a light switch
| Cost provided item | Typical UK cost + VAT |
|---|---|
| Replace a light switch like-for-like | £75 |
| Move a light switch | £150 |
| Add a light switch | £150 |
| Replace 5 light switches like-for-like | £100 |
| Add 5 light switches | £250 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |
Replacing a single switch costs around £75 all in. Moving or adding one runs to around £150.
Replacing a light switch like-for-like typically costs around £75, covering both materials and labour. Although the job will only take around an hour, most electricians charge for a minimum of half a day's work — so the half-day minimum applies even for a single switch.
Replacing five light switches like-for-like costs around £100 and takes around two to three hours. It's much more cost-effective to replace more than one light switch at a time (or to get your electrician in for more than one job).
How much does it cost to install or move a light switch?
Installing a new light switch, or moving one to a new location, costs around £150.
That includes materials, fitting, and a quick replastering job where necessary.
Unlike a simple light switch replacement, these options usually involve additional wiring, tapping into existing cables, adding a new junction box, cutting into the wall and plasterwork. The cost rises further if cable runs are long or if your walls need significant chasing and replastering.
Installing (or moving) five light switches at once costs around £250 - so you could save a bit of money with a bulk job, if necessary.
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What affects the cost of replacing a light switch?
Several factors push the cost of replacing a light switch up or down:
What finish you choose: Adding a dimmer switch instead of a conventional light switch, or opting for a chrome finish, will cost more.
How many switches need replacing: Most electricians charge a minimum labour cost, so getting just one light switch replaced won't be economical. It's worth batching jobs - ask your electrician about other tasks, such as adding a plug socket, in the same visit to get more value from the call-out.
Whether your electrician works in a pair: Many electricians work in pairs for safety reasons. An electrician's day rate is around £320 per person.
Whether you're replacing, adding or moving switches: In general, replacing a light switch like-for-like will cost less than installing a new switch.
Type of switch: A standard switch costs least. A dimmer switch typically adds £20–£40 to the unit cost. A smart or Wi-Fi switch (e.g. Hive, Philips Hue) can add £30–£80+ depending on whether a neutral wire is needed. Check your existing wiring before ordering a smart switch - some older circuits need an upgrade to support one.
For more on what drives labour costs, see our electrician hourly rate guide.
Light switch replacement cost: job estimator tool
You can find out the approximate price for your light switch replacement (or installation) cost with our job estimate calculator.
Type out a few details about what you need from your electrician, and the tool will use Checkatrade data to give you an estimated quote.
Job Estimate Calculator
Can I replace a light switch myself?
Technically, yes - swapping a like-for-like switch is one of the simpler electrical jobs.
However, in the UK, electrical work in certain locations (including kitchens, bathrooms, around sinks) falls under Part P of the Building Regulations, which means it must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician.
For a straightforward switch in a living room or hallway, some homeowners tackle it themselves - but it's a much better idea to hire an electrician for a kitchen or bathroom switch. If you're unsure, a checked electrician can do it quickly and safely, and the cost is usually a fraction of a day rate.
For context on what's involved in minor electrical work, see our guide on how plug sockets are wired.
Do I need an electrician to replace a light switch?
Not necessarily, but it's a good idea - especially in a kitchen or bathroom.
For a standard like-for-like swap in a living room or bedroom, the UK Building Regulations don't legally require an electrician - but the work must be safe and correct.
If you're replacing switches in a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors (all classified as "special locations"), the work must be notified or certified under Part P of the Building Regulations, which means you'll need a qualified electrician.
An electrician takes under an hour for most light switch related jobs, and is worth it for the safety and peace of mind you get.
Benefits of using a checked electrician
Getting a checked electrician to replace your light switches means the work is done to BS 7671 standards and, where required, notified under Part P of the Building Regulations.
You get peace of mind for insurance and future property sales.
All Checkatrade members must pass up to 12 checks before we even list them, including verifying their ID and qualifications - so you can hire with a little more confidence.
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Light switch replacement cost checklist
Make sure you've ticked everything off on our checklist for the best chance of hiring an electrician you're happy with for your light switch replacement.
Light switch replacement checklist
Before you get quotes for your light switch job, run through this checklist.
How to find an electrician for your light switch
Finding a trusted electrician near you is easy with Checkatrade. to get started, just enter your postcode - or download the Checkatrade app.
We check and verify all of our members, so you know the tradespeople in our directory meet our standards.
Find the right electrician for you
Use our quick and easy request a quote feature and we'll get experienced local electricians to contact you directly. To get accurate quotes, be as detailed as you can:
How many switches you need replacing, moving, or adding
Whether any are in kitchens, bathrooms, or other special locations (Part P implications)
The type of switch you want (standard, dimmer, or smart/Wi-Fi)
Whether you have any accessibility needs (e.g. rocker switches, illuminated switches)
For more help choosing the right person for the job, read our guide on how to find a good local electrician.
Light switch replacement cost FAQs
A standard like-for-like switch replacement costs around £75 including materials. Moving or adding a switch runs to around £150+ depending on the wiring involved.
Yes, you can make a straightforward like-for-like swap in a living room or hallway, if you're confident with basic electrical work.
But in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors, the work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations and must be carried out or certified by a qualified electrician.
Not always. A simple swap in a living room or bedroom doesn't legally require one, though the work must be safe. In kitchens, bathrooms, and other special locations, however, the answer is yes - you'll need a qualified, Part P-certified electrician.
A faulty or damaged switch can cause sparking or overheating even when in the off position if the wiring behind it is compromised. If your switch feels warm, crackles, or trips your consumer unit, have an electrician inspect it.
Replacing a standard switch with a dimmer typically costs £80–£100. Installing one in a new position, or where extra wiring is needed, runs to around £120–£160.
Swapping a light switch out like-for-like takes a qualified electrician under an hour.
Moving or adding a switch can take one to two hours depending on how far the cables need to run.
Check out our electrician hub for all the information you need in one place. There's everything from the cost of adding plug sockets to hanging a chandelier!
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