Planning for second fix electrics

Few things are more important in a home than making sure your second fix electrics are correctly installed and comply with safety regulations before a final sign-off. Not only will it help power your appliances and lighting for years to come, but it will also protect you against fire risks.

This guide covers the common questions about second-fix electrics to help with your planning. We also share tips for hiring a qualified electrician near you.

But first, what’s the difference between first fix and second fix electrics?

First fix and second fix electrics – what’s the difference?

Put simply, the first fix involves the internal electrical wiring (which you won’t see). Once the plastering and painting are complete, the second fix involves the finishing touches (think light fittings, sockets, and switches). This includes your qualified electrician fitting or connecting the following:

• Plug sockets and switches
• Light fixtures
• Consumer unit
• Extractor fans
• Electric showers
• Other bathroom appliances, such as shaver points
• Central heating or air conditioning systems
• Minor plastering work to fill small holes
• Circuit testing and issuing a final installation certificate to prove all work meets current regulations

What’s an electrical installation plan?

With some careful planning during your first fix electrics install, you’ll have already mapped out exactly where you’ll be using electrics.

However, some key decisions remain, like choosing the right switches and sockets. Standard white-finish electrical accessories for socket outlets and switches are often included in an electrician’s quote for second-fix electrics. However, alternatives to standard accessories are worth considering to help you create a more designer or streamlined look.

Let’s look at a few tips to consider, room by room:

Kitchen

• Install plug sockets beneath cabinets or worktops to keep them out of sight
• Match your sockets to your kitchen’s splashback or cabinets, so they blend in
• Install a pop-up socket tower into the kitchen countertop. It’s a great way to hide the power plug points when not in use

Bedroom

• Coordinate your switches to the hardware of door furniture, bedroom cabinets or lighting finishes
• Install double plug sockets on either side of your bed – one for lighting and one for charging mobile devices
• Alternatively, consider sockets with integrated USB ports for charging mobile devices

Lounge

• Add a row of double sockets for media walls
• Avoid adding plug points where you know large pieces of furniture, such as a sofa will be

Second fix electric costs?

When hiring an electrician, we recommend asking for a clear description of what is included in the second fix electrics price they quote. That way, there are no costly surprises later.

On average, the hourly rate for an electrician is between £45 - £60. However, knowing exactly how long your qualified electrician takes depends on the following factors:

• Size and layout of your home
• Number of socket outlets
• Whether the home is occupied (electricians work a lot faster in empty properties)
• Where you live

An electrician will likely quote for the project as a whole. Enter your postcode into the search bar below to contact electricians for quotes.

Rewiring electrics – what’s involved?

If you’ve moved into a new home and discovered that the electrical system is faulty and unsafe, you’ll need a qualified electrician to help with rewiring. This is more complicated than a second fix electrics installation in a new build and could cost more.

As a general guide, re-wiring your home involves:

• Removing old fittings and wiring
• Installing up-to-date, safety-approved wiring throughout the property
• Fitting standard white finish electrical accessories such as socket outlets and switches
• Installing a new metal consumer unit (if necessary)
• Minor plastering work to fill small holes
• Circuit testing and final installation certification to prove all work meets current regulations

Rewiring a house cost?

To give you a general steer, the estimated cost for rewiring a one-bedroom flat falls between £3,000 - £4,800. Meanwhile the average cost to rewire a 3-bedroom house is in the region of £4,450 - £8,000.

Find out more about average rewiring costs.

Top tip – Remember, the price you’re quoted for the rewiring won’t include any major plastering work or decorating. You’ll need to get separate quotes for those jobs.

How long does a rewire take?

Rewiring is a time-consuming job – especially if your electrician is tackling a tangle of old wiring.

How long a rewire takes depends on the size and layout of the property. But as a general steer, for a one-bedroom flat, the process takes around 4-7 days.

Meanwhile, the work should take 6-10 days for the average 3-bedroom house.

How to hire a qualified electrician

Ready to complete your second fix electrics with the help of a qualified electrician? Follow these four simple steps to speed up the process:

• Use a professional directory

Search with a professional directory (like Checkatrade!)

We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.

We also make sure all our Checkatrade members have up-to-date public liability insurance for your added peace of mind.

Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*

* Eligibility and T&Cs apply

• Read online reviews

Check what other homeowners say about an electrician before hiring them.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

• Compare quotes

We always recommend getting at least three quotes from reputable professionals to compare.

• Check for accreditations

Always hire a certified electrician. You’ll want proof of their appropriate accreditations to make sure their work meets current regulations. For example, they must be registered as competent person with organisations like NICEIC, ELECSA, and NAPIT.

Ready to find an electrician near you? Simply add your postcode to the box below.

FAQs

Should I paint before 2nd fix electrics?

For a professional finish, it’s best to paint before the second fix electrics. That way, you won’t risk getting paint marks on your new sockets and switches.

Do you plaster before or after second fix?

The same goes for plastering – plaster before the second fix.

Can you do electrics after plastering?

After the plastering stage, your electrician will be back to connect all the wiring to your switches, plug sockets and appliances. With some careful planning during your first fix electrics, hopefully, you won’t need to make many changes at this point.

Do plug sockets go on before or after plastering?

You guessed it, it’s after plastering. Plug sockets are one of the final finishing touches your electrician will work on. There may be some minor plastering work to fill small holes, but hopefully, with some careful planning during the first fix electrics stage, this should be minimal.