DIY or Hire a Electrician?

DIY is legally fine for non-notifiable work — like-for-like replacement of an existing accessory (light switch, socket face plate, ceiling rose, light fitting) on the same circuit, with no change in cabling. New circuits, consumer-unit replacements, anything in a bathroom, and any new socket on an existing circuit ARE notifiable and require Part P certification. The decision rule is simple: if the job adds, removes or relocates a circuit, it is a pro job. If it swaps an accessory in the same place, it can be DIY — but get a £150 EICR on the circuit afterwards if you are unsure, because a hidden mistake on a ring final shows up as a fire 18 months later, not the same evening.

1. Any new circuit, consumer-unit replacement or rewire — notifiable under Part P, requires NICEIC/NAPIT/ELECSA self-cert or Building Control sign-off
2. Any electrical work in a bathroom (Zones 0-3) — Part P-notifiable, regardless of how minor; even moving a light switch crosses the gate
3. Any new socket on an existing ring final, EV charger circuit or solar PV connection — all notifiable; a non-Part-P installation cannot be sold without retroactive Building Control payment

Part P of the Building Regulations was introduced in 2005 and tightened in 2013 to its current scope. Notifiable work covers new circuits, consumer-unit replacements, bathroom electrics, kitchen circuits, garden electrics and any work in special locations. A NICEIC, NAPIT or ELECSA-registered electrician self-certifies under Part P (no Building Control fee, certificate issued in 30 days). DIY notifiable work requires a Building Notice to Local Authority Building Control before the work begins, an inspection during, and a completion certificate — typically £200-£500 in fees and a 6-12 week wait. The 18th Edition Wiring Regs (BS 7671) is the technical standard the work must meet regardless of who does it.

Honest summary: On accessory swaps, DIY saves £80 callout. On any notifiable work, the pro is dramatically cheaper than DIY-plus-Building-Control-fee, and the certificate adds 1-3% to your house value at sale.