Home Improvement Blog

What’s the Average Electrician Hourly Rate in the UK? (2026)

8th July 2026 Matt Warren

The short answer: for standard domestic electrical work in 2026, the average electrician hourly rate in the UK is usually around £40 to £70 per hour, before materials and VAT. In London and parts of t

The short answer: for standard domestic electrical work in 2026, the average electrician hourly rate in the UK is usually around £40 to £70 per hour, before materials and VAT. In London and parts of the South East, it can be higher, often around £55 to £90 per hour. For urgent call-outs, evening work, or weekend visits, expect a higher rate.

That said, hourly rate is only one part of the bill. Many electricians have a minimum charge, often the first hour, and some jobs are priced as a fixed quote rather than by the hour. If you are a homeowner comparing quotes, or a landlord budgeting for rental maintenance, the most useful question is not just “what is the hourly rate?” It is “what will this job cost in total, and what is included?”

Average electrician hourly rate in the UK in 2026

Here is a practical guide to what you may pay for a qualified domestic electrician in 2026. These figures are typical labour ranges, not guaranteed prices, because the final quote depends on your location, the job, access, materials, and urgency.

Type of electrical work	Typical 2026 labour cost
Standard hourly rate	£40 to £70 per hour
London hourly rate	£55 to £90 per hour
First hour or minimum call-out	£60 to £120
Half-day rate	£180 to £300
Day rate	£300 to £500
Emergency or out-of-hours rate	£80 to £150 per hour

A small job, such as replacing a light fitting or changing a socket, may take less than an hour in practice. However, you may still pay a minimum charge because the electrician has travel time, admin, parking, insurance, tools, testing equipment, and certification responsibilities to cover.

For larger jobs, such as a consumer unit replacement, partial rewire, or new circuit, most electricians will prefer to give a fixed quote after seeing the work. This is usually better for you too, as it gives a clearer total price before the job starts.

Why electrician rates vary so much

Two electricians can charge different hourly rates and both may be perfectly reasonable. Electrical work is safety-critical, so the cheapest hourly rate is not always the best value. A good quote should reflect the electrician’s experience, qualifications, workload, insurance, local costs, and the complexity of the job.

Location

Location is one of the biggest factors. Electricians in London usually charge more because of higher business costs, congestion, parking, and travel time. Birmingham and Manchester are often more moderate, although prices can still rise for city-centre work, urgent visits, and specialist jobs.

Rural jobs can also cost more than expected if the electrician has to travel a long distance. Even if the hourly rate looks lower, a call-out fee or minimum charge may be added.

Type of job

Straightforward replacement jobs are usually cheaper than diagnostic or compliance work. For example, swapping a like-for-like light fitting is normally simpler than finding an intermittent fault, adding a new circuit, or investigating why an RCD keeps tripping.

Fault finding is often charged hourly because the electrician cannot always know how long it will take until testing begins. Installation work is more likely to be quoted as a fixed price, especially when materials and certification are involved.

Qualifications, registration, and certification

Electrical work must be carried out safely and, for some jobs, must comply with building regulations. In England and Wales, certain domestic electrical work falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. You can find official guidance on electrical safety and building regulations through GOV.UK.

Many homeowners look for electricians who are registered with a competent person scheme or who can provide the correct certification for notifiable work. Organisations such as Electrical Safety First also advise using a properly qualified electrician for electrical work in the home.

Urgency

Emergency call-outs cost more because the electrician has to interrupt planned work or attend outside normal hours. If you have a genuine safety issue, such as burning smells, exposed live wiring, repeated tripping, or signs of overheating, do not delay. For non-urgent work, booking during normal working hours will usually be cheaper.

Materials and VAT

Hourly rates normally cover labour only. Materials such as sockets, switches, cable, trunking, circuit breakers, consumer units, outdoor fittings, and smoke alarms will be charged on top.

VAT can also affect the final bill. VAT-registered electricians must charge VAT, usually at 20%, while smaller sole traders may not be VAT registered. Always ask whether a quote includes VAT, otherwise two prices that look similar may not be directly comparable.

Electrician hourly rates by UK area

The table below gives a broad guide to how electrician rates can differ by location in 2026. These are typical domestic labour ranges and should be treated as a starting point for comparison.

Area	Typical hourly rate	What to expect
London	£55 to £90	Higher travel, parking, and business costs
South East	£45 to £75	Often above the UK average, especially near London
Birmingham and West Midlands	£40 to £65	Competitive rates, but urgent work can cost more
Manchester and North West	£40 to £65	Similar to many large regional cities
Scotland, Wales, North East, and parts of the Midlands	£35 to £60	Lower rates are possible, but check minimum charges

Regional averages are helpful, but your postcode matters. A landlord with several properties in Manchester may get a different rate from a homeowner booking a one-off job in a rural village. That is why comparing local quotes is usually more reliable than relying on a single national average.

Hourly rate, call-out fee, or fixed quote: which one applies?

Electricians do not price every job in the same way. Understanding the pricing method makes it much easier to compare quotes fairly.

Pricing method	Best suited to	Why it is used
Hourly rate	Fault finding, small repairs, extra tasks while on site	Time needed is uncertain
Minimum call-out	Very small jobs, first visits, urgent checks	Covers travel and the first block of time
Half-day or day rate	Several small jobs in one property	Often better value than separate visits
Fixed quote	Installations, upgrades, larger planned work	Gives a clearer total cost before work begins

If you have a list of small jobs, it can be worth grouping them together. For example, replacing two light fittings, changing a cracked socket, and checking an extractor fan may be cheaper in one visit than booking separate call-outs.

Example costs for common electrical jobs

Hourly rates are useful, but most people want to know what they are likely to pay for a specific job. The examples below show typical labour-led price ranges for common domestic electrical tasks in 2026. Materials, VAT, access issues, and certification can change the final cost.

Job	Typical price range	Common pricing approach
Replace a light fitting	£60 to £120	Minimum charge or first hour
Replace a socket or switch	£60 to £120	Minimum charge or first hour
Add an extra socket	£120 to £250	Fixed quote or hourly plus materials
Electrical fault finding	£80 to £180 for first visit	Hourly or minimum call-out
Install an outdoor socket	£120 to £250	Fixed quote
Replace or upgrade a consumer unit	£500 to £1,200+	Fixed quote
EICR for a rental property	Often fixed by property size	Fixed inspection price

For landlords, EICRs are a common recurring cost. In England, private landlords must usually have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations. The government provides guidance for landlords and tenants on these rules.

How to compare electrician quotes properly

A low hourly rate can look attractive, but it does not always mean the lowest final bill. One electrician may charge £45 per hour but have a high minimum fee, while another may charge £60 per hour and finish the work quickly with all testing included.

When comparing quotes, check the same details every time:

Whether the price includes VAT
Whether materials are included or charged separately
Whether there is a call-out fee or minimum charge
Whether testing and certification are included
Whether parking, congestion charges, or travel are extra
Whether remedial work is included or quoted separately
Whether the electrician is insured and appropriately qualified

This is where transparent pricing matters. HaMuch is built to help homeowners and landlords compare real local tradesperson prices, customer reviews, and availability, rather than making decisions from vague national averages alone.

How to keep electrical costs under control

You should never cut corners with electrical safety, but there are sensible ways to avoid unnecessary costs.

First, describe the job clearly when requesting a quote. If possible, mention the age of the property, the type of work needed, whether access is easy, and whether you have photos of the issue. A clearer description helps electricians quote more accurately.

Second, combine small jobs into one visit where practical. If you already need an electrician to replace a light fitting, ask them to price any other minor jobs at the same time.

Third, ask for an itemised quote. You do not need a complicated breakdown, but you should understand what is labour, what is materials, and what is VAT. For larger jobs, ask whether certification is included.

Finally, compare more than one quote. This does not mean choosing the cheapest. It means checking whether the price is reasonable for your area, whether the electrician has good reviews, and whether the scope of work is clear.

When should you pay more for an electrician?

There are times when paying a higher hourly rate is sensible. Electrical faults can be dangerous, and poorly completed work may cost more to fix later.

It is often worth paying for a more experienced or specialist electrician if the job involves an old fuse box, repeated tripping, landlord compliance, consumer unit upgrades, outdoor electrics, electric heating controls, or a property you plan to sell or rent out.

You should also be cautious if a quote is far below the others. It may be perfectly genuine, but check what is included. A low labour price may exclude testing, certification, waste disposal, VAT, or essential materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average electrician hourly rate in the UK in 2026? Most domestic electricians charge around £40 to £70 per hour in 2026. In London, the typical range is often higher, around £55 to £90 per hour.

Do electricians charge a call-out fee? Many electricians charge a minimum fee for small jobs or first visits. This is often £60 to £120 and may cover the first hour of labour, depending on the electrician.

Is it cheaper to pay an electrician by the hour or get a fixed quote? Hourly pricing can work well for fault finding and small repairs. Fixed quotes are usually better for planned installation work because you know the total cost before the job starts.

Are electrician rates higher in London? Yes, London rates are usually higher than the UK average because of travel time, parking, congestion, demand, and general business costs.

Should I choose the cheapest electrician? Not automatically. Compare the full quote, reviews, qualifications, insurance, materials, VAT, and whether testing or certification is included.

Do landlords need an electrician for an EICR? Yes. Landlords should use a qualified and competent person to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report. If you are budgeting for a rental property, it is worth checking local EICR costs before booking.

If you are planning electrical work in the capital, compare local pricing and reviews for electricians near London before you book.

For rental property compliance in the North West, our guide to EICR electrical safety certificate costs in Manchester explains what landlords and homeowners can expect.

Ready to get a clearer price for your own job? Use HaMuch to request quotes from local electricians, compare real pricing data and customer reviews, and choose with confidence. It is free for homeowners to use, and there is no obligation to book.

How Much Does an EICR (Electrical Safety Certificate) Cost in Manchester?

7th July 2026 Matt Warren

If you need an EICR in Manchester, the short answer is that most domestic Electrical Installation Condition Reports cost around £90 to £300, depending on the size and complexity of the property. A sma

If you need an EICR in Manchester, the short answer is that most domestic Electrical Installation Condition Reports cost around £90 to £300, depending on the size and complexity of the property. A small flat is usually at the lower end, while a larger house, older property, HMO or property with multiple consumer units can cost more.

An EICR is often called an Electrical Safety Certificate, especially by landlords and letting agents. Strictly speaking, it is a report rather than a certificate. It checks the condition of the fixed electrical installation in a property, including wiring, sockets, switches, earthing and the consumer unit.

For landlords in Manchester, it is not just a nice-to-have. In England, private rented homes must have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years, unless the report says it needs to be done sooner. For homeowners, an EICR is commonly requested before selling, buying, renovating or renting out a property.

Typical EICR cost in Manchester

The table below gives a practical guide to typical EICR prices in Manchester for domestic properties in 2026. These are inspection and report costs only, not the cost of fixing faults found during the inspection.

Property type	Typical EICR cost in Manchester	Notes
Studio or 1-bed flat	£90 to £140	Usually quicker if access is simple and circuits are limited
2-bed flat or small house	£110 to £170	Common price range for many rental flats and terraces
3-bed house	£140 to £220	Price depends on the number of circuits and property age
4-bed house	£180 to £300	Larger homes take longer to inspect and test properly
5-bed house or large property	£250 to £450+	More circuits, outbuildings or multiple consumer units can increase cost
HMO or multi-let property	£250 to £600+	Depends on room count, layout, communal areas and licensing requirements

Some electricians quote a fixed price by property size. Others price by the number of circuits in the consumer unit. Either approach can be fair, as long as the quote is clear about what is included.

When comparing quotes, check whether VAT is included. Some local electricians are not VAT registered, while others must add VAT to the quoted price. A quote of £150 plus VAT becomes £180, which makes a noticeable difference when you are comparing several prices.

What is included in an EICR?

A proper EICR is more than a quick look at the fuse box. The electrician will inspect and test the fixed electrical installation to identify damage, deterioration, unsafe work or anything that does not meet current safety expectations.

A typical domestic EICR in Manchester should include checks on accessible parts of the installation, testing of circuits, inspection of the consumer unit, earthing and bonding checks, and a written report showing whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Item	Usually included?	What to check before booking
Visual inspection of accessible electrics	Yes	Confirm whether lofts, garages or outbuildings are included
Electrical testing of circuits	Yes	Ask if the quote is based on a maximum number of circuits
Consumer unit inspection	Yes	Mention if the property has more than one consumer unit
Written EICR report	Yes	Ask how quickly the report will be provided
Fault codes and observations	Yes	Make sure the electrician explains any C1, C2, C3 or FI codes
Remedial repairs	No	Repairs are normally quoted separately
Portable appliance testing	No	PAT testing is separate from an EICR
New consumer unit certificate	No	This applies only if installation work is carried out

The report will usually classify issues using codes. A C1 means danger is present and immediate action is needed. A C2 means the issue is potentially dangerous and urgent remedial work is required. FI means further investigation is needed. A C3 means improvement is recommended, but it does not normally make the report unsatisfactory on its own.

Why EICR prices vary in Manchester

Two homes can have the same number of bedrooms but very different EICR costs. A modern 2-bed apartment in Manchester city centre may be quicker to test than an older converted property with altered wiring, extensions or unclear labelling at the consumer unit.

The biggest factor is usually the number of circuits. More circuits mean more testing, more recording and more time on site. A property with separate circuits for an extension, electric shower, garage, outdoor lighting or electric heating may cost more than a simpler home.

Age and condition also matter. Manchester has a wide mix of property types, from city centre flats to Victorian terraces and larger suburban homes. Older properties are not automatically unsafe, but they may have had more DIY alterations, older fuse boxes or wiring that needs closer inspection.

Access can affect the price too. If the electrician needs to work around tenants, restricted parking, missing keys, locked cupboards or furniture blocking sockets, the visit can take longer. For landlords and property managers, arranging access properly is one of the easiest ways to keep costs under control.

Urgency is another factor. If you need a same-day or next-day EICR for a tenancy deadline, expect to pay more than you would for a flexible appointment booked in advance.

Landlord EICR rules in Manchester

Manchester landlords must follow the same electrical safety rules as other private landlords in England. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector regulations, landlords must make sure electrical installations are inspected and tested by a qualified and competent person at least every five years.

Landlords must provide a copy of the report to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection. New tenants should receive a copy before they occupy the property. If the local authority asks for the report, the landlord must provide it within seven days.

If the report is unsatisfactory, the landlord must complete any required remedial work within 28 days, or sooner if the report states a shorter timescale. Written confirmation that the work has been completed should also be kept.

For landlords with several properties, EICR costs can add up quickly. That makes it especially important to compare electricians on both price and reliability. HaMuch helps by showing real, comparable pricing data by trade and location, so you are not left guessing what a fair Manchester price should look like before you request quotes.

Does the EICR cost include repairs?

In most cases, no. The EICR price covers inspection, testing and the written report. If the electrician finds faults, remedial work is normally quoted separately.

That is not a bad thing. Keeping the inspection separate from repairs makes the pricing clearer. It also gives you the chance to compare quotes for any follow-up work, especially if the report includes several observations.

Common remedial items after an EICR can include replacing damaged sockets, improving earthing or bonding, fixing loose accessories, replacing an outdated consumer unit, adding RCD protection or investigating an unknown circuit fault. Small fixes may cost relatively little, while larger jobs can run into several hundred pounds or more.

Finding on report	What it may mean for cost
Only C3 recommendations	The EICR may still be satisfactory, so repairs may be optional
One or two small C2 issues	Expect a separate quote for specific remedial work
Several C2 issues	Costs can rise depending on the amount of labour and materials
FI code	Further investigation is needed before a final repair price is clear
Old or damaged consumer unit	A larger upgrade may be recommended and priced separately

If a report comes back unsatisfactory, ask for an itemised remedial quote. A clear quote should explain what work is needed, why it is needed, and whether any certification will be provided after completion.

How long does an EICR take?

A small flat may take around one to two hours. A typical 3-bed house may take two to four hours. Larger homes, HMOs and properties with multiple consumer units can take half a day or more.

During the test, the electrician may need to turn the power off for short periods. If you work from home, have medical equipment, keep food in freezers or have tenants in occupation, plan the appointment carefully. Let the electrician know about any access issues before they arrive.

The written report may be provided the same day, but it is also common for it to follow within a few working days. If you need the report urgently for a tenancy start date, say so before booking.

How to compare EICR quotes in Manchester

Price matters, but the cheapest quote is not always the best value if the inspection is rushed or the report is unclear. A good electrician should be able to explain the inspection process in plain English and answer basic questions before you book.

Before accepting a quote, ask:

Is the price fixed for my property type, or based on the number of circuits?
Does the quote include VAT and the written EICR report?
How soon will I receive the report?
Are garages, lofts, extensions or outbuildings included?
What happens if remedial work is needed?
Can you provide evidence of qualifications, insurance and inspection experience?

It is also worth checking customer reviews and local experience. An electrician who regularly works on Manchester rental properties will usually understand landlord deadlines, tenant access and the importance of clear paperwork.

You can compare local electricians in Manchester on HaMuch to see transparent, comparable pricing and genuine customer reviews before requesting quotes. The service is free for homeowners and landlords to use, and there is no obligation to book.

How to avoid paying more than you need to

The easiest way to avoid extra cost is to give accurate information upfront. Tell the electrician the property type, number of bedrooms, approximate age, whether it is rented, and whether there are outbuildings or more than one consumer unit.

If you can, send a photo of the consumer unit before the visit. This can help the electrician understand the likely number of circuits and spot any obvious complications. For landlords, make sure the tenant knows the appointment time and that the electrician can access all rooms, sockets, cupboards and the consumer unit.

Do not hide known issues. If lights flicker, sockets are damaged or previous electrical work was done without paperwork, mention it. It is better to get an accurate quote than to receive a low estimate that changes once the electrician arrives.

Finally, compare more than one quote. Many trade directories ask you to submit your details before you get any sense of cost. HaMuch is different because pricing transparency is built into the comparison process, helping you understand typical local rates before you shortlist a tradesperson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an EICR cost in Manchester? Most domestic EICRs in Manchester cost around £90 to £300. A small flat may be closer to £90 to £140, while larger houses, HMOs or properties with several circuits can cost £300 or more.

Is an EICR the same as an Electrical Safety Certificate? People often use the term Electrical Safety Certificate, but the correct name is Electrical Installation Condition Report. It records the condition of the fixed electrical installation and states whether it is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

Do landlords in Manchester legally need an EICR? Yes. Private landlords in England, including Manchester, must have electrical installations inspected and tested at least every five years, unless the report says the next inspection is needed sooner.

Does an EICR include fixing faults? Usually not. The EICR cost covers inspection, testing and the report. Any remedial work needed to make the installation safe is normally quoted separately.

Can a property fail an EICR? The report can be marked unsatisfactory if it contains C1, C2 or FI observations. The issues will need to be dealt with, especially for rental properties.

How can I get a fair EICR quote? Give clear property details, check whether VAT and the report are included, compare more than one electrician, and ask for an itemised quote for any remedial work.

Related cost guides and local trades in Manchester

If your EICR flags electrical work, HaMuch’s main electrician cost and comparison page can help you understand typical electrician pricing before you book.

For wider rental maintenance, you can also compare plumbers in Manchester when dealing with leaks, bathroom issues or landlord repair jobs.

If you manage rental properties with boilers or heating systems, HaMuch also lists heating engineers in Manchester so you can compare local tradespeople for related safety and maintenance work.

Get EICR quotes from Manchester electricians

An EICR is one of those jobs where clear pricing and proper paperwork both matter. Whether you are a landlord meeting your legal duties or a homeowner checking the safety of your property, comparing quotes gives you a better chance of finding the right electrician at a fair local price.

Use HaMuch to request quotes from vetted Manchester electricians, compare real pricing data and read genuine customer reviews before deciding. It is free to use, and there is no obligation to book.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Plumber in Manchester?

7th July 2026 Matt Warren

Plumber fitting pipework in a home in Manchester

If you’re trying to work out what a plumber in Manchester should actually cost, you’re not alone. Prices vary more than most homeowners expect, and it’s easy to end up either overpaying or underestimating a job before it’s even started. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what to expect, and how to make sure you’re getting a fair price.

Average Plumber Costs in Manchester

Most plumbers in Manchester charge by the hour, with day rates common for bigger jobs. As a rough guide:

Call-out fee: £40 to £70, often waived if you go ahead with the work
Hourly rate: £45 to £75, depending on experience and the complexity of the job
Half-day rate: £150 to £250
Full-day rate: £250 to £450

Emergency or out-of-hours call-outs (burst pipes, no hot water on a weekend) typically cost more, sometimes 25 to 50 percent on top of standard rates.

These figures move around depending on the job itself. A dripping tap is a very different cost to a full bathroom re-plumb, so it’s worth getting a specific quote rather than working off averages alone.

What Affects the Price?

A few things tend to push the cost up or down:

Job complexity – straightforward repairs cost less than installations or full replacements
Access – awkward pipework behind walls or under floors takes longer to reach
Parts and materials – some plumbers include these in their quote, others charge separately
Timing – evening, weekend, and emergency call-outs usually carry a premium
Local demand – like most cities, rates can vary by area within Greater Manchester

Why Prices Can Vary So Much Between Quotes

This is where things get confusing for a lot of homeowners: two plumbers can quote wildly different prices for what sounds like the same job. Sometimes that’s down to experience or overheads, but sometimes it’s simply because there’s no standard rate card in the trade, and prices are rarely published anywhere.

This is one of the reasons we built HaMuch around actual rate data rather than guesswork. Instead of asking around and hoping for the best, you can see real, comparable pricing from plumbers already working in your area, so you know roughly what you should be paying before you even pick up the phone.

How to Hire a Plumber Without Overpaying

Get more than one quote. Even two or three quotes will show you where the going rate actually sits.
Ask what’s included. Materials, VAT, and call-out fees aren’t always itemised upfront.
Check reviews, not just star ratings. A high score with vague reviews tells you less than a handful of detailed ones.
Confirm the total before work starts. A clear price for the job, not just an hourly estimate, avoids surprises.
Ask about guarantees. Reputable plumbers will stand behind their work for a set period.

Compare Plumber Prices in Manchester

Rather than ringing round for quotes one by one, you can see current rates from local, vetted plumbers directly on HaMuch, based on real pricing from tradespeople working in your area right now.

Get quotes from vetted plumbers in Manchester →

Related Cost Guides

Which home improvements add the most value to your property

2nd December 2019 [email protected]

Research by HaMuch.com reveals that installing a conservatory is the most cost-effective home improvement, increasing property value by £7,387 after costs. Other beneficial improvements include kitchen renovations and redecorations. Loft conversions add significant value but are costly, while solar panels provide minimal immediate value benefits, mainly reducing electricity bills.

best home improvements

A conservatory is best home improvement to add value to your home

Adding a conservatory is the most cost-effective way of adding value to your property, research from tradespeople comparison site HaMuch.com has revealed.

Christmas can be a tough time to sell in a quieter market and ensuring your property stands out from the crowd can cost money.

HaMuch.com looked at the percentage value added by a number of home improvements on the average house once you’ve accounted for the cost of the work and found that installing a conservatory costs £6,675 but increases the price by £14,062, or 6.0%.

This means you increase the property value by £7,387 after factoring in the money spent on the installation.

Kitchen and all-over redecoration – good options

Other value-for-money home improvements you can make are installing a kitchen, adding £4,890 of value after taking costs into account.

Meanwhile conducting an all-over redecoration adds £4,765 to the house price after costs.

Loft conversions – a big difference

Converting your loft into a living area increases the property value by 10.8%, or £25,312, but it’s an expensive affair.

It’s estimated to cost £21,000 to carry out and you may need to gain planning permission, while there are practical barriers, as you may have to alter the roof structure, add windows and/or a staircase.

Solar panels – a slow burn

While solar panels may be environmentally friendly, it’s very much a slow burn in terms of getting value from them.

They cost £4,000 to install and only increase a property’s value by £1,172, or 0.5%,

Therefore savings with solar panels are generally limited to lowering your electricity bills.

Landscaped gardens – a negligible difference

Landscaping your garden makes little difference to the value of your home.

It only increases the value by £3,281 but the landscaping costs £3,000 – so you only gain £281.

Founder and CEO of HaMuch.com, Tarquin Purdie, commented:

“Revamping your property is a viable alternative to moving to a bigger home and you don’t have to worry about associated costs above and beyond the price of a job while moving will include other costs such as stamp duty.

Improving your home can also help increase its value in the event that you are looking to sell and adding a conservatory is the most cost-effective way of increasing your property’s value.

However, not every improvement will add value so it’s worth researching first, although if you want to make a guaranteed difference to your home’s value, a loft conversion is the way to go despite the high up-front costs.

Solar panels are the only improvement where you lose money in terms of adding immediate value, but if you aren’t looking to sell, you should be able to profit from lower electricity bills on a longer-term basis, and that’s not to mention the obvious environmental benefits.”

Renovation / improvement	Added value (%)	Estimated average cost	UK Average House Price	Added value (£)	Difference (Added value – cost)
Conservatory	6.0%	£6,675	£234,370	£14,062	£7,387
Kitchen	5.5%	£8,000	£234,370	£12,890	£4,890
All over re-decoration	3.1%	£2,500	£234,370	£7,265	£4,765
Loft conversion	10.8%	£21,000	£234,370	£25,312	£4,312
Boiler / central heating	1.9%	£2,375	£234,370	£4,453	£2,078
Roof	3.1%	£5,750	£234,370	£7,265	£1,515
Bathroom	2.6%	£4,625	£234,370	£6,094	£1,469
Double glazing	3.0%	£6,250	£234,370	£7,031	£781
Landscaped Garden	1.4%	£3,000	£234,370	£3,281	£281
Fitting solar panels	0.5%	£4,000	£234,370	£1,172	-£2,828

Founder and CEO of HaMuch.com, Tarquin Purdie, commented:
Notes to editors: –

Data source for average costs: HaMuch database and the Land Registry.
HaMuch was founded since 2015.
Tarquin Purdie has over two decades of experience working within the trade sector.
Tarquin has been involved, owned and ran a number of businesses across property ownership, plumbing and heating and continues to do so today.
HaMuch is the tradesperson comparison site that finds the best value trades people – based on price and transparency.

Let’s ditch reviews for builders

6th June 2019 [email protected]

Reviews and stars tell customers little about actual quality or reliability
HaMuch.com to start deleting stars and reviews for tradesmen
Tradesmen game reviews by offering cash discount for positive feedback
HaMuch.com boss says review sites may suffer same fake reviews as TripAdvisor

We have all become used to reading online reviews of tradesmen and tradeswomen before hiring them. But these reviews have now become worthless and should be done away with, says controversial builder-pricing website owner Tarquin Purdie.

Purdie’s HaMuch.com site shows details of how much tradesmen charge in your local area and had previously accepted reviews and stars out of five. These will now be deleted from the website.

Many popular websites who charge builders for job leads offer feedback and a marks system. But Purdie believes that customers can end up being fobbed off with poor tradesmen who game the system. He also believes that good builders who stick to the rules can be punished by unscrupulous homeowners.

“The review system has become a sort of two-way intimidation,” says Purdie. “Builders pressure customers to leave a good review and even offer cash discounts as a part of this. Customers ask tradesmen to include extras, endlessly snag or offer heavy discounts before agreeing to leave good feedback.

“A good tradesman can be ruined by one bad review, but a poor one can just bribe their way to positive feedback. It has become a bad joke. And one that many of these companies profit from. It’s time for homeowners and tradesmen to leave them behind.”

Websites such as TripAdvisor and Yell.com have recently been rocked by claims of fake and paid-for reviews and Purdie believes that the same problems may dog some of the tradesmen review sites. He is now calling for the industry and customers to re-think how they work together in an honest way.

“The review system has become entirely worthless,” says Purdie. “Although tradesmen and women are paying a lot to be a part of it. The problem is that there is no real way of checking that the work has been done, if it is any good and whether bad reviews have been removed at the request of tradesmen, who are the paying customer for review companies.

“To be effective, the system requires a regulator, although I’m not sure these companies would be willing to stump up for that. False reviews are like fake news, but no one is taking any action to either regulate or clean up the sizeable builder review industry. We only welcome builders, plumbers or electricians who are clear and open on price and who are willing to show customers prior work.”

HaMuch.com guide to finding a good builder without review sites

Work out your budget and choose a tradesman who can meet it
Ask to see previous work, preferably in your own neighbourhood
Get a quote from two or three different businesses
Read the small print and check what is included in the price
Ask what guarantees are included and for details of membership of professional bodies

HaMuch.com launches Brexit-busting apprenticeships for building trade

25th April 2019 [email protected]

Free apprenticeship matchmaking scheme for building trades across UK
Apprenticeships only way to plug UK skills gap says HaMuch.com founder
Thousands of EU builders, plumbers and electricians still quitting UK

Building work-pricing website HaMuch has taken on the mantle of solving the UK tradesman crisis by offering a free apprenticeship matchmaking service to plumbers, electricians, carpenters and bricklayers with those who would like to work in the trades.

The construction industry and related trades are in crisis as thousands of Polish workers have already returned home, leaving building sites and homes short on skilled labour. Up to 20% of European building trade workers are considering leaving our shores once the UK leaves the EU.

These numbers could make a mockery of the Government’s targets on house-building. Late 2018 figures from the Office for National Statistics noted that 33% of those in the construction industry in London are from the EU, with almost 110,000 EU workers in the industry across the UK.

“What we are seeing is a lot of panic about falling numbers on building sites and in the kind of tradesmen and tradeswomen who do the maintenance on our homes,” says HaMuch founder Tarquin Purdie. “No one is acting, so we have decided to. We are helping businesses across the sector provide and grow the next generation of builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and plasterers.

“Many people don’t even know you can still get apprenticeships in the trades and get paid while you learn. We think our free matchmaking service will be a great success and a boost to the economy, whilst really delivering for consumers, too.”

The service will work by matching requests from young men and women who wish to join the trades with small and large businesses in their area. The website offers advice to tradesmen and tradeswomen on how to fund apprenticeships, as well as information on how much apprentices can expect to be paid alongside what they will learn.

“It was demand from the thousands of tradesmen that use HaMuch.com that drove our desire to start up the apprenticeship scheme and we’re really excited about the opportunities that this will represent for young people and those who want to re-train,” says Purdie. This is the only way to plug a glaring skills gap in the UK.“

The free-to-use apprenticeship scheme is now open for small or large businesses looking to take on keen individuals who want to find apprenticeships, as well as for apprentices to find firms in need of enthusiastic learners. The move could well lead to the largest boost in apprenticeships since the 1970s.

Hiring heating engineers to fit, service and repair your boiler…what’s the best option?

8th April 2019 [email protected]

Like many purchases, when it’s time to get a new boiler or maintain your existing heating system, the different service provider choices and how much they all charge can be baffling.

So, whether you’re installing a new Valliant combi boiler, servicing an old Worcester or your Baxi boiler has stopped working and needs urgent repair the following are your three options;

Hire an independent local heating engineer
Hire a medium sized regional or national company
which has a team of heating engineers
Take out a home insurance plan from one of the
large national providers

The pros and cons of each option;

Independent Heating Engineers

Cost

Independent heating engineers will charge you what they pay for boilers plus a bit more (e.g. 10%) for organising collection and to earn a bit of profit which is perfectly normal for any business. They then charge you an hourly rate or a fixed price based on their estimate of how many hours/days are required for the job.

Independent heating engineers will usually charge the most reasonable hourly rate as they do not have costs such as admin staff, layer upon layer of managers with flashy offices, an additional team of sales staff to pay for or expensive marketing such as tv or google ad words to pay for.

When you need help later the independent engineer will charge you parts and labour each time you need them. Occasionally this will mean a big bill however there is no fixed monthly cost.

Quality

If you find a responsible, intelligent independent heating engineer they will advise an appropriate for you design heating and hot water system i.e. with an affordable pressurised water cylinder or a simple compact combi boiler depending on your family needs. They will know what to do regards maintenance and competently fix problems such as boiler circuit board electrical faults or motorised valves inevitably failing. It is easy to manage problems when the same person attends who knows your system and doesn’t blame other engineers who may have attended…as he installed and maintained it.

Service

An independent heating engineer is most likely a sole trader or at most has a tiny team, they may not have fancy vans or smart uniforms. In winter he/she will struggle to rush to all emergencies at once but normally will have serviced your boiler in the summer and tried to avoid you having problems. Winter is the time independent engineers struggle and a broken-down van can cause havoc to their ability to respond to clients if it snows over the weekend.

Medium Sized regional or national company

Cost

A large company with fleets of smart vans, uniformed employees, franchisees or subcontractors, large offices a team of sales and admin people, driving around quoting, answering phones and designing google friendly websites……etc obviously has a lot more overheads than a sole trader and guess who is going to pay for that?

Yes, you need to pay for all that fancy stuff…. plus, the cost of the new boiler or repair you need.

So, any well-known large heating business is going to cost you significantly more than a small local sole trader.

Quality

A well run medium sized business MAY have a good team of intelligent engineers but most likely they will have some senior specialists and trouble shooters with a fair number of average engineers competent when jobs are simple. If for example your heating system has a complex electrical error or requires a thorough powerflush then they will arrange a second visit with their appropriate engineer in attendance. You will get the job done as these businesses are serious but it will never be cheap.

Service

Attendance will be prompt, professional without drama. And if there is a disagreement then they will try to help you as reputation is important to these businesses.

National insurance companies

Cost

The huge insurance model businesses who charge a monthly fee and provide cover when you have a problem operate a very different model. First, if you need a new boiler installed, they will probably charge 100% more than an independent installer even though they will be getting discounts by ordering 10,000s of boilers at a time. The problem they have is a huge pyramid of management costs plus advertising budgets running into the millions. For some the pay every month is good value eg for landlords who have sensitive tenants. However eventually when a big problem arises, they often insist they replace your system at hugely inflated costs otherwise cover is voided. Many of there clients are older, wealthier or more nervous people who value the security as much as the service. Most of the visits will not really be of much benefit to your heating system as that would go against the profitability of the business model. E.g. adding inhibitor to systems annually never occurs in practice even though all boiler manufacturers state it is required.

Quality

The products installed should be good but the detail of installation will depend on who turns up and could vary considerably.

Service

When a business employs and subcontracts literally thousands of engineers then quality will always be mixed including the downright useless. Eventually any problem will be resolved but may involve various engineers attending until a good one is available who knows how to resolve the problem. Each engineer will need to be booked in, be waited for and explained the problem as it’s the first and probably last time you will see each one. You can rest assured that problems will always be fixed eventually and that money will leave your bank account every month for ever.

So if you are a landlord maybe get insurance, if you are desperate call a big well known expensive business but if you want an intelligent reasonable cost long term solution then find a local independent engineer you trust, treat them well and they will return the favour.

Never mind the rogue builders: Pricing website starts rogue customer list

19th January 2019 David Harris

HaMuch.com
to compile list of debtor customers, complainers and con-men
Builders report increase in non-paying
customers, rogue complainers & cancellations
Some customers hire tradesmen with no intention
of paying quoted price

We are all used to seeing rogue tradesmen on early morning television shows, BBC’s Watchdog and regional news shows, but what these programmes never portray is the number of rogue customers that builders and other trades have to deal with.

Are customer who fail to pay up rogues too?

Building work-pricing website HaMuch.com is now attempting to redress the balance by compiling a list of customers who have failed to pay up, cancelled major jobs at short notice or consistently made unjustified complaints to get significant discounts. This list of nightmare customers will be compiled via feedback from plumbers, electricians, roofers, br i cklayers and other tradesmen and tradeswomen who use the unique pricing website, before being made available to trades who sign up for the service.

“For far too long, the emphasis has been on the occasional bad builder,” says HaMuch.com founder Tarquin Purdie. “We hope that this list of bad customers can do something to redress the balance. A small number of customers have no intention of paying a quoted price in full and will pick and pick at work until the tradesman just gives in. It is certainly on the increase. Perhaps the BBC will even commission a show from Matt Allwright called Rogue Customers.”

Keep cost clear to avoid rogue customers

Purdie estimates that his users will have lost tens of thousands of pounds over the years to rogue customers. He cites cases of builders who have had to sue customers who refused to pay for an extension, one who paid for the kitchen but none of the labour to install it and another who cancelled a loft extension on the day work was to start, with all materials purchased. The list will help tradesmen and tradeswomen to avoid customers who are likely to cause them similar problems.

“I founded the site to help clean up the industry and create more transparency,” says Purdie. “We have made labour costs clear for all customers across the UK and we always act when we hear about poor tradesmen. So, this is the next step to creating a fair industry for all. We all need builders, plumbers and carpenters to work on our home and they need us. So these exchanges should always be fair and above board. We think this list will help to achieve that.”