How Long Does Electrical Work Really Take? What to Expect from Different Jobs
Electrical work is easy to put off. No one wants their home turned upside down. The thought of mess, delays, and unexpected costs keeps most people from booking it.
But how long does electrical work actually take? Will it be over before the kettle’s boiled, or are you looking at a weeks-long project that leaves your home looking like a construction site?
Some jobs are quick and painless, others take time but transform your home.
This guide breaks down what to expect, how to avoid delays, and why planning ahead makes life easier.
How Long Does Electrical Work Take? Here’s A Quick Breakdown
| Small Jobs | Installing sockets, replacing light fixtures, upgrading to USB sockets | 1 to 3 hours | Hard-to-reach wiring, damaged fittings, last-minute changes |
| Medium Jobs | Fuse box upgrades, outdoor lighting, smart home installations | 1 to 3 days | Permits needed, bad weather for outdoor work, outdated wiring |
| Large Jobs | Full rewires, electrics for extensions, upgrading outdated systems | Several days to weeks | Hard-to-access wiring, additional work required, structural modifications |
Small Electrical Jobs, Done Before Your Tea Goes Cold
Short on time? These jobs are faster than waiting for a takeaway.
Not all electrical work turns your home into a building site. Some fixes are quick, simple, and low-hassle.
Most small jobs take one to three hours, just enough time to catch up on a few episodes of your favourite show.
- Extra sockets mean no more fighting over chargers
- Replacing light fixtures finally gets rid of that wobbly lampshade
- Upgrading to USB plug sockets lets you charge devices without hunting for adapters
- Fixing faulty switches stops flickering lights before they drive you mad
Some things can slow these jobs down. Hard-to-reach wiring takes longer. Damaged fittings need extra work. Last-minute changes add time to the job.
To speed things up, clear the area before the electrician arrives and decide exactly what you want ahead of time.
Medium-Sized Electrical Jobs, More Than a Quick Fix
Bigger upgrades take a little longer but make life easier.
If you’re adding new electrics, the job will take more time but the results will last for years.
Most medium jobs take one to three days.
- Upgrading a fuse box keeps your home safe and up to code
- Installing outdoor lighting makes the garden safer and more inviting
- Running power to a garden office means no more trailing extension cables
- A smart home system lets you control lighting, heating, and security from your phone
Some things can cause delays. Fuse box upgrades sometimes need permits. Outdoor work depends on the weather. Older homes often need wiring upgrades before new installations can happen.
To avoid delays, check if approvals are needed before work starts and try to combine upgrades in one visit.
Large Electrical Jobs, Takes Time But Transforms Your Home
Big projects need planning, but they’re worth it.
Major electrical work doesn’t just make things look better, it makes your home work better.
Most large jobs take several days to a few weeks, depending on complexity.
- Full or partial home rewiring brings outdated electrics up to modern standards
- Adding power to a home extension or loft conversion means you won’t overload your circuits
- Upgrading the entire electrical system prevents blown fuses and prepares your home for future energy needs
Older wiring is harder to access, which can slow things down. Walls may need to be opened to reach the wiring. Some outdated systems need a full replacement to meet modern safety standards.
To avoid delays, plan electrical work early in a renovation. Leaving it to the last minute can cause unnecessary setbacks.
What Causes Delays? And How to Avoid Them
Big projects need planning, but they’re worth it.
Major electrical work doesn’t just make things look better, it makes your home work better.
Most large jobs take several days to a few weeks, depending on complexity.
- Full or partial home rewiring brings outdated electrics up to modern standards
- Adding power to a home extension or loft conversion means you won’t overload your circuits
- Upgrading the entire electrical system prevents blown fuses and prepares your home for future energy needs
Older wiring is harder to access, which can slow things down. Walls may need to be opened to reach the wiring. Some outdated systems need a full replacement to meet modern safety standards.
To avoid delays, plan electrical work early in a renovation. Leaving it to the last minute can cause unnecessary setbacks.
Why Planning Ahead Makes Electrical Work Faster and Less Stressful
A little preparation saves a lot of hassle.
Good planning saves time, reduces stress, and avoids unnecessary costs.
- Fix small problems early, waiting until something breaks means bigger repairs
- Group jobs together, getting everything done in one visit saves time and money
- Ask questions upfront, understanding the process avoids surprises
A well-planned job means less disruption, no unexpected costs, and a home that works the way you need it to.
Clear Timelines, No Surprises, How We Keep Things Simple
Electrical work doesn’t have to be stressful. Knowing what to expect makes the process smoother.
That’s why we give clear timelines before work begins. No hidden costs, no sudden delays, no unexpected surprises.
From quick fixes to full rewires, we help homeowners plan ahead for a safer, smarter, more efficient home without the stress.
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